Home theater enthusiasts looking for a significant acoustic and feature upgrade have a fresh lineup to consider. Marantz has expanded its home cinema collection with the rollout of the Cinema Series 2 range of AV receivers, introducing hardware revisions designed to bolster both audio fidelity and modern gaming compatibility.
Inside the New 32-Bit DAC Architecture
The defining hardware change across the new Cinema 50 Series 2, Cinema 60 Series 2, Cinema 60 DAB Series 2, and Cinema 70s Series 2 is the inclusion of a brand-new 32-bit, eight-channel digital-to-analog converter. According to the company, this component delivers dedicated simultaneous high-resolution conversion across every channel.
Marantz notes that the updated conversion technology yields specific performance gains throughout the listening environment.
“greater precision, improved imaging, enhanced dynamic expression and more coherent surround performance throughout the listening environment.”
Marantz, via TechRadar
Each model in the collection receives final acoustic tuning from Marantz’s Sound Master to ensure an immersive and emotionally engaging entertainment experience. Buyers can also opt to include Dirac Live Room Correction across all models for an additional fee, which the company states provides tighter bass and a significantly larger sweet spot.
Flagship Upgrades and Flagship Pricing
While the entire lineup shares the new DAC architecture, the flagship Cinema 50 Series 2 commands the highest price point and brings exclusive processing capabilities. The flagship model features nine channels of amplification putting out 110W apiece alongside 11.4 channels of processing.
The Cinema 50 Series 2 also introduces the Dolby Atmos Channel Expander, which utilizes all available speakers when playing channel-based Atmos content regardless of how it was originally encoded. For users seeking better vocal clarity, the flagship incorporates a Center Bi-Amp Mode that allows listeners to add a compatible center speaker alongside the standard front left and right speakers.
Pitted against established competitors in the mid-range market like the five-star Arcam AVR5, the flagship receiver launches at £1850 in the UK, $3,000 in the US, and AU$3,500 in Australia.
Mid-Range Options and Slimline Choices
For buyers who do not require the flagship’s nine-channel layout, Marantz offers scaled alternatives. The Cinema 60 Series 2 and Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 provide seven channels of amplification running at 100W per channel. Marantz notes that these models bring many of the platform’s latest innovations to a wider audience.
Geographic availability varies for the mid-tier hardware. The Cinema 60 Series 2 is available solely in the US and Australia for $2,000 or AU$2,500, whereas the Cinema 60 DAB Series 2 is designated exclusively for UK buyers at £1,250.
At the most compact end of the spectrum sits the Cinema 70s Series 2. Built with a slimline chassis designed for space-constrained environments, this seven-channel model delivers 50W per channel. It stands as the most affordable entry in the new line-up, priced at £950 in the UK, $1,500 in the US, and AU$1,800 in Australia.
Expanded Gaming Support and Modern Connectivity
Beyond traditional home theater tasks, the Series 2 update addresses modern display and gaming requirements. All four receivers include HDMI 2.1 support and introduce 1440p video passthrough paired with AMD FreeSync compatibility. These features aim to deliver tear-free visuals and smooth gameplay when connected to a PC or gaming console.
Custom installers and tech-focused hobbyists also receive new diagnostic tools. The updated units feature a Web Control 2.0 configuration app accessible via phone or computer, alongside HDMI Diagnostics 2.0 for advanced troubleshooting. The diagnostic suite provides data on how each audio channel is being driven during playback.
Streaming integration remains a core component through Marantz’s HEOS multi-room platform and standard Bluetooth capabilities. Furthermore, the company has confirmed that a future firmware update will introduce low-latency Bluetooth LE Audio to dramatically reduce wireless listening delay with compatible headphones and mobile devices.
Release Schedule Across Regions
Consumers looking to purchase the new hardware will see staggered release dates depending on the model chosen. The majority of the lineup rolls out in August, while the slimline Cinema 70s Series 2 follows closely with a scheduled release in September.
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