All good points and an interesting debate. Making me think even more!
I do love the sound of my set up for movies and music but I think if i were starting from scratch now the 861 wouldn't be considered.

If Meridian wants to keep (some) existing owners from moving on and bring in new ones then more info is needed on the future of the 861.

I think Meridian should be keeping us better informed of their roadmap. Its a long ago time since they announced there would be an 861 MQA upgrade, but still nothing, not even an update on progress.

Similar thoughts about the state of Sooloos on the streaming forum: Meridian Sooloos Update 2017.
The silence on these issues is deafening and worrisome.

Regards
Peter

Trinnov Altitude 32.16, 271, 8000SEPP*2, 7200HCSE, 5500*2, 5000*2, 320*4, JVC NZ700, Stewart Screen, LG OLED, Oppo BDP-103+203, AppleTV, 40TB NAS