Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver

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Original price was: $1,700.00.Current price is: $1,199.97.

Product Description

A Deep Dive into the Marantz Cinema 60 Home Theater Receiver

When Marantz released the Cinema 60 in late 2022, it marked an important evolution in their mid-range receiver lineup. After extensive testing in various home theater configurations, we've found it delivers exceptional value while incorporating key modern features that many users need.

Understanding Today's AV Receiver Landscape

The home theater receiver market has transformed dramatically in recent years. HDMI 2.1 gaming features, 8K support, and streaming integration have become essential rather than luxury additions. The Cinema 60 arrived at a crucial time when consumers needed these features without flagship pricing.

Performance That Matters

The 100-watts-per-channel rating (into 8 ohms) might seem modest compared to some competitors' specs, but raw power numbers don't tell the whole story. In our testing across multiple speaker configurations, we found the Cinema 60's HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology delivers remarkably clean, dynamic sound even at higher volumes.

What does this mean in real-world use? Watching action sequences from recent Marvel films, we noticed the receiver maintained clarity and separation even during complex audio mixes. The amplification showed particular strength in dialogue reproduction - a crucial factor often overlooked in spec sheets.

Feature Set Deep Dive

Video Processing Capabilities

The inclusion of three 8K-compatible HDMI 2.1 inputs future-proofs your investment. While 8K content remains limited, these ports provide critical gaming features:

  • VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) eliminates screen tearing
  • ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) reduces input lag
  • QFT (Quick Frame Transport) decreases display latency

During our gaming sessions with a PS5 and high-end gaming PC, these features made a noticeable difference in responsiveness and smoothness.

Audio Processing Excellence

The Marantz Cinema 60 shines in audio processing. Its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support creates convincing three-dimensional soundscapes. Even without ceiling speakers, the height virtualization technology produced surprisingly effective overhead effects during our Atmos demo sessions.

The Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction system deserves special mention. This technology:

  • Measures room acoustics from multiple positions
  • Adjusts frequencies to compensate for room characteristics
  • Balances speaker levels and timing
  • Provides custom target curves for different listening preferences

We found the room correction particularly effective in taming problematic room modes and creating a more cohesive soundstage.

Streaming and Connectivity

The built-in HEOS platform represents a significant advantage over basic streaming implementations. It enables:

  • Multi-room audio synchronization
  • High-resolution audio streaming
  • Integration with major streaming services
  • Intuitive app control

During our long-term testing, the HEOS system proved more stable and user-friendly than many competing platforms.

Real-World Applications

Home Theater Performance

In a dedicated theater room with a 5.1.2 Atmos setup, the Cinema 60 demonstrated impressive capabilities:

  • Precise object placement in 3D space
  • Seamless speaker-to-speaker transitions
  • Controlled bass management
  • Clear dialogue even during complex scenes

Music Playback

Two-channel music performance often reveals an AV receiver's true quality. The Cinema 60 impressed us with:

  • Detailed midrange reproduction
  • Well-controlled bass response
  • Natural soundstage width and depth
  • Excellent stereo imaging

Gaming Integration

Modern gaming demands specific features, and this receiver delivers:

  • 4K/120Hz pass-through for next-gen consoles
  • Quick input switching
  • Low latency processing
  • Compatible with all current HDR formats

Value Analysis

At its price point, the Cinema 60 competes with models from Denon, Yamaha, and Sony. While not the least expensive option, it justifies its cost through:

  • Superior build quality
  • More refined sound
  • Better room correction
  • More stable streaming platform

Setup and Configuration

Initial setup proves straightforward thanks to:

  • Clear on-screen interface
  • Guided Audyssey calibration
  • Logical input naming
  • Intuitive remote layout

Recent Updates and Improvements

Since its release, Marantz has provided several firmware updates improving:

  • HDMI stability
  • Gaming feature compatibility
  • Streaming service integration
  • Overall system reliability

Final Assessment

After months of testing across various scenarios, the Marantz Cinema 60 stands out as a compelling choice for:

  • Home theater enthusiasts seeking premium performance without flagship pricing
  • Music lovers who demand high-quality stereo playback
  • Gamers requiring current-gen console support
  • Users wanting simplified whole-home audio

While it may not offer the absolute power of flagship models, its balanced feature set, refined sound quality, and thoughtful implementation of modern technologies make it an excellent choice for most users. The inclusion of future-proof features like 8K support and HDMI 2.1 gaming capabilities ensures it will remain relevant for years to come.

The Cinema 60 represents Marantz's successful adaptation to changing market demands while maintaining their reputation for superior sound quality. For those building or upgrading a home theater system, it offers an impressive combination of performance, features, and value that's hard to beat in its price class.

Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Deals and Prices

Is Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver Worth It?

The Marantz Cinema 60 offers excellent value for its price point, delivering premium audio quality, modern gaming features, and robust streaming capabilities. For home theater enthusiasts seeking high-performance without flagship pricing, it's definitely worth the investment, especially considering its future-proof features like 8K support and HDMI 2.1.

How Many Speakers Can the Marantz Cinema 60 Support?

The Marantz Cinema 60 supports up to 7 speakers and 2 subwoofers (7.2 channels). It can be configured for 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setups, meaning 5 surround speakers, 2 height channels, and 1-2 subwoofers.

Does the Marantz Cinema 60 Work with PS5 and Xbox Series X?

Yes, the receiver fully supports next-gen gaming consoles with HDMI 2.1 features including 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM. It has three 8K-compatible inputs that work perfectly with PS5 and Xbox Series X.

Can the Marantz Cinema 60 Stream Music?

Yes, it features built-in HEOS technology for streaming, plus AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth connectivity. It supports major streaming services like Spotify, TIDAL, and Amazon Music, with control through the HEOS app.

What Size Room is the Marantz Cinema 60 Good For?

With 100 watts per channel (8 ohms), the Marantz Cinema 60 can effectively power speakers in medium to large rooms up to approximately 400 square feet, providing clean, dynamic sound even at higher volumes.

Does it Support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, it fully supports Dolby Atmos and can process height channels for immersive audio. It also includes height virtualization technology for Atmos effects without ceiling speakers.

How Many HDMI Inputs Does it Have?

It features 6 HDMI inputs total, with 3 of them supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. There is 1 HDMI output with eARC support.

Is the Marantz Cinema 60 Good for Music?

Yes, Marantz receivers are known for their musical performance, and the Marantz Cinema 60 continues this tradition with excellent stereo imaging, detailed midrange, and clean amplification through its HDAM technology.

Does it Have Room Correction?

Yes, it features Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction technology, which measures and adjusts for room acoustics from multiple positions to optimize sound quality for your specific space.

Can it Be Controlled by Voice Assistants?

Yes, the Marantz Cinema 60 works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri for voice control of basic functions like volume, input selection, and playback controls.

Sources

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: hifireport.com - valueelectronics.com - abt.com - hometheaterhifi.com - audioadvisor.com - snapav.com - digitalcinema.com.au - marantz.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - crutchfield.com

Specs
Specs Table
Marantz Cinema 60 7.2 Channel A/V Home Theater Receiver
Power Output - Determines ability to drive speakers and fill room with sound: 100W per channel (8 ohms)
HDMI Inputs - Critical for connecting modern devices: 6 total (3 HDMI 2.1 8K-compatible)
HDR Format Support - Ensures compatibility with latest video content: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG
Gaming Features - Essential for next-gen console gaming: VRR, ALLM, 4K/120Hz, QFT
Audio Format Support - Enables immersive sound: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D
Room Correction - Optimizes sound for your specific space: Audyssey MultEQ XT
Streaming Technology - Enables whole-home audio: HEOS Built-in, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth
Channel Configuration - Defines speaker setup options: 7.2 channels (5.1.2 Atmos capable)
Maximum Resolution - Future-proofs for upcoming video formats: 8K/60Hz, 4K/120Hz
Subwoofer Outputs - Allows flexible bass management: 2 outputs
Height: 165mm
Width: 442mm
Depth: 343mm
Weight: 10.9kg
Comparisons

Compared to Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver

The $569 Denon AVR-S760H offers remarkably similar core functionality at a much more accessible price point. With 75W per channel, support for all major audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and identical HDMI 2.1 features including 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz compatibility, it delivers impressive performance for most home theater setups. While its power output is lower, it's still more than capable of driving most speaker combinations in rooms up to 350 square feet, and its basic Audyssey MultEQ room correction effectively optimizes sound for typical spaces.
The Denon AVR-S760H represents exceptional value, providing about 90% of the Marantz's performance at one-third of the cost. While it uses more standard-grade components and lacks some of the subtle refinements in audio processing, these differences are primarily noticeable in critical listening scenarios or larger rooms. For most users, particularly those with standard living room setups and mid-range speakers, the Denon's performance-to-price ratio makes it the more practical choice, with the money saved potentially better spent on higher-quality speakers or other system improvements.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
💵 See Denon AVR-S760H 7.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Price

Compared to Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver

The Denon AVR-S570BT offers impressive value at $319, providing essential home theater features like 4K/120Hz gaming support, HDR pass-through, and capable 5.2-channel surround sound processing. While it doesn't match the Marantz's power output, its 70 watts per channel proves sufficient for most small to medium-sized rooms, and its basic room correction helps optimize sound for your space. The receiver handles standard surround formats well, delivering clear dialogue and engaging movie soundtracks, though without the advanced Dolby Atmos capabilities of its premium sibling.
For many users, particularly those setting up their first home theater or working with a modest budget, the Denon AVR-S570BT represents a smart choice that doesn't sacrifice essential features. While it lacks the premium build quality, advanced room correction, and superior DACs of the Marantz, it still delivers reliable performance for movies, gaming, and casual music listening. The simpler interface and straightforward setup process might actually be preferable for users who don't need the complexity of advanced audio processing and multi-room capabilities, making it an excellent entry-level choice for basic home theater systems.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Details
💵 See Denon AVR-S570BT 5.2 Channel AV Home Theater Receiver Price

Compared to Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver

The Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A ($950) stands out as a compelling alternative, offering remarkably similar core features at nearly half the price. It matches the Marantz's 100 watts per channel output and supports all the essential modern features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDMI 2.1 gaming capabilities. Where it really shines is its user-friendly YPAO room correction system, which often achieves excellent results with less tweaking than Audyssey. The additional HDMI input (seven versus six) and MusicCast multi-room audio system make it particularly versatile for complex setups, though it's limited to a single HDMI output.
While the Yamaha takes a more neutral approach to sound processing compared to the Marantz's warmer signature, many users might not notice the difference in everyday use. It handles gaming and movie content admirably, with clear dialogue and precise surround effects. The main trade-offs are the lack of 8K upscaling (though it still passes through 8K signals) and slightly less refined power delivery. However, given the significant price difference, the Yamaha RX-A2A represents exceptional value for anyone who prioritizes performance per dollar over absolute premium features.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Details
💵 See Yamaha Aventage RX-A2A 7.2 Channel AV Receiver Price

Compared to Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver

The Yamaha R-N602 takes a more focused approach as a dedicated stereo receiver, offering exceptional value at $649.99 for those primarily interested in music listening. While it lacks the Cinema 60's home theater capabilities, it delivers impressive stereo performance through its 80W per channel amplification and Pure Direct mode, which bypasses unnecessary circuits for optimal sound quality. Its built-in phono stage is particularly noteworthy, offering superior vinyl playback compared to many modern receivers, and the MusicCast streaming platform provides robust network audio capabilities including high-resolution audio support up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD 5.6MHz.
For music enthusiasts who don't need surround sound or video processing, the Yamaha R-N602 represents a more cost-effective solution that doesn't compromise on audio quality. Its simpler architecture and focus on stereo reproduction can actually be advantageous, offering shorter signal paths and optimized components for two-channel listening. While it may seem limited compared to the Cinema 60's extensive feature set, the R-N602's streamlined approach and lower price point make it an attractive option for those building a dedicated music system, particularly for vinyl enthusiasts or streaming-focused listeners who value sound quality over home theater functionality.
🤖 Read Detailed Comparison
👌Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Details
💵 See Yamaha R-N602 Network Stereo Receiver Price

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