Marantz Cinema 70 Series 2 A/V Receiver

Marantz Built a Real Home Theater Receiver Into a Slim Chassis

Most AV receivers are too tall for a media console. The Marantz CINEMA 70s Series 2 stands about 4.3 inches high, roughly half the height of a typical receiver. Yet it is a full 7.2-channel AV receiver with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, six HDMI inputs, and HEOS streaming built in.

Series 2 is a refresh of the original CINEMA 70s. Marantz added an upgraded 32-bit, eight-channel DAC. It also made the 70s eligible for Dirac Live room correction, sold as an optional upgrade. Gamers get 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync support on top of 8K and 4K/120Hz.

Seven Channels of Power for a 5.1.2 Atmos Room

Seven discrete amplifier channels each deliver 50 watts into 8 ohms, or 70 watts into 6 ohms. That runs a 7.1 system, or a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos layout with two height speakers. It drives speakers rated from 4 to 16 ohms. Two subwoofer outputs let you add a second sub.

Connectivity covers six HDMI inputs and one HDMI output with eARC. Three of those inputs, plus the output, support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. You also get three analog inputs, a moving magnet phono input, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and a front USB port.

Every Major Streaming Service, No Extra Box Required

HEOS is built in for multiroom music. The receiver also supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready. Bluetooth works both ways, so you can stream from your phone or send audio out to wireless headphones. Network playback handles lossless files up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD.

What Changed Inside the Series 2

The headline change is the DAC. Marantz moved to a 32-bit, eight-channel converter for every channel. In Direct mode, analog frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 100 kHz (+1, −3 dB), with a rated signal-to-noise ratio of 98 dB.

The power rating is specific about its conditions. The 50-watt figure is measured from 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 0.08% THD with two channels driven, and Marantz lists the same power on all seven channels. Auto Eco Mode trims power use as volume drops. Standby draw is just 0.2 watts with network and HDMI pass-through standby turned off.

Room Correction Today, and an Upgrade Path for Later

Audyssey MultEQ XT is included, along with a setup microphone and stand. It measures your room and sets speaker levels, distances, and EQ. When you are ready, a Dirac Live license unlocks more advanced correction. It is purchased separately from Dirac.

Vinyl fans get a real phono stage, too. The moving magnet input has 2.5 mV sensitivity and RIAA accuracy within ±1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Its rated signal-to-noise ratio is 74 dB, and distortion is 0.03%.

Built to Grow With Outboard Amplifiers

Pre-outs let you add external power amplifiers later, so a bigger amp can drive demanding speakers while the 70s handles processing. Zone 2 can play a second source in another room, through spare speaker terminals or pre-outs. HDMI sources cannot be sent to Zone 2, though network, USB, and analog sources can.

Who Is This AV Receiver Best For?

• Living rooms with low-profile furniture — At about 4.3 inches tall, it fits shelves and consoles that a full-size receiver will not.
• Movie fans moving into Dolby Atmos — Seven channels support a 5.1.2 layout, with Dirac Live available when you want it.
• Gamers with current consoles — 4K/120Hz, VRR, ALLM, and AMD FreeSync pass through on supported HDMI inputs.
• Music lovers who stream — HEOS, Roon Ready, Qobuz Connect, TIDAL Connect, and a phono input cover nearly every source.
• Not ideal if you want 7.1.4 or more power per channel — Seven 50-watt channels top out at 5.1.2. A full-size receiver like the Marantz Cinema 40 offers more channels and more power.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect your speakers to the seven sets of speaker terminals and your subwoofers to the two sub outputs. Plug your streaming box, game console, and Blu-ray player into the HDMI inputs, using one of the three 8K inputs for 4K/120Hz gaming. Run the HDMI output to your TV’s eARC port so TV apps play through your speakers.

Join the receiver to your network by Wi-Fi or Ethernet, then follow the on-screen setup assistant. Plug in the included microphone and run Audyssey from your main listening seat. Set up once, and your whole theater runs from one remote or the Marantz AVR Remote app.

Pairs Well With

Round out your home theater with these companions:

• Floorstanding speakers — Anchor the front left and right channels.
• Bookshelf speakers — Ideal for surround or height channels.
• Subwoofers — Two sub outputs mean you can run one or two.
• Speaker cables — Wire up to seven channels cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the CINEMA 70s and the CINEMA 70s Series 2?

Series 2 adds an upgraded 32-bit, eight-channel DAC and Dirac Live upgradability. It also adds 1440p pass-through and AMD FreeSync support. The slim chassis, seven channels, and 50-watt rating carry over.

Does the Marantz CINEMA 70s Series 2 support Dolby Atmos?

Yes. It decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and can power a 5.1.2 speaker layout. It also offers Dolby Atmos height virtualization and DTS Virtual:X for rooms without height speakers.

Is Dirac Live included?

Audyssey MultEQ XT is included with a measurement microphone. Dirac Live is an optional paid upgrade, unlocked with a license purchased from Dirac.

Can it power 4-ohm speakers?

Yes. It accepts speakers rated from 4 to 16 ohms. For 4- or 6-ohm speakers, Marantz has you change the impedance setting first, as described in the owner’s manual.

What is in the box?

You get the receiver, a remote with batteries, AM/FM antennas, two external antennas, the Audyssey setup microphone and stand, speaker wire labels, a power cord, and a quick start guide.

Which streaming services does it support?

HEOS is built in, with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Amazon Music, Pandora, SiriusXM, and TuneIn. Bluetooth handles everything else.

See It in Action

AV NIRVANA walks through what is new across the CINEMA Series 2 line, including the 70s.

ListenUp compares the CINEMA 50, CINEMA 60, and CINEMA 70s Series 2 side by side.

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