Hi Adamski,
I'm sure your dealer has already discussed the differences between the all analogue BW system and Digital theatre but i'll just throw in my views as well. Obviously i'm a BW800 dealer and 861 dealer.
I'm also assuming that your are referring to the 'new' 800 diamonds etc not the outgoing 800D's.

Basically the two systems will present things in a fundamentally different way with the BW's leaning toward a more detailed, transparent presentation than the DSP's. However as others have said on movies a good (8000 based) Digital theatre really does take some beating and offers a visceral experience.

The BW800 diamond is a quantum leap over it's 800D predecessor in terms of transparency and balance. It is however very amplifier transparent and therefore will soak up huge amounts of money in order to make it sing with the right amplifier.
If you were mainly listening to music (possibly just in stereo) with the odd movie, i think the BW800's would give you more insight and would almost certainly win the day over the DSP8k's.
This is not your particular scenario however and frankly for the amount of money you'd need to invest in 800 diamonds, 802 diamond rears, HTM centre + DB1 sub ...and all the (considerable) amplification.... you could add 7200 centre + 7200 rears and have a LOT of change.

The 861v6 WILL give you a noticeable incremental improvement over your v4, of this there is no doubt but you will not get the same 'effect' as you heard by switching over to 800 diamonds. It's just not apples for apples.
However a Digital theatre with 861v6 DSP8k's 7200c + 7200 rears is one hell of a system. It will certainly give you a BIG improvement over your existing (very creditable) set up.
If you fear it's not going to be enough for you then get a dealer to do a home demo of BW800 series for you.

One last thing, personally i wouldn't 'muddy ' the water with the SSP800, it's very very good but it's not better than a 861v6. Particularly when you bear in mind Meridian's way of dealing with Bluray HD audio through the HD621 ....that really is a better way of handling things rather that do ALL the decoding in the processor.

Happy to have a chat if you want call the store at any time ...no strings

Gerry


Last edited by Phase3southampton; 2010-08-07 21:30.
Meridian Partner & UK dealer since 200 series.
42 Broadwater road, Worthing, BN14 8AG 02380 228434.
www.phase3southampton.co.uk