MMHR providing 8-channels of input via the HD621 - excellent.

Speakerlink input for a Sooloos endpoint - good enough.

Loss of USB input - minor inconvenience.

Loss of analogue video switching - no loss.

No tuner - well there is nothing that I would lose to make room for it (though a G64 DAB/DAB+/FM/AM unit would have been nice in the past).

No HDMI inputs - good to see Meridian have stuck to their guns; I did wonder whether they would be dragged down by market chatter.

The real question of course is how it sounds. It must sound 'better' than a G61/8 or how would they justify the change? The LPS has obviously proven its worth in other products, enabling it to be productionised in this new model; hopefuly also for reliability! But it must either (i) lag measureably behind the 861 (in DSP and analogue solutions) or (ii) not offer the flagship/upgradability label - meaning Meridian must continue that upgrade offering on the 861 - great news.

I look forward to reading early experiences.

In the spirit of Spinaltap, I would like to confirm that I am not involved in the corrupt theft of a global sport.