Marantz Cinema Series 2 Expands AV Receiver Lineup

Marantz has introduced the Cinema Series 2, a new generation of home theater receivers comprising the Cinema 50 Series 2, Cinema 60 Series 2, Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and slimline Cinema 70s Series 2. The range retains the established Cinema design while updating audio conversion, room correction, gaming support, streaming and installation tools.

New DAC architecture across the range

Every Cinema Series 2 receiver uses a newly developed eight-channel, 32-bit DAC architecture. It is designed to perform high-resolution conversion simultaneously across its channels, simplifying the signal path and reducing timing errors that can occur during multichannel processing.

Marantz says the revised platform is intended to improve precision, imaging, dynamic expression and the consistency of surround reproduction throughout a room. The company has also selected new internal components, incorporated copper parts and refined the receivers’ construction. Each model has been tuned under the direction of the Marantz Sound Master to maintain the brand’s established sonic character.

The Cinema 50 Series 2 sits at the top of the new family. It combines nine channels of amplification with 11.4-channel processing. The Cinema 60 Series 2 brings much of the updated platform to a more accessible model, while the Cinema 70s Series 2 packages the new DAC and connectivity features in Marantz’s lower-profile chassis. All models include preamplifier outputs for every channel, allowing them to be integrated with external power amplifiers.

Dirac Live reaches more Cinema receivers

Optional Dirac Live Room Correction support has been extended to the Cinema 60 Series 2, Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 and Cinema 70s Series 2. Owners of those models can purchase the upgrade to address room-related issues involving bass response, timing and tonal consistency while expanding the usable listening area.

The Cinema 50 Series 2 continues to offer the widest Dirac compatibility in the lineup. Its supported ecosystem includes Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment.

Marantz has also given the Cinema 50 Series 2 two model-specific features. Dolby Atmos Channel Expander can engage all available speakers when channel-based Dolby Atmos material is played. A new Center Bi-Amp Mode provides another configuration option for compatible center speakers, complementing the existing bi-amplification mode for suitable front left and right speakers.

Updated gaming, streaming and system control

For gaming systems, the Cinema Series 2 adds 1440p video pass-through and AMD FreeSync compatibility. These capabilities join the receivers’ existing HDMI 2.1 feature set and are intended to reduce latency and deliver smoother video with compatible PCs and game consoles.

A future firmware update is scheduled to introduce low-latency Bluetooth LE Audio. With compatible headphones and mobile devices, the feature is designed to reduce the delay associated with wireless listening. The integrated HEOS platform has also been updated to provide smoother streaming operation and expanded multiroom functionality.

Web Control 2.0 enables configuration and operation from a smartphone, tablet or computer, reducing reliance on a television’s on-screen setup menus. Installers can use HDMI Diagnostics 2.0 in CI Mode for automated HDMI verification and more advanced troubleshooting. Channel Level Monitoring is available throughout the range, providing a real-time display of channel activity to help check speaker operation and system performance.

Four models for different room requirements

The Cinema 50 Series 2 is positioned for larger, more elaborate home theaters, with the highest channel count and the most comprehensive room-correction and configuration options in the range. The Cinema 60 Series 2 and Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 retain the core DAC, connectivity and optional Dirac Live features in a less expansive package. European Cinema 60 Series 2 units will be supplied in the DAB configuration as standard.

For installations where equipment space is limited, the Cinema 70s Series 2 continues with the brand’s slimline format. Despite its reduced chassis height, it receives the same updated DAC platform, streaming enhancements and current connectivity features as the larger Series 2 receivers.

Marantz plans to release the new receivers through its website and authorized dealers beginning in the fall. The Cinema 60 Series 2 is expected first in mid-September, followed by the Cinema 50 Series 2 in early October and the Cinema 70s Series 2 in mid-October. Packaging has also been revised across the lineup to use less plastic, recyclable paper protection and a more efficient overall structure.

With a common DAC platform, wider access to optional Dirac Live processing and new tools for gaming and installation, the Cinema Series 2 represents a broad technical update to Marantz’s AV receiver family. The choice of full-size and slimline models also preserves options for both dedicated theaters and space-conscious living rooms.