The problem with audio is, there's always something new around the corner these days, so manufacturers release something new pretty much every year. The Anthem can't decode 16 channels for example, you can be sure they have something new in the pipeline. The latest decoding/processing was DTS:X Pro, which came earlier this year.
Since a retirement investment was mentioned, I'd be careful where I go and what I'd pick. All manufacturers are using DSPs for their decoding. They don't even make these, they buy them from TI. So whenever a new format arrives, you'll have to buy new gear. Some manufacturers offer upgrades, usually switch of boards, etc. But that is still somewhat of an investment to make every once in a while. Trinnov is the only manufacturer offering software based processors. So whatever new format comes, it's a software update and it's free. They added DTS:X Pro as the first on the market earlier this year with a simple download. It does come at a price, but I think it's well worth it, given it's always up-to-date with formats and by pure sound quality and tweakability , nothing else comes close. The Altitude 16 is limited to 16 channels, the Altitude 32 is available with 16 channels min. and 32 channels max. However, for the A32 there's an expansion unit available which allows up to 64 channels. I can't recommend them enough as "buy once, and forget everything else" solutions, maybe for retirement.
