I have the Crescendo and love it. I don't know anything about the other machine. However I think the price he is asking is way out of line. I would shop around for price and to actually test drive it.
I bought mine when they first came out, actually maybe 6 months later and I believe our local dealer charged in the $2000.00 range up to $2500
I bought one from him that had been sold at s local quilt show, NEVER used still in the box. The first owner took it home left on vacation and upon returning she exchanged it for one with the embroidery machine. So I got to pay her price, less than$2000 special show price with full warranty etc.