The upgrade path was about 75% of the reason I got my 861. The same applies (although perhaps slightly less) to me likely choosing an 800 player in the future (undecided on new or 2nd hand).

Wonder if Meridian would do an Audiocom type upgrade to a new 800 and hence get a proper warranty?

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1129410879&view