As they don't provide roadmaps for their future product developments, it's an expensive leap of faith to invest in an 861. I'd have a quick peruse of the thread asking whether the 861 is a dead end. I own it and love it but, starting from scratch and knowing the 271 is on the way, I'd likely go for the 818 and then 271 and a more capable surround processor later as funds allowed.

The 271's existence could be taken as an admission by M that they no longer wish to (or can't afford to) keep up in the ever evolving surround sound arena and, if that's the case, whither the 861? We don't even know yet whether it'll get MQA.

Main System: Trinnov Altitude 32-8-16, 271, 2 x 8KXE, 1 x 8KPP, 6 x M6 Surrounds, Rel No.25, Oppo 203, Zappiti Pro 4K HDR, Roon, WiiM Mini.