I think anyone shopping for a new surround processor obviously needs to do their homework especially if they are thinking of spending in the range it takes to buy a new 861.

The 861v8 is a wonderful product for 7.1 but if you want anything more (Dolby Atmos etc.) now or later don’t count on an upgrade from M. IMHO the writing has been on the wall for a while (M is out of the surround sound processor business).

A second hand 861v8 at a great price (if 7.1 is sufficient) is still tough to beat for sound quality.

My gear: Trinnov CI, 271, 8000.1(SEs), 7200.1 HC (SE), 320s, 3200s, Seaton F18 subs, MS200 (2nd zone), 218, 210.
Other: JVC RS-4100 projector, Lumagen Pro Radiance, Panamorph DCR anamorphic lens, Stewart G4 130 screen, Kaleidescape Strato K, Rvolution 4K player and Zapitti NAS, Oppo BDP-203,Roon Nucleus