The AVP-A1HDCI was a "life experience". Just like B&W 802D2 or Salon2 or everything else is a "life experience".
But going back in time, there's no way I would buy the AVP-A1HDCI. When I buy a $7500 Pre-pro, I expect it to last 20 years or more, not 8 years. Another member here also bought the AVP-A1HDCI and it also became paperweight after 8 years.
So no point buying these expensive electronics for me.
Back when I was all about Denon/Marantz, I probably would have gone with a Marantz pre-pro.
But knowing what I know now, I would have gotten the Yamaha pre-pro + amp combo, which is what I have now.
There is just no need for me to spend that kind of money on electronics.
CX-A5100 + MX-A5200 for no more than $3600 total or RX-A3080 for no more than $1500 is just awesome enough.
No need to waste any more money or waste any more time chasing some specs and ideas.
Bottom line, unless you absolutely want certain auto room corrections like Anthem's ARC, Audyssey XT32, Dirac, Trinnov, Lyngdorf, etc., there's no point chasing some specs for DACs and preamp sections.