Well, I actually thought the non-Strad violin sounded about the same (or maybe better), but I figured they were trying to trick me, which is why I guessed right.  It's clear to me, however, that if one is not a collector, but choosing based on sound alone, then there are fiddles that sound as good for a small fraction of the price of a Strad -- although, no doubt, substantially more than I can afford or deserve.  

I agree with both of you.  When it comes to the old fiddles I prefer the sound of a Guarneri -- at least the ones that I've heard.