All I'd say is that (a) you buy the 861v8 for what it is now, (b) you assume that there will be a new version in the next twelve months or so, (c) you budget for a several €k upgrade if that is important to you.

I have just bought a new 818v3, but as expensive as it was, I'm hoping for a room correction card upgrade sooner rather than later! (Note: I have no knowledge of Meridian's roadmap for the 818; this is wishful thinking on my part, though it would be a logical next step.)

Roon Developer and ex-moderator of this Forum
I am #25 in the HH1 photo of fame.