Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating a switch - the 861v8 is a fantastic processor for those who equally value music and movies, and who don't actually need 3D audio codecs.

I'm just pointing out that it was, IMO, dumb/careless for Meridian to make the statement that 818v3 was the way to add MQA to the 861v8 (especially when they had previously announced the MQA update to the 861v8 was forthcoming within the year).

My belief is that they don't need to add 3D codecs, but that a v9 with MQA card and the lower-jitter architecture the 818v3/808v6 offer would be more than welcome at this stage, and give loyal customers reason not to look elsewhere.

I've been in the position myself that I'd love to move to an 861, but have hesitated at least in part due to complete lack of information from Meridian that a v9 update is (ever?) coming. Surely that's just bad marketing/business practise to keep existing and potential customers completely in the dark for years?

HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502