In 2012 I got the Denon 4520 and went from 7.1 to 11.2, both front wides and front heights.
After comparing the 3 "expanded" formats then, PLIIz vs DSX vs NeoX I truly liked NeoX best for how it expanded the soundstage width wise and height wise.
Front view:
Rear view:
Now, since I'm at 11.2...