I’ve had both but only Wilson System 8s (although i’ve heard others).

I’d say Meridian have a “house sound” as do Wilson’s to some extent. Both are fabulous.

Having built in amps and DACs can be a blessing or a curse. Built in doesn’t allow much scratch itching, you can’t keep up with the fast developing digital Hi-Fi, just look what’s happened the last few years (or more like what’s not happened!). So you can get left behind. Left behind with a fabulous Hi-Fi doesn’t suck... You can even end up listening to more music...

Personally I like a new toy every now and again.