I was also at this years RMAF and I listened to both speakers. First thing is, I believe the Tidal that was displayed is more expensive than the Gamut M7. I agree, the Gamuts were not set up properly and they sounded boomy. Properly set up, the Gamuts would give the Tidals a serious run for the money. I would say that the Scan speak drivers(Gamut) might not be as efficient but they are more true to timber than the ceramic drivers that the Tidal uses. Not taking anything away from the Tidals, just a different flavor, they are pretty good but the Gamut M7 just has that little extra realism(when set up correctly). Now if you really want to make things really interesting, check out the S7.