Marantz Cinema Series 2: new AV receivers that combine home theater and hi-fi

Marantz is updating two flagship models in its home theater lineup with the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 50 Series 2. These new-generation models retain the Cinema family’s iconic design and the brand’s signature sound while incorporating several technical advancements. Highlights include new 32-bit digital conversion, Dirac Live compatibility, enhanced HEOS streaming, and HDMI connectivity optimized for 4K and 8K. The Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is designed for setups of up to 7.2 channels, while the Cinema 50 Series 2 steps up the game with nine amplified channels, support for up to 11.4 channels, as well as Auro 3D and IMAX Enhanced compatibility.

The Marantz Cinema range upgrades to Series 2

With the Cinema range, Marantz thoroughly modernized the design of its AV receivers without compromising on its core principles. The new Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 50 Series 2 continue this philosophy. Their front panels remain instantly recognizable thanks to the small, circular OLED display in the center, flanked by two imposing knobs, all housed in an elegantly designed chassis with a honeycomb-patterned front panel.

The upgrades are primarily internal. Both receivers feature an improved 32-bit DAC and an architecture refined by the same audio engineers who work on the brand’s hi-fi equipment. Both are also now compatible with the optional Dirac Live calibration, in addition to their built-in Audyssey system. Marantz is seeking both to perfect soundtrack reproduction and to enhance the musical qualities of these components.

Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2: 7.2 channels and 100 watts

The Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 AVR is the more affordable of the two new models. It features seven amplification channels and delivers up to 100 W per channel into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with two channels driven. Power output reaches 140 W into 6 ohms at 1 kHz. This configuration can power a home theater system with up to 7.2 channels, or a 5.2.2 system with two vertical effect speakers.

The receiver incorporates several technologies favored by the Japanese manufacturer, including a current-feedback topology, discrete power stages, and proprietary HDAM-SA2 modules. Carefully selected audio components also help preserve musicality, balancing the impact and dynamics required for movies with a more nuanced sound reproduction for concerts and hi-fi listening sessions.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

With its seven amplified channels, the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 supports today’s major immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos Music, DTS-HD, and DTS:X. A 5.1 configuration can therefore be supplemented with two ceiling speakers or modules that reflect sound effects toward the ceiling to create a three-dimensional soundstage.

Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X technologies can also simulate this vertical dimension when the system does not have dedicated speakers. Dolby Surround and DTS Neural processing, meanwhile, make use of the additional speakers for content whose original mix contains fewer channels.

Audyssey MultEQ XT and Dirac Live (optional)

Acoustic calibration is one of the major improvements in this new generation. The Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 retains the Audyssey MultEQ XT system, which analyzes the response of the various speakers using the included microphone to adapt their levels, delay, and equalization to the room’s acoustics. Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume technologies round out the system.

The main new feature is Dirac Live compatibility, which is available after purchasing an optional license. This solution offers more advanced calibration options and allows even the most discerning users to further refine how the speakers integrate into their listening environment.

Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2: nine channels and 11.4 processing

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AV receiver represents a significant step up in the range. It features nine power stages capable of delivering 110 W per channel into 8 ohms, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with two channels driven. This power output increases to 150 W into 6 ohms at 1 kHz.

Like the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2, it uses HDAM-SA2 modules, a current-feedback architecture, and fully discrete amplification. It also features a clock jitter reduction circuit. Its metal front panel and weight of 13.5 kg also highlight a more ambitious design. But the major difference lies in the audio processing. The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AVR can handle up to 11.4 channels in the preamplification stage. With the addition of an external power amplifier, it becomes possible to set up a 7.4.4-channel system, featuring four vertical effect speakers.

Four separate subwoofers

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AV receiver features four independent subwoofer outputs, whereas the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 offers two. This configuration allows you to set up multiple subwoofers in different locations throughout the room to achieve a more consistent bass response.

Furthermore, the directional management mode for the subwoofers can more precisely match each subwoofer to its corresponding speakers. This approach is particularly effective in a large room or a dedicated home theater setup, where multiple listeners need to experience perfectly consistent bass.

Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AV receiver also stands out for its broader compatibility with immersive audio formats. In addition to Dolby Atmos and DTS, it supports Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio, and the MPEG-H Audio format. This versatility allows it to adapt to a wide variety of soundtracks and immersive content. With support for up to 11.4 channels, sound effects can be distributed all around and above the listening area to create a true sound bubble.

Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live

The Cinema 50 Series 2 also features a more advanced calibration system with Audyssey MultEQ XT32. This system analyzes the response of the speakers and subwoofers with greater precision to adapt their performance to the room. Dirac Live is also available as an option. As a result, fans of advanced settings can choose between the simplicity of the Audyssey system included as standard and the more advanced correction capabilities offered by Dirac.

New 32-bit conversion

Marantz highlights an improved 32-bit DAC on both models. This new digital-to-analog conversion is designed to deliver greater precision, dynamic range, and clarity, whether listening to multichannel tracks or in stereo.
Both devices can also stream FLAC, WAV, and ALAC files up to 24-bit/192 kHz, as well as DSD files up to 5.6 MHz. Gapless playback is supported for all major high-resolution formats.

HEOS, Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon Ready

Streaming naturally plays a central role. Both receivers feature the HEOS platform, providing direct access to major online music services and allowing the device to be integrated into a compatible multi-room system.

In particular, they support Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, and Deezer, as well as TuneIn Internet radio. They are also Roon Ready-certified and AirPlay 2-compatible. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Bluetooth connections allow you to freely choose your streaming method. Bluetooth streaming to headphones is also available. This makes it possible to watch a movie or listen to music without using the speakers, which is especially convenient for nighttime use.

HDMI connectivity designed for 4K and 8K

The two new Marantz models also meet the needs of the most modern video sources. The Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 features six HDMI inputs, three of which are HDMI 2.1-certified and compatible with 60Hz 8K and 120Hz 4K. Two HDMI outputs are available, including a main output that supports eARC.

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AV receiver takes things a step further with six HDMI inputs capable of transmitting 60Hz 8K and 120Hz 4K signals at up to 40 Gbit/s. It also features three HDMI outputs, one of which is dedicated to a second zone.

In both cases, the major HDR standards are supported, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, and Dynamic HDR. VRR, ALLM, and QFT gaming features are also supported, as is AMD FreeSync. This allows the latest-generation consoles to output a 4K signal at up to 120 frames per second while benefiting from reduced latency and a variable refresh rate.

A full range of audio connections

In addition to their HDMI inputs, both receivers feature a particularly comprehensive set of connectors for traditional audio sources. The Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 offers four stereo RCA inputs, an MM phono input, two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, and 7.2-channel pre-outs with two subwoofer outputs. It also includes an FM/DAB/DAB+ tuner, allowing it to receive digital radio stations directly, in addition to internet radio stations.

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 features five analog inputs, including one MM phono input, two optical inputs, and two coaxial inputs, as well as 11.4 pre-outs with four independent subwoofer outputs. Its eleven speaker terminals are gold-plated and assignable to accommodate various configurations.

Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 or Cinema 50 Series 2?

The Marantz Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 AV receiver is particularly well-suited for users looking to build a system with up to 5.2.2 or 7.2 channels while enjoying high-quality music playback, HEOS streaming, DAB+ radio, and the latest HDMI technologies. With 100 W per channel and Dirac Live compatibility, it already provides a very comprehensive foundation for a reasonable sized living room or home theater

The Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 AV receiver is designed for more comprehensive setups. With its nine amplification channels, support for up to 11.4 channels, four subwoofer outputs, Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration, and support for Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced formats, it’s ideal for a dedicated home theater or an ambitious system. Its 11.4 pre-out connections also make it easy to add external power amplifiers later on, allowing you to upgrade your system without replacing the receiver.

With these two new Series 2 AVRs, Marantz has enhanced its flagship models in several key areas. Improved digital conversion, optional Dirac Live, enhanced streaming capabilities, and the latest-generation HDMI further strengthen electronics already designed to combine movie and music playback in a single device. The Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is the most versatile option for a 7-channel setup, while the Cinema 50 Series 2 offers a significantly superior solution for the most ambitious home theater systems.