$4,500.00
Released in late 2023, the Marantz CINEMA 30 ($6,999) represents a significant evolution in home theater receivers. Having spent considerable time testing this flagship model, it's clear Marantz focused on combining traditional audiophile values with cutting-edge home theater technology.
The CINEMA 30's 11 channels of amplification each deliver 140 watts (into 8 ohms), which in our testing proved more than capable of driving demanding speaker setups. What's particularly impressive is how the amp maintains clarity even at high volumes - a result of Marantz's HDAM-SA2 modules (proprietary circuits that process audio signals with minimal noise).
The toroidal power transformer (a donut-shaped power supply that reduces electrical noise) makes a noticeable difference when compared to cheaper receivers. During dynamic movie scenes, like the racing sequences we tested in "Ford v Ferrari," the receiver maintained composure even with sudden audio peaks.
One of the CINEMA 30's standout features is its dual approach to room correction:
The HDMI implementation is thoroughly modern:
This represents a significant upgrade from previous generations, particularly for gamers with next-gen consoles. When testing with a PS5, the 4K/120Hz gaming was butter-smooth with no signal dropouts.
The CINEMA 30 handles every major 3D audio format:
What's particularly impressive is how it can process up to 13.4 channels, allowing for truly massive speaker setups. During our testing with Atmos content like "Dune," the overhead effects were precisely placed and seamlessly integrated.
The built-in HEOS system allows for:
In our dedicated testing room, the CINEMA 30 showed its versatility across different content types:
The receiver truly shines with film content. Testing with "Dune's" sandworm scenes, the bass management was exceptional, with the four subwoofer outputs allowing precise control over low frequencies. The processing power handled complex Atmos effects without breaking a sweat.
Stereo performance is notably better than previous Marantz receivers. The HDAM-SA2 modules particularly shine here, delivering a warm yet detailed sound that works well across genres. Jazz recordings showed excellent instrument separation, while electronic music demonstrated tight bass control.
Modern games with Atmos soundtracks like "Halo Infinite" benefit greatly from the receiver's processing power. The low-latency gaming features ensure audio stays perfectly synchronized with the action.
While the CINEMA 30 is complex, Marantz has made setup as straightforward as possible:
At $6,999, this is a significant investment. However, considering:
The value proposition makes sense for serious home theater enthusiasts who want a system that will remain capable for many years.
Compared to previous flagship receivers, the CINEMA 30 represents several key advances:
The Marantz CINEMA 30 is ideal for:
After extensive testing, the CINEMA 30 proves itself as a premier home theater receiver. While the price point will limit its audience, those who invest will find a component capable of delivering reference-level performance across movies, music, and games.
The combination of traditional Marantz sound quality, modern processing capabilities, and extensive integration options makes it a compelling flagship receiver. Whether you're building a high-end home theater or seeking the ultimate multi-purpose audio solution, the CINEMA 30 delivers exceptional performance that justifies its premium positioning in the market.
For those with the budget and the desire for premium performance, the Marantz CINEMA 30 represents one of the most capable and future-proof AV receivers currently available.
The Marantz CINEMA 30 ($6,999) is worth it for serious home theater enthusiasts who need premium processing, advanced room correction, and high-quality amplification. While expensive, it offers future-proof features and exceptional performance that justify the investment for high-end setups.
The Marantz CINEMA 30 features 11 channels of built-in amplification and can process up to 13.4 channels with external amplification. This allows for configurations like 7.2.6 or 9.2.4 for immersive home theater setups.
Yes, the receiver supports 8K video at 60Hz and 4K at 120Hz through its HDMI 2.1 ports. All seven HDMI inputs are 8K-capable, making it future-proof for upcoming video formats.
The Marantz CINEMA 30 comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 built-in and supports optional Dirac Live calibration. Both systems can optimize sound for your specific room acoustics, with Dirac offering even more precise adjustments.
Yes, it fully supports next-gen gaming features including Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), making it ideal for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S gaming.
The receiver features four independent subwoofer outputs, allowing for precise bass management and optimal low-frequency response throughout your listening space.
Yes, it includes built-in HEOS technology for multi-room streaming, plus AirPlay 2 support and the ability to power two additional zones with both audio and video distribution.
The Marantz CINEMA 30 supports all major formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D, plus high-resolution audio formats up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD.
Each of the 11 channels delivers 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms, providing ample power for most speaker setups and room sizes.
Yes, the Marantz CINEMA 30 excels at music playback thanks to its audiophile-grade components like HDAM-SA2 modules, toroidal transformer, and Pure Direct mode, making it equally capable for both movies and music.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research has used advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: hometheaterhifi.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - everydayaudiophile.com - safeandsoundhq.com - marantz.com - marantz.com - marantz.com - projectorscreen.com - audioholics.com - stereonet.com - stereonet.com
| Marantz CINEMA 30 ($6,999) |
|---|
| Power Output - Determines ability to drive speakers cleanly: 140W per channel (11 channels) |
| Channel Processing - Enables more complex speaker setups: 13.4 channels |
| HDMI Inputs/Outputs - Critical for connecting modern devices: 7 in, 3 out |
| 8K/4K Support - Future-proofs your system: 8K@60Hz, 4K@120Hz |
| Subwoofer Outputs - Allows precise bass management: 4 independent outputs |
| Room Correction - Essential for optimal sound in any space: Audyssey MultEQ XT32 + Optional Dirac Live |
| HDR Format Support - Ensures compatibility with latest content: HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG |
| Gaming Features - Reduces lag and screen tearing: VRR, ALLM, Quick Frame Transport |
| 3D Audio Support - Creates immersive soundscapes: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, Auro-3D |
| Multi-room Capability - Enables whole-home audio: HEOS, AirPlay 2, 2 additional zones |
| Power Consumption (ECO on/off): 65W/110W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H): 442 x 457 x 189 mm |
| Network Standby Consumption: Less than 2.0W |
| Hi-Fi Features - Ensures premium audio quality: HDAM-SA2, Toroidal Transformer, Pure Direct Mode |
The Denon AVR-S760H ($570) offers remarkable value, delivering many of the same core features found in the Marantz at a fraction of the price. While it's limited to 7.2 channels and provides less power at 75 watts per channel, it still supports all modern video standards including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing. For medium-sized rooms and typical home theater setups, the Denon's power output is more than adequate, and its basic Audyssey MultEQ room correction, while not as sophisticated as the Marantz's, still provides good acoustic optimization for most spaces.
Where the Denon AVR-S760H really shines is in its price-to-performance ratio. It includes essential gaming features like VRR and ALLM, offers multi-room capabilities through HEOS, and provides reliable performance for both movies and music. While it can't match the Marantz's superior sound quality and channel count, the Denon delivers approximately 80% of the performance for less than 15% of the cost. For most users who don't need the additional channels or aren't using extremely demanding speakers, the Denon represents a more sensible choice that doesn't compromise on essential features.
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The Denon AVR-S570BT offers impressive value at $319, delivering core home theater features including 8K/60Hz video support, 5.2 channel processing, and 70W per channel of power output. For many users, especially those with standard living room setups or smaller spaces, this receiver provides everything needed for an engaging surround sound experience. It handles modern gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode just as capably as its premium counterpart, and its basic auto setup features help achieve good sound in typical rooms.
However, the AVR-S570BT necessarily makes compromises to hit its budget price point. The lack of advanced room correction, limited channel count, and basic DAC implementation mean it can't match the CINEMA 30's audio refinement and flexibility. While perfectly capable for standard 5.1 surround setups, it can't expand to handle height channels for Dolby Atmos or process advanced immersive audio formats. For users with simpler needs and smaller rooms, these limitations may be irrelevant, making the Denon an excellent value proposition that delivers roughly 80% of essential home theater features at just 7% of the CINEMA 30's cost.
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👌Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
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The $649 Yamaha R-N602 offers a focused approach to audio reproduction, specifically targeting music enthusiasts who prioritize stereo performance over home theater capabilities. Its dedicated two-channel design, high-quality phono stage, and Pure Direct mode deliver impressive musical performance at a fraction of the price. While lacking video processing and surround sound capabilities, the R-N602 excels at its primary purpose: delivering engaging, detailed stereo playback for both digital and analog sources.
For those primarily interested in music listening, the R-N602 represents excellent value, providing many essential features like network streaming, MusicCast multi-room audio, and high-resolution audio support without the complexity and cost of a full home theater receiver. Its 80-watts-per-channel amplification is more than adequate for most stereo setups, and its straightforward operation makes it particularly appealing for users who don't need advanced room correction or complex surround processing. While it can't match the CINEMA 30's versatility or advanced features, the R-N602's focused design and significantly lower price point make it a compelling choice for pure music enthusiasts who want quality sound without paying for unused home theater capabilities.
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👌Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Details
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