This device is not a replacement for an AVR. The only thing similar is, this DAC and an AVR both process more than two channels.I get that, and that's great for anyone with the patience, but it strikes me as a rather kludgy approach.
What we indeed need is for the AVR companies to up their game by offering better specifications -- full stop!What the world needs is a "popular priced" 7.1.4 AV switcher/processor with DAC performance that approaches this box and that supports Dolby Atmos. I've been limping along with the pre-outs of a dodgy Pioneer AVR for that for too long.