Marantz Cinema 70 Receiver

Overview of the Marantz CINEMA 70 AV Receiver

The Marantz CINEMA 70 Audio Visual Receiver (AVR) is a recent addition to the world of audio-video receivers, and it has already garnered attention for its unique features and performance. This blog aims to provide an in-depth review of the Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR, focusing on its design, setup process, performance, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR is its compact design. With a low height, it fits easily into most entertainment centres without taking up too much space. The front side of the receiver features an input selector and a volume rotary knob, making it user-friendly. The packaging is also noteworthy; it’s organized efficiently to protect the equipment during shipping. The corners are well-protected, and the cardboard used is sturdy and hard to bend.

Setup Process

Setting up the Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR requires a TV connection as the receiver will not operate otherwise. The startup takes about 30 seconds, which is standard for contemporary AVRs filled with multiple chips that need to sync together. The setup menus are intuitive and similar to other AVRs on the market. They offer a plethora of settings for both audio and video configurations.

One of the key features is the Audyssey calibration system. This system uses an ADC chip to handle the analog mic-input for the Audyssey microphone. It calibrates your audio setup by reprogramming settings inside DSP chips to modify audio from each speaker, correcting phase issues, timing between channels, volume levels, and even using a parametric equaliser to flatten sound peaks and troughs.

Performance

The Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR excels in delivering high-quality sound for movies in an audio surround environment. It comes with PRE-OUT outputs for all its seven channels, allowing you to connect external amplifiers if needed. For instance, connecting the PRE-OUT of the front channels to an external amplifier like Yamaha A-S701 can help achieve lower distortions for output stages by freeing up internal power supply resources.

The Audyssey calibration provides accurate distance measurements for speakers except for minor discrepancies with subwoofer distances. Users can manually adjust speaker levels post-calibration if needed. High pass filters for each set of speakers can also be adjusted by users.

User Experience

The Power On Level can be set between 1 and 98 or to Mute or Last setting used. You can also set a hard limit between 60 and 80 to prevent others from increasing max volume past this level—ensuring both safety from overheating and hearing protection.

The receiver’s case is not grounded but includes a dedicated grounding screw on the backside if needed. This makes it an IEC Class 2 device.

Value for Money

The Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR offers excellent value for money considering its features and performance capabilities. It’s particularly appealing due to its compact size combined with robust functionality.

Conclusion

In summary, the Marantz CINEMA 70 AVR stands out as a versatile and high-performing receiver suitable for enhancing movie-watching experiences in home theaters. Its compact design does not compromise on functionality or performance quality—making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles looking for both efficiency and excellence in their AV setups.

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