thanks everyone.
I have actually gone ahead and bought a second hand 896. The 828 mkII isn't out in Europe yet and no one seems to know exactly when this will be. Not knowing what the 828 mkII will sound like all I can say is that the 896 definitely sounds a lot better than my old 828; there is a nice 'professional solidity' (what a crap description) about it - particularly in the low mid and bass area... So for now I'm happy. That obviously won't last long