pre-amp processor

McIntosh gears keep their values over time 

If you want 2.1 HDMI  , DTS X Pro , and your are mostly  ´´digital ´´  Lyngdorf is the way to go instead of McIntosh.

McIntosh is always , a litlle late in the game.

Maybe McIntosh MX 180  will have these  features.

@maxwave 

The Acurus is both hardware and software upgradeable I don’t think that the lyngdorf is and neither is McIntosh I don’t feel like having to buy new equipment every few years 

Lyngdorf and McIntosh are firmware upgradeable.

More over , the firmware are upgradeable right from the processor.

No need for a Laptop computer which is a mess.

I think , the Lyngdorf is hardware upgradeable , but not the McIntosh.

Don’t be fooled, the hardware upgrades are expensive ( parts , labor , shipping) Some manufecturers use this upgradebility as a marketing strategy against the midfi receivers.

The best ´´ no need to upgrade hardware ´´ is the Trinnov processors.

Except for the HDMI 2.1 that should be availlable soon; the Trinnov firmware and audio format  can be upgraded whatever it might be, without the need of hardware upgrade.

I am not sure but StormAudio may also, not need hardware upgrades

I am not an expert on Home Theater system.