Just one person's opinion, but with Contemporary you are paying for the design. They are both good quality clad SS with full aluminum core up the sides, glass lids, stay-cool SS handles and lifetime warranty. Read the product info on contemporary SS... it talks a lot about fashion, style, design, trendsetting... read: pricey. I took some courses at Calphalon and used both. Performance wise they are similar.

Tri-ply is good solid utility cookware with a traditional look. Not fancy, but it works.

I think the tri ply is a more classic look that will blend with other stainless cookware that you might have/acquire. But that's a preference issue. I really like the 13 pc. tri ply set. A great deal at Linens and Things when you deduct the 20% off coupon, which works for Calphalon, but not AC (with painful handles).