I've just noticed a G61R for sale on this site and as I'm currently looking to upgrade my 568.1 (it hasn't enough analogue inputs) I'm wondering if it's the right thing to upgrade to.

Bearing in mind that I only use it in Stereo (poss upgrade to Trifield 'one day').

So questions, in no particular order.

1 - Is the G61R an appreciable step-up from the 568.1 (currently running firmware version 1.55)?

2 - Looking at the price - is the G61R a better upgrade than an 861v4?

3 - What does the G68 (any version) have that the G61R doesn't?

4 - The speakers are DSP5000s with the 24/96 upgrade - will they be good enough for a G61/G68/861 or should I save up for a pair of 5200s?

5 - If I bought any of the above (G61/G68/861) would I still need my 518 or could I retire it?

Cheers

500.2, 518, 568.1, DSP5000 (24/96), Manticore Mantra T/T, Rega RB300 Arm, Sumiko Blue Point Special MC Cartridge, Musical Fidelity X-LP Phono Stage, AKAI GX-95 MK-II Reference Master Cassette Deck & Marantz ST-17 Tuner