Marantz CINEMA 50, 60 DAB & 70s SERIES 2: This is new

From the outside, they look like their predecessors – and that’s exactly what makes them so exciting. Marantz hasn’t simply repackaged its three popular AV receivers; it has thoroughly overhauled them under the hood: a new 32-bit DAC, a live level meter for every channel, Dirac Live now available on the smaller models, and an update for PC gaming. We’re talking about the Marantz CINEMA 50 SERIES 2, the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2, and the CINEMA 70s SERIES 2. The best part: prices remain unchanged from the first series.

Table of Contents

• Quick overview: Which CINEMA SERIES 2 is right for you?
• What’s new: The common features of the SERIES 2
• The three models in detail
• Price & availability
• Technical specifications
• Conclusion
• Introduction video
• FAQ

Quick overview: Which CINEMA SERIES 2 is right for you?

• CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 (€1,100): The slimline model for the classic living room with a 5.1 system – at just 10.9 cm high, it also fits in shallow media consoles.
• CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 (€1,450): The all-rounder with 7 × 100 watts, two HDMI outputs for TV and projector, and DAB+ radio built in.
• CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 (€2,100): The flagship of the trio for true home theaters – 9 power amplifiers, 11.4-channel processing, four independent subwoofer outputs, and Auro-3D.

And for anyone considering picking up a predecessor from the clearance sale: Some of the new features are built into the hardware and cannot be added later via a software update. The SERIES 2 costs exactly as much as the first generation did at launch – so upgrading to the latest model is well worth it.

Not sure which model is right for your room and speakers? Get in touch – we’ll be happy to advise you personally.

What’s new: The common features of the SERIES 2

First, what remains the same: The power amplifier architecture, power output, and channel configuration are the same as in the predecessors. The design with the distinctive Marantz front panel and round OLED “bullseye” also remains unchanged, continuing to be available in black and silver-gold. The exciting changes are happening under the hood – and they should be noticeable in both sound and handling.

New 32-bit 8-channel DAC

All three models feature a new 32-bit DAC that converts eight channels simultaneously – rather than combining multiple 2-channel converters. Marantz promises better channel separation, less timing error (jitter), and therefore a more precise, cleanly rendered surround field. Two selectable DAC filters are also included. The fine-tuning also reflects a great deal of attention to detail: copper-plated screws in selected areas, device feet with felt like Marantz Hi-Fi components, and acoustically optimized components.

Live channel level monitor: See what every speaker is doing

One of the most interesting new features for us: An on-screen level meter can be displayed via the options menu, showing in real time during a movie how strongly each channel is being driven. Not getting enough Atmos from above? A glance at the on-screen display will reveal how much is actually being routed through the height channels. Once turned on, the display remains active until you deactivate it again – a dream for anyone who likes to understand and optimize their home theater.

Dirac Live now available for all three models

All three receivers come with Audyssey room correction from the factory: the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 with MultEQ XT32 and Sub EQ HT, and the two smaller models with MultEQ XT. The new feature is that the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 and CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 are now also prepared for Dirac Live room correction (Dirac Live Room Correction license required separately). This is a real added value, especially for anyone who already uses no more than five or seven channels in their living room. The major Dirac Live Bass Control and ART expansion options remain exclusive to the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 – it also provides the ideal foundation for them with four separate subwoofer outputs.

Gaming: 1440p passthrough and AMD FreeSync

Attention PC gamers: All three models now pass through 1440p signals and are compatible with AMD FreeSync. The graphics card can thus dynamically control the monitor’s refresh rate – for smooth images without tearing, even when the receiver is positioned between the PC and the screen. On the CINEMA 60 DAB and 70s SERIES 2, FreeSync works via HDMI inputs 4 to 6. As usual, HDMI 2.1 with 8K/60 and 4K/120, ALLM, VRR, and eARC are also included.

Operation: Web UI 2.0, app, and illuminated remote control

With the new Web UI 2.0, the entire receiver can be set up and controlled via a smartphone or laptop browser – without using the TV menu. This makes setup significantly more convenient. The new HDMI Diagnostics 2.0 also helps troubleshoot HDMI connections. In everyday use, you can conveniently control everything via the Marantz AVR Remote app and the HEOS app, or traditionally with the remote control. It is identical for all three models and illuminates at the touch of a button – practical in a darkened home theater.

Bluetooth LE Audio (for lower latency with compatible smartphones and headphones) and Dolby Atmos over AirPlay 2 for Apple Music are also expected to follow via firmware updates. Also on board: HEOS multi-room with streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Amazon Music HD, AirPlay 2, and Roon Ready.

Full-featured preamplifier outputs

Typical of Marantz and no given in this class: Even the CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 offers complete pre-outs. All three models can thus be operated as pure preamplifiers and expanded with separate power amplifiers – for example, one from the Marantz AMP series. This allows your system to grow with you.

The three models in detail

Marantz CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 – the slimline model for the living room

The small “s” in the name gives it away: The CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 is a slimline AV receiver. At just 10.9 cm high, it is significantly flatter than its larger siblings and therefore fits well in a classic living room, which usually houses five speakers and a subwoofer. Nevertheless, it is equipped with surprisingly similar features to the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2: seven power amplifiers with 50 watts each, two subwoofer outputs, six HDMI inputs (three of which are 8K-capable), Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, full 7.2 pre-outs, and a phono input for a turntable. Marantz has mainly cut back on the connections: one HDMI output, three analog inputs, and one optical and one coaxial digital input each.

Marantz CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 – the all-rounder with DAB+

The CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 is the classic full-height 7.2-channel AV receiver. Seven power amplifiers deliver 100 watts each, while two subwoofer outputs and 7.2 pre-outs provide flexibility. Compared to the 70s, it offers two HDMI outputs – ideal if a TV and projector are to be connected simultaneously –, four analog inputs, two optical and two coaxial digital inputs each, and a DAB+/FM tuner. Acoustically, it also benefits from Marantz’s proprietary HDAM-SA2 amplifier modules. As with all three models, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are included.

Marantz CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 – the flagship for true home theaters

€1,450 or €2,100 – is the extra cost worth it? The first difference with the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 is immediately apparent: It has a metal front panel with a flap behind which the controls are hidden. The device is slightly taller, offers nine power amplifiers with 110 watts each, and processes 11.4 channels internally. With an additional stereo power amplifier, a complete 7.x.4 system is possible: seven speakers at ear level, four Atmos speakers, and up to four independently driven subwoofers. In addition, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio, and MPEG-H are included, which are missing from the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2.

It also goes further with the connections: All six HDMI inputs are 8K-capable, and three HDMI outputs are available, one of which is for a second zone. Exclusively in the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 are also three new features:

• Center Bi-Amp Mode: In a 5.1 setup, not only the front but also the center can now be operated in bi-amping mode (provided suitable speakers are used). This makes the entire front sound particularly homogeneous.
• Dolby Atmos Channel Expander: Depending on the audio track and speaker layout, some height speakers may remain silent in Dolby Atmos. The Channel Expander then distributes the height information across all available channels, so that the sound field remains seamless.
• Clean Master Clock: A common, low-jitter clock for all converters is intended to align the phase of the channels even more precisely. Newly developed power supply capacitors also provide additional support for the power amplifiers.

Price & availability

Prices (RRP) are at the same level as the first series:

• Marantz CINEMA 70s SERIES 2: €1,100 – market launch in mid-October 2026, now available for pre-order
• Marantz CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2: €1,450 – already available to order
• Marantz CINEMA 50 SERIES 2: €2,100 – market launch in early October 2026, now available for pre-order

All three models are available in black and silver-gold. With the evenings getting longer, now is exactly the right time to upgrade your home theater.

Technical specifications

Conclusion

The Marantz CINEMA SERIES 2 is not a facelift, but an upgrade that you cannot see, but can feel in everyday use. The new 8-channel DAC, live channel level monitor, 1440p gaming with FreeSync, and Dirac Live on all three models make the receivers more future-proof than their predecessors – and at the same price. The CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 is the elegant solution for compact living room setups, while the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 is the versatile middle ground with more power and two picture outputs. Anyone planning a true home theater with Atmos ceiling speakers, multiple subwoofers, or Auro-3D cannot do without the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2.

Introduction video

We have also introduced the three new receivers in a video – feel free to check it out! A detailed listening comparison, in which we also demonstrate the channel level monitor in action, is already in the planning stages.

FAQ

What is the difference between the CINEMA SERIES 2 and the predecessors?

Nothing has changed externally or in terms of power output. New features include the 32-bit 8-channel DAC, live channel level monitor, 1440p passthrough with AMD FreeSync, Web UI 2.0, and Dirac Live preparation for the CINEMA 60 DAB and 70s SERIES 2. Prices have remained the same.

Can I use Dirac Live with the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 or the CINEMA 70s SERIES 2?

Yes. Both now support Dirac Live Room Correction, which requires a separate license. Dirac Live Bass Control and ART are only available with the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2.

Which model supports Auro-3D?

Only the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2. It also decodes IMAX Enhanced, 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H. The two smaller models support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

Are the receivers suitable for PC gaming?

Yes. All three pass through 1440p signals and are AMD FreeSync compatible. On the CINEMA 60 DAB and 70s SERIES 2, FreeSync works via HDMI inputs 4 to 6.

Can I use the devices as a pure preamplifier?

Yes. All three models have full-featured pre-outs – 7.2 on the CINEMA 70s and 60 DAB SERIES 2, 11.4 on the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 – and can be combined with external power amplifiers.

Get advice now or pre-order

Do you want to know which CINEMA SERIES 2 is best suited to your room and speakers, or are you planning a complete home cinema? Then book a consultation appointment with us in Rellingen or call us on 040 2577 66 90. You can order the CINEMA 60 DAB SERIES 2 from now on, and pre-order the CINEMA 50 SERIES 2 and the CINEMA 70s SERIES 2 right now – then you'll be among the first to get started.

Author: Fidelity