Marantz has expanded its home cinema lineup with four new AV receivers, each packed with innovative features designed to elevate the home theater experience. The new models—Cinema 50 Series 2Cinema 60 Series 2Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 70s Series 2—promise significant improvements in sound qualityconnectivity and gaming compatibility.
The flagship Cinema 50 Series 2 stands out with its nine-channel amplification and 11.4 channels of processing. It includes a Dolby Atmos Channel Expander feature, which utilizes all available speakers for an immersive audio experience. Additionally, the Centre Bi-Amp Mode enhances dialogue clarity by allowing the addition of a compatible center speaker.
The Heart of the New Receivers: Advanced DAC and Processing
At the core of each new model is a 32-bit, eight-channel DAC which Marantz claims delivers dedicated simultaneous high-resolution conversion across every channel. This advanced processing ensures greater precision, improved imaging, and enhanced dynamic expression, resulting in a more coherent surround performance.
The new receivers also feature a Channel Level Monitoring feature, providing real-time visualizations of channel activity. This allows users to verify how each speaker is working within their home theater system. Each model has been meticulously tuned by a Marantz Sound Master to maintain the brand’s signature warm, spacious, and musical sound signature.
Enhanced Connectivity and Gaming Features
Gamers will appreciate the new models’ support for 1440p video passthrough and AMD FreeSync compatibility ensuring tear-free visuals and smooth gameplay. The receivers also include HDMI 2.1 support although the exact number of ports has not been specified. The previous Cinema 50 model had six HDMI inputs and three outputs, suggesting a similar configuration for the new flagship.
A future firmware update will introduce Low Latency Bluetooth LE Audio dramatically reducing wireless listening delays with compatible headphones and mobile devices. The updated HEOS multi-room streaming platform will also enhance the responsiveness of the streaming experience and introduce new multi-room functions.
Customization and Room Optimization
All models support Dirac Live Room Correction which optimizes sound to the specific room setup. However, this feature comes at an additional cost, except for the flagship model. Marantz claims that Dirac Live provides tighter bass and a significantly larger sweet spot, enhancing the
The Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 60 Series 2 bring many of the platform’s latest innovations to a wider audience. For those with limited space, the Cinema 70s Series 2 offers a slimline design, making it ideal for smaller rooms. The Cinema 60 models deliver 100W of power per channel, while the Cinema 70s is limited to 50W.
Availability and Pricing
The majority of the models will be available in August, with the Cinema 70 Series 2 scheduled for a September release. Pricing varies by model and region. The Cinema 60 Series 2 is available only in the US and Australia for $2000 / AU$2500, while the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is exclusive to the UK at £1250. The most affordable option, the Cinema 70s Series 2 is priced at £950 / $1500 / AU$1800. The flagship Cinema 50 Series 2 comes in at £1850 / $3000 / AU$3500, positioning it as a strong contender in the mid-range AV receiver market.
