Marantz's latest AV receiver lineup is a game-changer for home cinema enthusiasts, offering a range of groundbreaking advancements in sound quality and feature sets. The Cinema 50 Series 2, Cinema 60 Series 2, Cinema 60 DAB Series 2, and Cinema 70s Series 2 are packed with innovative features that will revolutionize the way you experience audio and video. From high-resolution audio conversion to immersive sound systems, these receivers are designed to elevate your home entertainment setup.
One of the standout features of these receivers is the 32-bit, eight-channel DAC, which delivers dedicated simultaneous high-resolution conversion across every channel. This means you'll enjoy crystal-clear sound, even when playing multiple audio sources simultaneously. The Cinema 50 Series 2 takes it a step further with nine channels of amplification and 11.4 channels of processing, ensuring that every audio signal is processed with precision.
For those who struggle with dialogue clarity, the Cinema 50’s Centre Bi-Amp Mode is a game-changer. This feature allows you to add a compatible centre speaker alongside the standard front left and right speakers, ensuring that dialogue stands out even in the most complex audio environments. Additionally, the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 60 Series 2 bring many of the platform’s latest innovations to a wider audience, making high-quality audio more accessible.
Marantz also understands the importance of space optimization. The Cinema 70s Series 2 offers a slimline design, making it an ideal choice for those with limited space. Despite its compact size, it still delivers seven channels of amplification, with 50W of power per channel, ensuring that you don't compromise on sound quality. For those who want even more bass, Dirac Live Room Correction is available as an option, providing tighter bass and a significantly larger sweet spot.
Gamers will also appreciate the support for 1440p video passthrough and AMD FreeSync compatibility, which ensures tear-free visuals and smooth gameplay. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 support further enhances the gaming experience, although the number of ports remains a mystery. The older Cinema 50 model had six HDMI inputs and three outputs, so we're hopeful that the new flagship receiver will follow suit.
In terms of pricing, the Cinema 60 Series 2 is available in the US and Australia for $2000 / AU$2500, while the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is exclusive to UK buyers at £1250. The Cinema 70s Series 2 is the most affordable, coming in at £950 / $1500 / AU$1800. The flagship receiver, however, is priced at £1850 / $3000 / AU$3500, which puts it in direct competition with the five-star Arcam AVR5. Despite the high price tag, Marantz's strong history and promising specifications make it a strong contender for the top spot in the mid-range AV receiver market.
In conclusion, Marantz's new AV receiver lineup is a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and sound quality. With a range of groundbreaking features and a focus on enhancing the overall user experience, these receivers are sure to impress audiophiles and home entertainment enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a gamer, a movie buff, or simply someone who appreciates high-quality audio, these receivers are worth considering for your next home entertainment upgrade.
