Marantz Cinema 70s Surround Receiver $1200
(50×7, 4 3/16h, 17 3/8w, 16 1/16d, 20 lbs)
Holy audio video! The brand new Marantz Cinema 70s is a terrific sounding, VERSATILE, surround receiver.
First of all, Marantz’s new style is COOL. It isn’t big and boxy. It’s a delight that Cinema 70s fits almost anywhere. It has 50×7 horsepower with discrete transistors for all channels. It sounds good and clean. It’s not a brontosaurus or a Bryston. But it’s good. And there are some surprises ahead.
It has the right array of connections and features.
- AM-FM
- Bluetooth
- OPT digital
- Coax digital
- Three audio analog inputs plus
- MM phono
- 6 HDMI inputs, 1 ERC HDMI “out”
- Zone 2 audio out
- Heos
- Airplay 2
There’s more. A lot more.
Outputs
Marantz was SO SMART in designing Cinema 70s because it has a full array of OUTPUTS! Yep. R&L front, Center, Surround R&L, Rear Surround R&L AND TWO subwoofer outs!
You sage readers have accurately inferred that this gorgeous receiver can also serve as a legit pre pro to hook up to your gigundo power amps. Now we’re talkin!
You can buy Cinema 70s to use as a stand alone receiver. Perhaps you have a theater full of efficient Klipsch Heresys (like I do). You’re good to go with Cinema 70s alone.
Then when you get the Jones to improve your sound some day (you know you will!) add a power amp or AMPS of your choice, to blow the lid off your system.
Bass Management
ALSO… Cinema 70s provides full bass management in surround sound or stereo! We are used to this feature in surround. But it’s dynamite to have it in stereo too.
It means you can run great right and left speakers and relieve them from playing any bass below the crossover frequency. You then bring the sub in where you like. In so doing, you are making the R&L speakers sound better due to not asking them to play bass. AND you’re protecting them from the long excursions and power demands of playing bass.
Up until now, the only Marantz receivers to offer the full array of pre outs- were a couple of inches taller. Cinema 70s makes the logistics more manageable, and less expensive.
What a SWEET array of choices in a charming, affordable package.
