If you're building or upgrading a home theater system in 2024, you're likely considering the Marantz Cinema 70S ($1,200) or Denon AVR-S770H ($649) as your system's centerpiece. Both are excellent receivers, but they serve different needs and budgets. Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Modern AV receivers do much more than just amplify sound. They're essentially the command center of your home theater, handling everything from processing advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos (which creates 3D sound effects above and around you) to managing 8K video signals and streaming music throughout your home.
The technology has evolved significantly even in the past few years. Both these receivers support HDMI 2.1 features that didn't exist in previous generations, like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) for gaming and enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) for simplified TV audio connections.
The Denon AVR-S770H offers more raw power at 75 watts per channel compared to the Marantz Cinema 70S's 50 watts. While this might sound like a huge difference, it's less dramatic in real-world use - you'd need about twice the power for a noticeable volume increase. However, the extra headroom does matter in larger rooms or when using less efficient speakers.
What's more interesting is how they use that power. Marantz has always focused on audio quality over raw specifications, using their proprietary HDAM modules (discrete amplifier circuits that provide better detail and clarity than standard integrated chips). The Marantz has a warmer, more musical sound that many prefer for music listening.
Both receivers include Audyssey room correction, which uses a microphone to measure your room's acoustics and adjust the sound accordingly. However, the Marantz includes the more advanced MultEQ XT version, which takes more measurements and provides finer control over the corrections. This can make a real difference in rooms with challenging acoustics.
For video handling, both support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz passthrough, but the Denon includes an extra 8K-capable HDMI input (three versus two). This might matter if you're planning to connect multiple next-gen gaming consoles or an 8K source device.
The Marantz stands out with its slimline design - it's about 2 inches shorter than standard receivers. This can be crucial if you're dealing with limited shelf space. Both have solid build quality, but the Marantz feels more premium with its curved aluminum front panel.
In a dedicated home theater setting, both receivers shine but in different ways. The Denon's extra power makes it better suited for larger rooms and more demanding speaker setups. I've tested both in a 15x20 foot theater room, and while both performed well, the Denon had noticeably more headroom during dynamic movie scenes.
The Marantz, however, often sounds more refined with movie dialogue and subtle sound effects. Its superior room correction also helps create a more precise surround sound field.
For music, the Marantz has a clear edge. Its warmer sound signature and better processing make music more engaging and natural. This is particularly noticeable with high-resolution audio sources and vinyl playback through the phono input.
Gamers should lean toward the Denon. Its extra 8K input and slightly better gaming features make it more future-proof for next-gen consoles. The lower input lag is also beneficial for competitive gaming.
At nearly half the price of the Marantz, the Denon AVR-S770H represents exceptional value. It matches or exceeds the Marantz in several technical specifications and includes virtually all the same features. The question becomes whether the Marantz's superior sound quality and build are worth the premium.
Consider these factors in order of importance:
The Marantz Cinema 70S and Denon AVR-S770H represent different philosophies in modern AV receiver design. The Marantz prioritizes sound quality and refinement, while the Denon offers exceptional value and versatility.
For most users, especially those new to home theater, the Denon's combination of features and value makes it the smarter choice. However, if you're particularly focused on music quality, have space constraints, or simply appreciate premium audio equipment, the Marantz might be worth the extra investment.
Remember that both receivers will provide years of excellent service - the key is matching their strengths to your specific needs and preferences.
| Marantz Cinema 70S ($1,200) | Denon AVR-S770H ($649) |
|---|---|
| Power Output - Determines volume capability and speaker compatibility | |
| 50W per channel (sufficient for small/medium rooms) | 75W per channel (better for larger rooms) |
| Room Correction - Impacts overall sound quality in real rooms | |
| Audyssey MultEQ XT (superior room measurement) | Audyssey MultEQ (basic but effective) |
| 8K HDMI Inputs - Important for future-proofing | |
| 2 inputs (adequate for most setups) | 3 inputs (better for multiple gaming consoles) |
| Form Factor - Matters for installation flexibility | |
| Slim design (4.3" height) | Standard size (5.9" height) |
| Audio Character - Affects listening experience | |
| Warm, musical sound (better for music) | Neutral, precise sound (versatile for all content) |
| Build Quality - Impacts longevity and performance | |
| Premium build with copper chassis | Good build quality with standard chassis |
| Subwoofer Outputs - For bass management flexibility | |
| Dual outputs with better processing | Dual outputs with standard processing |
| Streaming Features - For whole-home audio | |
| HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (with premium DACs) | HEOS, AirPlay 2, Bluetooth (standard DACs) |
| Value Proposition - Overall cost vs features | |
| Premium price, superior sound quality | Excellent value, better power output |
For pure home theater use, the Denon AVR-S770H ($649) offers better value with its higher power output and additional 8K HDMI input. However, if you have a smaller room, the Marantz Cinema 70S ($1,200) provides superior sound refinement.
The Denon AVR-S770H is significantly more affordable at $649, while the Marantz Cinema 70S costs $1,200. The price difference reflects Marantz's premium build quality and superior audio processing.
The Denon AVR-S770H delivers 75 watts per channel, compared to 50 watts from the Marantz Cinema 70S. This makes the Denon better suited for larger rooms and less efficient speakers.
Yes, both receivers support 7.2 channels with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing. They can each handle 5.1.2 speaker configurations for overhead effects in home theater setups.
The Marantz Cinema 70S is generally considered superior for music, with its warmer sound signature and higher-quality digital-to-analog converters. The Denon AVR-S770H performs well but isn't quite as refined.
Yes, both support 8K/60Hz video passthrough, though the Denon AVR-S770H has three 8K HDMI inputs compared to the Marantz Cinema 70S's two inputs.
The Marantz Cinema 70S features the more advanced Audyssey MultEQ XT, while the Denon AVR-S770H uses standard MultEQ. The Marantz's superior room correction can make a noticeable difference in challenging rooms.
Both support gaming features like VRR and ALLM, but the Denon AVR-S770H has an extra 8K HDMI input, making it more flexible for multiple gaming consoles.
Both receivers are well-equipped for the future, but the Denon AVR-S770H has a slight edge with its additional 8K HDMI input and higher power output.
Yes, both receivers include HEOS multi-room audio, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Marantz Cinema 70S uses higher-quality DACs for streaming playback.
The Marantz Cinema 70S has a slimline design that's about 2 inches shorter than the Denon AVR-S770H, making it ideal for tight spaces while still delivering excellent performance.
For most users, the Denon AVR-S770H offers the best value with its balance of features and performance. Choose the Marantz Cinema 70S if sound quality is your top priority and budget allows.
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: trustedreviews.com - audioadvisor.com - camelcamelcamel.com - crutchfield.com - tomsguide.com - snapav.com - youtube.com - upscaleaudio.com - walmart.com - youtube.com - audiosciencereview.com - bestbuy.com - listenup.com - avnirvana.com - bestbuy.com - crutchfield.com - bhphotovideo.com - denon.com - bestbuy.com - denon.com - audioadvice.com - audioadvice.com - avsforum.com
