Marantz Cinema 60 7.2-Ch Receiver Review Best for 4K and Dolby Atmos Systems

Description

Aesthetic Design with a Premium Feel

From the moment I unboxed the Marantz Cinema 60, I could tell this was a meticulously crafted piece of equipment. The sleek, modern exterior combined with its timeless design elements gives it an air of sophistication that feels perfect for a high-end home theater setup. It’s not just all looks though; the build quality feels solid, and at nearly 30 pounds, it’s substantial without being unwieldy. The front panel’s clean layout, paired with the graphical display, adds both functionality and style. The buttons and knobs are responsive, making manual navigation a breeze.

One thing I particularly appreciated was the thoughtful arrangement of ports at the back, which made connecting speakers and other devices straightforward. The inclusion of eight HDMI ports (six inputs and two outputs) is a real game-changer for someone like me who juggles various devices—be it gaming consoles, streaming devices, or Blu-ray players.

Immersive Audio and Video Performance

As someone who loves immersive soundscapes and crisp visuals, I was blown away by the Marantz Cinema 60’s capabilities. The 7.2-channel setup with 100 watts per channel delivered powerful, room-filling audio that was both warm and detailed. What truly sets it apart is the integration of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which adds an extra dimension to the sound. Watching action films felt like being in the middle of the chaos, with sound effects coming from every angle.

The HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support ensured that visuals were as stunning as the audio. Streaming content in 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz offered vibrant colors and exceptional clarity. Gaming on this receiver was also a treat, thanks to features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which kept input lag to a minimum.

Effortless Connectivity with Built-in Streaming

Connecting devices to the receiver was seamless. The inclusion of HEOS multi-room audio is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I tried it. Streaming music via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Airplay 2 gave me the freedom to enjoy my playlists on services like Spotify and Pandora without ever leaving the couch.

I also appreciated the voice control compatibility. Pairing the receiver with Alexa enabled hands-free control, which was especially useful when I couldn’t find the remote. Surprisingly, even Siri played nice with the system, making it versatile for different smart home setups.

Hassle-Free Setup and Fine-Tuning

Setting up the Marantz Cinema 60 was straightforward, thanks to the Audyssey MultEQ XT32 automatic room correction system. It analyzed my room acoustics and adjusted the sound to suit the space, which saved me hours of manual tweaking. The on-screen graphical user interface was intuitive, guiding me through the setup process without any hiccups.

I also took advantage of the phono input to hook up my turntable. The sound quality was rich and full-bodied, making it an excellent choice for vinyl enthusiasts like my dad, who now refuses to use his older receiver.

Key Benefits

• Impressive 8K and 4K passthrough for both movies and gaming.
• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a truly immersive sound experience.
• HEOS multi-room audio allows whole-home streaming.
• Automatic room calibration ensures optimal sound quality.

Caveats

Despite its many strengths, the receiver isn’t without its flaws:

• The price point may feel steep for casual users who don’t need advanced features.
• The remote feels outdated, especially when compared to the modern design of the receiver.
• No native support for Google Voice Assistant, which could be a dealbreaker for some.

Competing Products

Comparing the Marantz Cinema 60 to other high-end receivers like the Denon AVR-X3700H or Yamaha RX-A4A, there are clear trade-offs. The Denon unit edges ahead with slightly more customizable sound profiles, but it lacks the HDAM circuitry that gives Marantz its renowned warm sound signature. Yamaha, on the other hand, offers superb build quality and reliability, but it doesn’t include HEOS multi-room capabilities.

Where the Marantz Cinema 60 truly excels is in its combination of style, sound, and modern features. It’s a fantastic option for users looking to balance cinematic performance with multi-room audio flexibility.

True Value

The Marantz Cinema 60 is undeniably a premium product, and it delivers a premium experience. While it might not suit every budget, the features and performance justify the investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. If you’re looking for an AV receiver that combines cutting-edge video capabilities, immersive audio, and seamless connectivity, this one deserves serious consideration.

Additional information