Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|
| • Marantz “warm-neutral” voicing, low noise floor | • 50 W/ch limits headroom with low-sensitivity speakers |
| • Clear channel separation for Atmos/DTS:X | • Can compress at very high volumes in large rooms |
| • Clean dialogue at sane levels; good center steering | • No Dirac Live (Audyssey only) |
| • Audyssey MultEQ evens bass, smooths treble | • Single HDMI out limits dual-display setups |
| • Stable imaging and coherent soundstage | • Not ideal for reference-level playback |
| • HEOS/AirPlay 2 streaming with solid fidelity | • No analog video inputs |
| • 7.2 pre-outs for external amp upgrades |
When it comes to creating an immersive home theater setup, the centerpiece is often the AV receiver. The right receiver can turn your living room into a cinematic sanctuary, bringing blockbuster-quality sound and dazzling visuals straight to your couch. Enter the Marantz Cinema 70S 7.2-Ch Home Theater Receiver, a sleek device packed with cutting-edge audio and video technologies designed to satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles and cinephiles. Whether you’re a movie buff, a gaming enthusiast, or someone who just loves to stream music with superb sound quality, the Marantz Cinema 70S promises a robust, high-quality home entertainment experience. In this review, we dive deep into its features, sound performance, usability, and overall value to help you decide if this is the right receiver for your setup.
Key Features That Pack a Punch
7.2-channel amplification
CINEMA 70s is a slimline 7.2-channel AVR rated at 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms with two channels driven. It uses discrete Class A/B amplification and processes up to 7.1 channels. This model does not use Marantz HDAM modules.
Ultra-high-definition video capability
The HDMI section provides six inputs and one output with eARC. Three inputs are 8K capable. It supports 8K/60 and 4K/120 passthrough, plus HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, and Dynamic HDR. You also get HDMI CEC, standby passthrough, and upscaling to 8K.
Advanced audio formats for immersive sound
It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and includes Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X to simulate height effects when you do not have physical height speakers. Maximum processing is 7.1 channels. DTS Virtual:X is not used when real height speakers are present.
Built-in wireless streaming with HEOS multi-room
CINEMA 70s has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HEOS Built-in for multi-room streaming. Supported platforms include Spotify via Spotify Connect, Pandora, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, TuneIn, iHeartRadio, and more. It also supports AirPlay 2 and is Roon Tested. Service availability can vary by region.
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Gaming-optimized features
For next-gen consoles and PCs, the AVR passes Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode, and Quick Frame Transport on its 8K and 4K/120 HDMI inputs. Quick Media Switching is not listed for this model.
Sound Quality and Usability: What Customers Are Saying
Owners largely praise the Marantz Cinema 70S for its impressive sound quality, especially highlighting its 7.2-channel Atmos and DTS:X decoding capabilities. Users report that it produces engaging surround sound effects with clear separation and a full frequency range that enhances both movies and music.
Room Correction and Preset Options
One appreciated functionality is the Audyssey room correction system, which helps tailor the sound to your specific room acoustics. The presence of two presets for Audyssey settings allows users to switch between different sound profiles, adding to the customization options.
Ease of Setup and Control
Many users found the setup process straightforward, even for those not technically inclined. The slimline design makes it easy to fit into existing AV cabinets without hogging space. However, some reviewers noted that the remote control could be improved for more intuitive and responsive operation. A few mention minor functional glitches, but these appear to be isolated incidents rather than widespread problems.
Power and Connectivity
While several customers praise the receiver’s power output, some have reported occasional hiccups or limitations, especially when pushing high volume levels on more demanding speaker setups. Connectivity-wise, the 6 HDMI inputs—with multiple supporting 8K pass-through—is a definite plus, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Who Is the Marantz Cinema 70S For?
The Cinema 70S is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who want a reliable, feature-rich AV receiver that balances state-of-the-art sound and video performance with usability. If you have a medium to large home theater setup and want to enjoy immersive Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround sound, this receiver fits the bill. Streaming fans who enjoy wireless multi-room music control through HEOS will appreciate the built-in connectivity options.
Gamers who demand high framerate video and low latency will find the gaming-specific HDMI features appealing. However, if you run an extremely high-powered, large-scale audio setup or require a seamless smart home device integration, you may want to explore higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
The Marantz 70S stands out as a versatile and high-performing AV receiver that delivers satisfying movie and music experiences. Its embrace of the latest video standards alongside advanced audio decoding makes it a compelling choice for upgrading your home entertainment system. Despite some minor quirks with the remote and occasional user-reported functionality issues, the Cinema 70S shines in sound quality, room correction flexibility, and streaming convenience.
For those seeking an elegant, multi-channel receiver that supports immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and offers robust 4K/8K video support, the Marantz Cinema 70S is a smart pick. Its blend of power, usability, and future-ready features makes it a formidable contender in the mid-to-high range AV receiver market.
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FAQ
Q: How many HDMI inputs and outputs does CINEMA 70s have?
A: Six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output with eARC. Three of the inputs are 8K capable.
Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
A: Yes, it decodes both and includes upmixing and virtualization modes.
Q: Is 4K/120 and 8K video supported?
A: Yes, it supports 8K/60 and 4K/120 along with HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and HLG.
Q: Are gaming features like VRR and ALLM available?
A: Yes, VRR, ALLM, and QFT pass-through are supported on the 8K/4K120 inputs.
Q: Which room correction does it use?
A: Audyssey MultEQ with Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume. Dirac Live is not supported on this model.
Q: Can I add external amplification later?
A: Yes, 7.2 pre-outs let you connect external power amps.
Q: What are the dimensions and weight?
A: About 17.4 inches wide, 14.7 inches deep without antennas, 4.3 inches tall, and roughly 19.2 pounds.
Q: Does it include a phono input for a turntable?
A: Yes, there is a moving-magnet phono input.
Q: Does it have multiple HDMI outputs or Zone 2 HDMI?
A: No, there is a single HDMI output and no Zone 2 HDMI.
Q: Is this a good fit for large rooms?
A: It can work with efficient speakers, but for very high listening levels in a large space you may prefer external amps or a higher-power model.
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