They've been cheap for awhile now. My 7.1 Onkyo was $230 5 years ago. (I probably got it on sale.) I'll probably wait until I need something that does 4k switching. Since mine is only HDMI 1.3a.
The soundbar's with wireless surrounds/subwoofer are a good compromise. Especially if you are renting and not looking to drill holes in walls/floors. I was thinking of getting one for our next place. I am surprised that there aren't more options for these yet.