It is clear that there are a few posters currently who feel a bit peeved/upset. On occassion I have also been in the same position.

However, a couple of statements jump out at me for being somewhat odd in the context of where we are right now.

Quote
unless there is unanimous consensus that its is HUUUUUUUUUUUGE then I will hold off...


Quote
We must also get from Meridian much more detail of the specific improvements in the 861 v4 and 808.3 so we can make an informed decision about the worth of a trade-in for their requested price

Really???.....since when do 'we' buy something based on consensus? Use you own ears and decide based on what you hear and not what you read on HH or in a spec sheet.

I don't recall anyone actually buying an 861 before now based only on it's spec sheet. It was about how it performed - surely. i.e. DEMO. Sure additional tech info may help inform for a decision IF that makes you think it sounds better, but, it must surely come down to the exerience regardless of the specs.

e.g. (with tongue in cheek)...wow...these 391 extra cycles of apodizing in .3 more than .2 really sound good. Ooooh those MIPS are really sounding sweet.

I exaggerate but what is a spec really going to do for your purchasing/upgrading experience ?

If M actually wrote about specs and chips and such I am sure there'd be as many whinging about the 'marketing hype' (as has already been done above).

Doesn't seem much like a speculation thread...just a whinge thread.

Flame suit on if required but have a think about it at least chaps.

Rgds,
Nick