What AVR to buy next?

Selling my Marantz SR7013 today, nothing wrong with it just bored and making a change. Was considering something with Dirac as I have a bit of a tricky room but now I am unsure. Wall of windows down one side, open hallway on one and metal pictures all around.

I am considering the following:

Arcam AVR390 Anthem MRX 720 Pioneer Elite SC-LX704 NAD T778 - seems like overkill and not sure about NAD reliability. $4000 for a brand new piece that isn't HDMI 2.1 seems odd too.

The Arcam and the Anthem are fairly old compared to the existing Marantz or the Elite and I'm worried I am missing something related to 4k or future proofing. (Obviously no HDMI 2.1 or eARC etc.) They are both only 2.0a not 2.0b. I am under the impression that 2.0b is just for HLG which I doubt we will ever see on broadcasting here on Canada. The anthem says they support HLG though. Thoughts?

Is Dirac really complex? Do you have to have a dealer do it? What happens if things accidentally get reset? Do I have to have a dealer come out again and do it? Do I have to pay more for the proper version of Dirac?

I am planning on putting two Atmos ceiling speakers in to run 7.1.2

If I go with the Arcam or Anthem I will need a separate amp to run my Atmos channels. Can I buy an emotiva amp to go with it? What should I be careful of when buying an amp that isn't the same brand as the AVR?

Does having a different brand of amp effect Dirac?

Ideally I would like the same brand as whatever AVR I pick but that isn't in my budget.

Equipment list in case it matters:

Panasonic TC65-DX900 Paradigm Premier 700f and 500c 4k cable Apple TV 4K Panasonic UB820 4k Player Toshiba HD-A35 Bluesound Node 2 Xbox one X Xbox 360

I feel a bit like I am taking a step back somehow if I go with the Anthem or Arcam but this whole process started because of a Dirac recommendation but now I'm a bit intimated by the complexity of it and the older receivers possibly missing a key feature that I currently have re: 4k. I'm also a bit reluctant because I feel like costs will spiral in order to do it properly with Arcam or Anthem.

Any thoughts, suggestions, recommendations or advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Submitted by jonnyroastbeff | #Specialdealer Special Offer Online Shopping Store 2016