Marantz Cinema 60 Review: Elevate Your Home Theater Experience
Creating the perfect home theater isn’t just about stunning visuals; it’s about sound that pulls you into the heart of the action. You want audio that wraps around you, making every movie night or gaming session an immersive adventure.
The Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver steps up to deliver just that, transforming your living space into a cinematic haven. In this review, I’ll unpack its features, strengths, and see if it’s the right fit to elevate your home entertainment setup.
Product Details – Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver
- 7.2 channels
- 100W per channel
- 8K video support
- Dolby Atmos & DTS
- Wi-Fi built-in
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 6 HDMI inputs
- 2 HDMI outputs
- AirPlay 2 compatibility
- HEOS multi-room streaming
- Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration
- Class A/B amplifier
- Phono input for turntables
- 24 lbs weight
- Sleek, modern design
✅ Best For: Home theater enthusiasts seeking high-quality audio and video performance with modern features.
Marantz Cinema 60 Review – Pros & Cons
Pros of Marantz Cinema 60
- ✅ Exceptional sound quality with 100W per channel.
- ✅ Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS
for immersive audio. - ✅ Future-ready with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video support.
- ✅ Extensive connectivity including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2.
- ✅ User-friendly setup with Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration.
- ✅ Sleek, modern design complements any home theater.
Cons of Marantz Cinema 60
- ❗ Lacks advanced Dirac Live room correction.
- ❗ Limited HDMI outputs for complex multi-zone setups.
The Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver has received mostly positive reviews for its outstanding audio performance and modern features. Users appreciate its immersive sound and future-proof capabilities that enhance their home theater experience.
In-Depth Review of the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver
Building a home theater system that delivers both stunning visuals and captivating sound can be a complex task. The Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver aims to simplify this by offering a comprehensive package that covers all the bases. Let’s explore what makes this receiver stand out in a crowded market.
Audio Performance: Bringing Cinema Home
The Marantz Cinema 60 delivers a robust 100W per channel, providing ample power for most home theater setups. With support for Dolby Atmos and DTS, it creates a multidimensional soundscape that brings movies and music to life. The receiver utilizes a Class A/B amplifier topology and Marantz’s proprietary HDAM circuitry, ensuring warm, rich tones with extraordinary detail.
This combination results in a listening experience that’s both dynamic and nuanced. Whether you’re watching an action-packed blockbuster or enjoying a quiet indie film, the Cinema 60 adapts to deliver sound that’s both powerful and precise.
Video Capabilities: Ready for the Future
Equipped with 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, the Cinema 60 is prepared for the latest in video technology. It supports advanced HDR formats, including Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR, offering vivid and lifelike visuals. Gamers will appreciate features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduce lag and enhance the gaming experience.
This future-proofing means you won’t need to upgrade your receiver anytime soon, even as new video technologies become mainstream.
Connectivity and Streaming: All-Inclusive Integration
The receiver comes equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as AirPlay 2 and HEOS multi-room streaming capabilities. This allows seamless streaming from services like Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and more. Six HDMI inputs and two outputs provide ample connectivity for all your devices, while additional inputs include phono, analog, and digital options.
The inclusion of a dedicated phono input is a nice touch for vinyl enthusiasts, allowing you to connect a turntable directly without the need for an external preamp.
User Experience: Intuitive and Accessible
Setting up the Cinema 60 is straightforward, thanks to the Audyssey MultEQ XT automatic room acoustic correction. The on-screen graphical user interface is modern and easy to navigate, simplifying the process of tuning your system to perfection. The included remote control is backlit, adding convenience when adjusting settings in a darkened room.
The receiver also supports voice control via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, making it easy to adjust volume, change tracks, or switch inputs hands-free.
Design and Build Quality: Aesthetic Meets Functionality
Featuring the iconic Marantz porthole display and a sleek front panel, the Cinema 60 blends timeless design with modern aesthetics. While not as heavy as some higher-end models, its 24-pound build feels solid and well-constructed. The minimalist design ensures it complements any home theater setup without drawing undue attention.
Drawbacks: Room for Improvement
While the Cinema 60 offers a robust feature set, it lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models. Notably, it does not support Dirac Live room correction, which some audiophiles prefer over Audyssey. Additionally, the limited number of HDMI outputs may be restrictive for those needing extensive multi-zone setups.
However, for most users, these limitations won’t detract from the overall experience, especially considering the receiver’s strengths in other areas.
Who Will Love the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver?
The Cinema 60 is perfect for:
- ✅ Home theater enthusiasts wanting high-quality audio and video without breaking the bank.
- ✅ Users who value modern features like 8K support and advanced HDR formats.
- ✅ Individuals seeking easy setup and user-friendly interfaces.
- ✅ Those who appreciate a blend of classic design and contemporary functionality.
Who Might Look for Alternatives?
While the Cinema 60 is an excellent receiver, it might not suit:
- ✅ Audiophiles needing advanced room correction like Dirac Live.
- ✅ Users requiring more than two HDMI outputs for complex multi-zone systems.
Customer Experiences with the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver
We have thoroughly researched honest customer experiences with the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver to provide you with real-world insights.
- ✅ Exceptional Sound Quality: Users consistently praise the Cinema 60 for its rich, warm sound and detailed audio reproduction. The 100W per channel power delivers a cinema-like experience that enhances movies and music alike.
- ✅ Easy Setup and Calibration: Many appreciate the straightforward setup process, highlighting the effectiveness of the Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration system. The guided instructions make it accessible even for those new to home theater systems.
- ✅ Modern Features and Connectivity: Customers enjoy the seamless integration with streaming services via HEOS and AirPlay 2. The multiple HDMI inputs and outputs allow for easy connection of various devices, simplifying their entertainment systems.
- 🚫 Limited Advanced Features: Some users express a desire for more advanced room correction options like Dirac Live, which is not available on this model. For those seeking the highest level of audio calibration, this might be a consideration.
- ✅ Stylish Design: The sleek and modern design, coupled with the iconic Marantz porthole display, receives positive remarks. Users find that it adds a touch of elegance to their home theaters.
- 🚫 App Functionality: A few users mention that the HEOS app can be somewhat unintuitive or occasionally unresponsive, suggesting that the user experience could be improved in this area.
Value Analysis of the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver
The Marantz Cinema 60 strikes a balance between high-end performance and reasonable pricing, making it a compelling option in the mid-range receiver market.
Audio Excellence
The receiver’s sound quality is one of its standout features. With 100W per channel and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS, it delivers immersive audio that elevates any viewing or listening experience. The use of Marantz’s HDAM circuitry and Class A/B amplification results in warm, detailed sound that appeals to both audiophiles and casual listeners.
Key Strengths
- Future-Proof Technology: With support for 8K video passthrough, HDMI 2.1 features, and advanced HDR formats, the Cinema 60 is ready for current and upcoming media formats, ensuring longevity in your setup.
- User-Friendly Interface: The on-screen graphical user interface and Audyssey MultEQ XT calibration simplify the setup process, making high-quality audio accessible without extensive technical knowledge.
- Connectivity Options: The inclusion of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HEOS multi-room streaming provides versatile options for connecting various devices and streaming services, enhancing the overall user experience.
- Design Aesthetics: The receiver’s sleek design and iconic Marantz styling make it an attractive addition to any home theater, blending functionality with visual appeal.
Considerations
- Limited Advanced Room Correction: The lack of Dirac Live support may be a drawback for users seeking the most advanced room calibration options. While Audyssey MultEQ XT is effective, it may not meet the needs of the most discerning audiophiles.
- HDMI Output Limitations: With only two HDMI outputs and no Zone HDMI output, users with complex multi-room setups might find the connectivity options somewhat limited.
The Marantz Cinema 60 is an excellent investment for those seeking high-quality audio and video performance with modern features. Its combination of exceptional sound, future-proof technology, and user-friendly design offers great value for home theater enthusiasts.
Final Thoughts: Is the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver Worth It?
The Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver offers outstanding audio quality, modern features, and a user-friendly experience, making it a solid choice for upgrading your home theater. Its immersive sound and future-ready technology justify the investment, though the lack of advanced room correction may be a consideration for some users.
FAQs – Marantz Cinema 60 Review
Does the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver support wireless music streaming?
Yes, the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver supports wireless music streaming through built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and HEOS. You can stream music from popular services like Spotify, Pandora, TIDAL, and more. The HEOS multi-room technology allows you to play different songs in different rooms or the same song throughout your home, all controlled via the HEOS app.
Is the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver compatible with voice assistants?
Absolutely, the Marantz Cinema 60 is compatible with major voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri via AirPlay 2. This enables hands-free control of your receiver, allowing you to adjust volume, change tracks, and switch inputs using simple voice commands, enhancing the convenience of your home theater experience.
Can the Marantz Cinema 60 handle 8K video signals?
Yes, the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver is fully equipped to handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video signals. It features three HDMI inputs that support 8K, ensuring compatibility with the latest high-definition content and gaming consoles. The receiver also supports advanced video technologies like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and Dynamic HDR, delivering stunning picture quality.
Does the Marantz Cinema 60 support gaming features like VRR and ALLM?
Yes, the receiver supports gaming features such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and Quick Frame Transport (QFT). These features help reduce lag and frame tearing, providing a smoother and more responsive gaming experience when connected to compatible gaming consoles and displays.
How does the Marantz Cinema 60 handle room calibration?
The Marantz Cinema 60 uses Audyssey MultEQ XT for room calibration. This system measures the acoustics of your room and adjusts the settings to optimize sound quality for your specific environment. It helps correct frequency response and speaker levels, ensuring balanced audio throughout your listening area. The process is user-friendly and guided via the on-screen interface.
Is the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver easy to set up for beginners?
Yes, the receiver is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The Setup Assistant guides you through each step of the installation process, including connecting your speakers, calibrating your system, and integrating your devices. The intuitive on-screen menus make it accessible even for those new to home theater setups.
What types of audio formats does the Marantz Cinema 60 support?
The Cinema 60 supports a wide range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD Master Audio, and more. It also supports high-resolution audio files like FLAC, ALAC, and WAV up to 192kHz/24-bit, as well as DSD 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz playback. This versatility ensures you can enjoy your favorite music and movies in high fidelity.
Does the Marantz Cinema 60 have a phono input for turntables?
Yes, the receiver includes a dedicated phono input, allowing you to connect a turntable directly without the need for an external phono preamp. This makes it convenient for vinyl enthusiasts to enjoy their record collections with high-quality sound through their home theater system.
Can I expand my system with the Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver?
While the Cinema 60 is a 7.2-channel receiver, it offers pre-outs for all channels, allowing you to add external amplifiers if desired. This provides flexibility to expand your system’s power and performance. Additionally, the receiver supports bi-amping for compatible speakers, enhancing audio quality.
What warranty does the Marantz Cinema 60 come with?
The Marantz Cinema 60 Receiver typically comes with a 3-year warranty covering parts and labor. This warranty reflects Marantz’s confidence in their product’s quality and provides peace of mind for your investment. Be sure to register your product and check with the retailer or Marantz directly for specific warranty details in your region.
Marantz Cinema 60 Review – Conclusion
Investing in a high-quality receiver is crucial for a truly immersive home theater experience, and the Marantz Cinema 60 stands out as a compelling option. Its blend of exceptional audio performance, future-ready video capabilities, and user-friendly features make it a strong contender in its price range. The warm, detailed sound produced by its Class A/B amplification and HDAM circuitry brings movies and music to life, enveloping you in rich audio that enhances every moment.
While it may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, such as Dirac Live room correction, the Marantz Cinema 60 offers substantial value for most home theater enthusiasts. Its sleek design, extensive connectivity options, and ease of setup make it an attractive choice for those looking to upgrade their entertainment systems. Considering its positive reception and the robust performance it delivers, the Cinema 60 is a worthwhile investment for elevating your home audio experience.
