Having demoed 818v3 vs 218 side by side into 5200SE and 8000XE, the 818v3 is a considerable step-up from the 218, to my ears. So much so that I’m thinking of getting back into a 2-channel setup with 5200SE, but need to budget for an 818v3 also, since I know what the difference is…

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