Marantz Cinema 50 Series 2 A/V Receiver - Black

Nine Amplified Channels, Eleven to Grow Into

The Marantz CINEMA 50 Series 2 is a 9.4-channel AV receiver built for a true Dolby Atmos room. Its nine amplifier channels run a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 system on their own. Add a two-channel power amp, and it processes up to 11.4 channels for a full 7.1.4 layout.

Series 2 updates the original CINEMA 50 with an upgraded DAC, 1440p pass-through, and AMD FreeSync support for gaming. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room correction is included. Every level of Dirac Live, from Room Correction to Bass Control and Active Room Treatment, can be added later as a paid upgrade.

110 Watts on Every Channel, Four Subwoofer Outputs

Each of the nine discrete channels is rated at 110 watts into 8 ohms, or 150 watts into 6 ohms. The receiver drives speakers rated from 4 to 16 ohms. Four independent subwoofer outputs let you spread bass across the room, and Audyssey Sub EQ HT sets level and delay for each sub.

It is a full-size component, about 17.4 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall, weighing 29.8 pounds. Plan on an open shelf or rack with room to breathe. This listing is the black finish, with Marantz’s porthole OLED display up front.

Six 8K Inputs, and a Separate HDMI Feed for Another Room

All six HDMI inputs handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. There are three HDMI outputs: two for the main room, one with eARC, and a third for Zone 2. That Zone 2 output can send a different video source to a second TV while a movie plays in the main room.

Beyond HDMI, you get five analog inputs, a moving magnet phono input, and two optical plus two coaxial digital inputs. HEOS is built in, with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready. Bluetooth can also send audio to wireless headphones.

Where the Series 2 Upgrades Show Up

The DAC is the core change. Marantz describes it as a newly upgraded, high-performance 32-bit converter. It feeds a preamp built on Marantz HDAM-SA2 modules and a high-speed current feedback design. In Direct mode, analog frequency response runs 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+1, −3 dB), with a 100 dB signal-to-noise ratio.

The 110-watt rating is measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 0.08% THD, with two channels driven. Auto Eco Mode trims power draw as the volume drops. Standby use is 0.2 watts when network and HDMI pass-through standby are switched off.

IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, and Formats Beyond Atmos

Beyond Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the CINEMA 50 Series 2 decodes IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H. Dolby Atmos height virtualization and DTS Virtual:X help when you cannot install height speakers. Audyssey LFC can reduce the low bass that travels into neighboring rooms.

A Phono Stage and Gaming Features, Both Built In

The moving magnet phono input offers 2.5 mV sensitivity, RIAA accuracy within ±1 dB, and a 74 dB signal-to-noise ratio. For gaming, the HDMI inputs pass VRR, ALLM, and Quick Frame Transport, plus 1440p video. AMD FreeSync works on HDMI inputs 4 through 6.

Who Is This AV Receiver Best For?

• Dedicated Dolby Atmos rooms — Nine powered channels run 5.1.4 out of the box, with a path to 7.1.4.
• Bass-focused home theaters — Four independent sub outputs, Sub EQ HT, and optional Dirac Live Bass Control help even out low frequencies.
• Two-TV households — The Zone 2 HDMI output sends a different source to a second room.
• Music listeners with a turntable and streaming library — A phono input, HEOS, Roon Ready, and Qobuz Connect cover both.
• Not ideal for a low media console or a smaller 5.1.2 room — At 6.5 inches tall, this is a full-size receiver. The slimline Marantz CINEMA 70s Series 2 stands about 4.3 inches tall with seven channels.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Wire your speakers to the eleven speaker terminals and run up to four subwoofers from the sub outputs. Connect your sources to the HDMI inputs, then run the eARC output to your TV so TV apps play through your speakers. For 7.1.4, add a stereo power amp to the pre-outs for the extra two channels.

Join your network by Wi-Fi or Ethernet and follow the on-screen setup assistant. Plug in the included microphone and run Audyssey MultEQ XT32 from your main seat. Add a Dirac Live license whenever you want more control. Speakers wired, room measured, show on.

Pairs Well With

Fill out every channel of your theater with these companions:

• Floorstanding speakers — Strong front left and right channels.
• Bookshelf speakers — Surround and surround-back channels.
• Subwoofers — Use up to four for smoother bass across the room.
• Speaker cables — Enough runs for nine to eleven channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changed from the original Marantz CINEMA 50?

Series 2 adds an upgraded DAC, 1440p pass-through, and AMD FreeSync support. Channel count, the 110-watt rating, six 8K HDMI inputs, and Audyssey MultEQ XT32 carry over.

Is Dirac Live included with the CINEMA 50 Series 2?

The receiver is Dirac Live ready, but the license is sold separately by Dirac. Room Correction, Bass Control, and Active Room Treatment are all supported upgrades. Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included.

How many speakers can it power?

Nine speakers from its own amplifiers, plus four subwoofers. With an external two-channel amp, it processes up to 11.4 channels, such as 7.1.4.

Can it power 4-ohm speakers?

Yes. It works with speakers rated from 4 to 16 ohms. For 4- or 6-ohm speakers, change the impedance setting first, as the owner’s manual describes.

What is in the box?

The receiver comes with a remote and batteries, AM/FM antennas, two external antennas, the Audyssey microphone with a cardboard stand, wire labels, an AC cord, and a quick start guide.

Does it support IMAX Enhanced and Auro-3D?

Yes. It decodes IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H alongside Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. DTS:X Pro is not supported.

See It in Action

AV NIRVANA walks through what is new across the CINEMA Series 2 line, including the CINEMA 50.

Audio Advice compares the CINEMA 50 and CINEMA 60 Series 2 and explains what changed.

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Learn More

Want to learn more about Dolby Atmos layouts, multiple subwoofers, or room correction? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.