[modernfamily]

I presume the "new" Apogee Symphony that you are referring to is the Apogee Symphony Desktop.
I actually got one last week, and I'm loving it.

Firstly, the sound quality is impeccable - it was the same experience as listening to music at a very well maintained recording studio (my favorite combination was SSL 9080J with ATC SCM 100's)

Second, the touch screen is an excellent feature. It makes everything so much easier.

Third, the mic preamp emulations are a joy to the ears. I've been messing around with the vintage Neve and Ampex mic pre emulations that come with Symphony Desktop. They have a lot of characteristics, to say the least.

I have not owned a Quartet personally but had a few friends in film music who use Quartet for its number of inputs and outputs.
Personally, I don't think this is a fair comparison since they have a very different use.
But if you are looking for the ultimate quality, I'd recommend Symphony Desktop.