More rumours. Just get these information from magazines.

SACD multichannel will also include a 2-channel down mix to allow all existing players (SACD) to play the new multichannel disc.

The accuphase do also convert the SACD to PCM now and they must use the RJ45 connector. May be they can add an extra card (not sure).

The coming Luxman DVD player will support DVD-A and SACD multi-channel decoding in their native decoding format (No DSD->PCM).

I hope Meridian will add the SACD multichannel digital support. No matter it's proprietary (rumoured MMHR) or standard(1394). Multiple stage A/D and D/A does not make much sense and it's costly for the cables.

Unless room correction software Meridian is going to have is not capable of handling DSD properly I strongly recommend them to keep DSD all the way. Otherwise, a multi-channel fully analog pre-amp must be on the way.

Just my 2 cents.

-Dennis