My MN-56 also has excellent image quality. Focusing with my JMI crayford focusing is very easy and nice. The scope is very easy to attach to the mount and maneuver. The only comparisons that I have done with my MN-56 is to smaller refractors and SCT's. All I can say at this time is that views through the scope look almost identical to an AstroPhysics Traveller.
Image quality is every bit as good.
Image quality is much better than any SCT I have every seen - contrast and pinpoint stars are much better. The helical focuser is terrible and the finderscope unusable. Expect to replace them as soon as you can. The MN-56 was purchased used. The story behind the purchase of this scope is an interesting one.