When setting up a home theater system, one of the most important decisions you'll make is selecting the right AV receiver - the command center that processes all your audio and video signals. Today we're comparing two popular options from 2022: the budget-friendly Denon AVR-S570BT ($319) and the premium Marantz Cinema 60 ($1,700).
Before diving into the specifics, let's understand what makes modern AV receivers special. These devices have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the introduction of 8K video support and advanced gaming features. They serve as the brain of your home entertainment system, handling everything from switching between devices to processing surround sound and powering your speakers.
Key technological advances since 2020 include:
The Denon AVR-S570BT offers a 5.2-channel setup, meaning it can power five main speakers and two subwoofers. This configuration gives you the classic surround sound experience with front left/right, center, and two surround speakers. With 70 watts per channel, it's suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
The Marantz Cinema 60 steps up to 7.2 channels, adding two more speakers for either rear surround or height channels (for Dolby Atmos). Its 100 watts per channel provides more headroom - think of it like having a more powerful engine that doesn't have to work as hard to achieve the same speed.
Here's where the price difference really shows:
Denon offers:
Marantz includes:
Both receivers support the latest video standards:
However, the Marantz offers more HDMI inputs (6 vs 4) and better video processing quality.
For movie watching, both receivers will give you an engaging experience, but there are notable differences:
The Denon AVR-S570BT excels at:
The Marantz Cinema 60 delivers:
Both receivers support key gaming features like Variable Refresh Rate and Auto Low Latency Mode, which help eliminate screen tearing and reduce input lag. The Marantz's additional power and processing capabilities might provide slightly better audio positioning in competitive games, but for most gamers, either receiver will perform well.
For music lovers, there's a more noticeable difference. The Marantz's superior amplification and better DACs provide more detailed and natural sound. However, the Denon still performs admirably for casual listening, especially with its Bluetooth streaming capability.
Both receivers offer:
The Marantz adds:
For rooms under 200 square feet, the Denon AVR-S570BT provides plenty of power. Larger rooms or those with high ceilings will benefit from the Marantz's additional power and channels.
Both receivers support current video standards, but the Marantz offers more expansion possibilities:
While the Marantz Cinema 60 costs significantly more, its superior build quality and features may provide better long-term value for enthusiasts. The Denon, however, represents excellent value for those who want current technology without premium features.
Consider these key factors:
Choose the Denon if:
Choose the Marantz if:
Both receivers represent different sweet spots in the market. The Denon AVR-S570BT offers remarkable value for those entering the home theater world or wanting a solid performer without premium features. The Marantz Cinema 60 justifies its higher price with superior sound quality, more features, and better expandability.
My personal experience suggests that while the Denon is more than capable for most users, those who really care about audio quality will appreciate the Marantz's refinements. However, don't feel pressured to spend more if the Denon's features meet your needs - it's an excellent receiver that will serve most users well.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs, room size, and future plans. Either way, both receivers will provide years of enjoyable home entertainment.
| Denon AVR-S570BT - $319 | Marantz Cinema 60 - $1,700 |
|---|---|
| Channels - Determines max speaker setup and surround capabilities | |
| 5.2 channels (standard surround only) | 7.2 channels (enables Atmos/height speakers) |
| Power per Channel - Higher power means cleaner sound at loud volumes | |
| 70W (8Ω) - sufficient for small/medium rooms | 100W (8Ω) - better for larger rooms/demanding speakers |
| Room Correction - Critical for optimal sound in your space | |
| Basic Audyssey setup | Advanced MultEQ XT with more measurement points |
| HDMI Inputs - Determines how many devices you can connect | |
| 4 inputs (all 8K capable) | 6 inputs (3 8K capable) - better for complex setups |
| Audio Format Support - Impacts immersive sound capabilities | |
| Basic Dolby/DTS (no Atmos) | Full Atmos/DTS:X support for 3D audio |
| Multi-room Capabilities - Important if expanding beyond one room | |
| Basic Bluetooth only | HEOS wireless multi-room audio |
| DAC Quality - Affects overall sound clarity | |
| Standard DACs | Premium DACs with HDAM technology |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and sound isolation | |
| Good consumer grade | Premium grade with better components |
| Value Proposition - Who it's best for | |
| Excellent for first home theater, smaller rooms | Better for enthusiasts, larger rooms, future expansion |
The Denon AVR-S570BT at $319 is ideal for basic home theater setups, offering 5.2 channels and essential features for standard surround sound. While the Marantz Cinema 60 offers more features, its $1,700 price point may be overkill for basic setups.
Only the Marantz Cinema 60 supports Dolby Atmos with its 7.2 channel configuration. The Denon AVR-S570BT is limited to standard surround formats like Dolby Digital and DTS.
The Marantz Cinema 60 is better suited for large rooms with its 100W per channel output compared to the Denon's 70W. This extra power helps fill larger spaces and maintains clarity at higher volumes.
Yes, both the Denon AVR-S570BT and Marantz Cinema 60 support 4K/120Hz gaming with features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).
The Marantz Cinema 60 offers superior music performance with better DACs and amplification. The Denon AVR-S570BT provides good music playback but lacks the same level of refinement.
The Marantz Cinema 60 offers more expansion possibilities with 7.2 channels and HEOS multi-room audio. The Denon AVR-S570BT is more limited with its 5.2 channel design.
Both support Bluetooth streaming, but the Marantz Cinema 60 adds HEOS wireless streaming, AirPlay 2, and more comprehensive network features compared to the basic Bluetooth in the Denon AVR-S570BT.
Both offer user-friendly setup, but the Denon AVR-S570BT has a simpler interface due to fewer features. The Marantz Cinema 60 has more advanced setup options but includes better guided assistance.
Both support 8K video and HDMI 2.1, but the Marantz Cinema 60 offers more future-proofing with additional channels, better processing, and upgrade potential. The Denon AVR-S570BT covers current basic needs.
The Marantz Cinema 60 offers 6 HDMI inputs while the Denon AVR-S570BT has 4. Both have sufficient connections for typical setups, but the Marantz provides more flexibility.
For basic home theater needs, the Denon AVR-S570BT offers excellent value at $319. The Marantz Cinema 60 at $1,700 is better value for enthusiasts who will use its advanced features.
No, the Denon AVR-S570BT provides very good home theater sound. While the Marantz Cinema 60 offers better quality, the Denon delivers satisfying performance for most users at a fraction of the cost.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses 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: bestbuy.com - parts-express.com - bestbuy.com - audiosciencereview.com - crutchfield.com - audiolab.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvisor.com - avsforum.com - en.community.sonos.com - hifireport.com - valueelectronics.com - abt.com - hometheaterhifi.com - audioadvisor.com - snapav.com - digitalcinema.com.au - marantz.com - bestbuy.com - audioadvice.com - crutchfield.com
