My next surround processor is from miniDSP!

Hmm, interesting product, thank you for sharing!

I could take advantage of 13 of the 16 channels straight out of the box.  However, from a future capability consideration, the lack of HDMI 2.1 in a brand new product could be a show stopper.  While they address this in their FAQ, they don't address key video considerations like the ability to use dynamic HDR (Dolby Vision and HDR10+) beyond higher refresh rates (120Hz) and resolution (8K).  Their solution is to suggest an external breakout box.

And while they tout the standard home theater audio codecs, I could find no mention of SACD or DVD-A support whether over HDMI or file based.  And on the subject of file support, none are listed.

But at this price point it is an interesting product that merits keeping an eye on; however, ask Emotiva how challenging a processor/receiver is to get working properly.

@plain_fan  - I think you and I are reading the specs a little differently.    

There's a section about Audio down mixing, which states HDMI 1.4 backwards compatability, but a little further down it says: 

HDMI 2.1 EARC/ARC compliant
HDMI 2.1 Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
HDCP 2.3 compliant / Dolby Vision Compatible

@erik_squires - My understanding is that the differences in HDMI capabilities are related to chipsets and not baseband FW.  I wrote and received a reply from MiniDSP asking me to wait until the user manual is available as it will have more information.  I specifically asked questions about the items in my first post.

With the announcement of the Marantz AV30, the MiniDSP could still be a good offering or at least be a competitive alternative.

Love the form factor and simplicity. But it seems like a one-trick pony for that price? Tonewinner would have been nice if it wasn't for the software and childish name.

@bartsw 

But it seems like a one-trick pony for that price? 

Not honestly sure what a one trick pony means here.