Forgive me if I repeat what has been said but I agree that you would be unwise to dish your 5 series Meridian just because the G series is replacing it.

If you are bugged by the lack of video switching, get a universal remote like the Theatre Master MX-700 I have one and it is great). The remote can be simply programmed with macros to switch audio & video with the one button. Also a MUCH better option to use than the ghastly Meridian remote.

Now if I was starting down the Meridian road again I would definitely go for the 861 - IMO it is on its own BUT I would not buy into Meridian players. They are poor value. A friend of mine drove this home last weekend. He has a $700 Marantz CDP which he carefully modified and, I did not want to admit it, but the sound from his player (into the 861) was scarily close to the Meridian 800 which I have also had modified. The gear here is highly resolving (electrostatic speakers) but I doubt if the difference would be noted on most systems. He was justifiably proud of his achevement.

No, I would look around for another CD/DVD player and have it modified and still have money left. As for DVD-A, it is a luxury that is really not necessary.

So, as someone else said, relax, take a deep breath and do not panic. If you are genuinely concerned about depreciation then replacing your 5 series with something else (which will most likely not sound as good) will give you even heavier depreciation.

Have a great Xmas and leave important decisions involving big dollars and big changes to wait until the New Year.

John