Anthem or other to replace a Marantz 5009?

[curtis]

I like what I've read about the XMC1- but it starts to get really expensive with an amp and then the add on boards. The Anthem seems simpler. Also the 2 pending upgrades for the emotiva bother me as the atmos has to be done by them.

Yes, it does cost more when needing an amp. Once you have one though, you don't need to think about purchasing another for a long time.