What’s New in Marantz Cinema Series 2 AV Receivers?
The latest Cinema Series 2 range from Marantz delivers notable advances for home theater enthusiasts prioritizing sound customization and flexible system setup. Across all three models (Cinema 50 Series 2, Cinema 60/DAB Series 2, and Cinema 70s Series 2), buyers get a brand-new 32-bit DAC, improved HDMI 2.1 gaming support with 1440p passthrough and AMD FreeSync, and the option for Dirac room correction. Each receiver brings detailed control and expanded monitoring—now including channel-level diagnostics and setup via a new Web Control app.
Who Should Consider Marantz’s New Receivers—and Who Shouldn’t?
If you’re building a high-end or enthusiast-level home theater, particularly for immersive Dolby Atmos setups (up to 7.4.4 channels, depending on model), these Marantz models offer substantial flexibility and advanced tuning. The Cinema 50 Series 2 stands out for its ability to power more speakers (9 built-in channels, 11.4 processing) and its Dolby Atmos Channel Expander—ideal for users with extra height or surround speakers.
Gamers will appreciate the updated HDMI 2.1 features for smooth, low-latency console play. Audio hobbyists and custom installers benefit from detailed diagnostic tools and a robust app-based setup, making it easy to visualize and adjust exactly how each channel is utilized during movies or music.
On the other hand, casual users or apartment dwellers with simpler setups (like soundbars or 2.1 channel systems) may find these models overkill. For most users in this group, spending $1500–$3000 may not deliver value above well-reviewed mid-range receivers or all-in-one solutions, especially if room calibration and advanced zone management aren’t priorities.
Key Differences, Pricing, and Alternatives
- Cinema 50 Series 2: $3,000 / £1,850 — 9 powered channels, 11.4-channel processing, Atmos Channel Expander, center bi-amp, and Dirac support. Best for elaborate, multi-speaker systems.
- Cinema 60/DAB Series 2: $2,000 (APAC, USA) / £1,250 (Europe DAB) — 7 channels at 100W each (Cinema 60), targeting mid-sized setups with full suite of HDMI and calibration features.
- Cinema 70s Series 2: $1,500 / £950 — 7 channels at 50W each, suitable for small to medium rooms where maximum volume isn’t the main goal.
Alternatives to consider include Denon’s X-series receivers or Yamaha’s AVENTAGE range—both generally offer similar Atmos and HDMI specs at competitive or lower prices, but may lack some of Marantz’s advanced diagnostics and signature tuning.
Trade-offs and Practical Takeaways for Buyers
Marantz’s latest AV receivers are at their best in systems where you’ll take advantage of the onboard room correction, detailed monitoring, and multiple speaker outputs. Their audio pedigree remains strong, and the new diagnostic features mean easier troubleshooting and ongoing tweaking.
However, these models command premium pricing, and for buyers focused simply on stereo fidelity, easy setup, or compact living spaces, more affordable options (including from Marantz) often suffice without sacrificing core performance. Think carefully about your room, listening priorities, and whether you'll use features like advanced speaker calibration or expanded Atmos. For serious home cinema builds, though, the Cinema Series 2 lineup is a leading choice for flexibility and long-term system growth.