It all depends on how you plan to use the 218 or 818v3...

You need very good speakers to be able to hear the difference. In comparison tests using DSP5200SE's, the differences (even on MQA material) are minimal. I think you would need to use 7200SE's or 8000SE's to really benefit from the 818v3 in the digital domain.

If you're using analogue, then the difference is far more pronounced. The 818v3 supports balanced connections to the power amplifier, where the 218 only has unbalanced phonos. The 818v3's analogue outputs are very hard to better, the UltraDAC would be better but even more ££££...

I use my 818v3 into a Meridian 557 (via balanced), driving an old pair of tweaked Musical Fidelity MC2's in my office and it sounds sublime!

You need to evaluate both units and let your ears decide.

Cheers,

Steve