I don't know, I'm torn about this.
On one hand I am thrilled that they updated the product, and it is clear to me anyway, that a lot went into making this happen.
I am also happy that 3 of my pet peaves are fixed.
I hope they are not done improving though, as I really want these other issues adressed.
The A/D/A conversion of the 7.1 direct sort of defeats the "direct" nametag, does it not? I mean, really, this sounds like it can be fixed. I say that because if it can be defeated by setting all speakers to large, it IS a firmware revisable issue. (but then again what do I know, I just plug in the wires and hope it works)
Anyway, I am happier than I thought, but not as much as I could be...