Marantz Cinema 60 DAB silver

The Cinema 60 DAB launches Marantz’s new Cinema series, succeeding the SR range. This 7.2-channel amplifier carries forward the brand’s signature sound design principles while integrating the latest features to meet the needs of home audio-video users.

A Redesigned, Elegant Architectural Concept

The Cinema 60 DAB leaves behind the aging look of its predecessors, adopting a contemporary visual language that draws on the brand’s heritage while looking firmly to the future. The front panel features a two-layer construction that creates a sophisticated sense of depth: the slightly protruding central panel, made of high-quality plastic, houses the main controls, while the textured side sections add a touch of refinement.

The iconic Marantz porthole sits at the center, now equipped with an OLED display that replaces the old system. This modernization preserves the brand’s visual DNA while offering improved readability. The two large volume and input selection dials symmetrically frame this central “eye,” creating a distinctive visual balance. The two-tone black and anthracite gray finish gives the unit a discreet yet assertive presence that fits naturally into modern interiors.

The device’s dimensions (442 × 354 × 165 mm without antennas) are standard for amplifiers in this category, but its 10.9 kg weight attests to robust construction. The antennas can be positioned horizontally to reduce vertical height to 165 mm or vertically for a total height of 235 mm, providing welcome installation flexibility.

HDAM Technology at the Heart of the Marantz Sound Signature

The true soul of the Cinema 60 DAB lies in its discrete HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) amplification circuits, an exclusive technology developed by Marantz since the 1990s. Unlike standard integrated operational amplifiers, HDAM modules use discrete surface-mounted components with short, mirrored signal paths for the left and right channels.

This proprietary architecture dramatically outperforms conventional integrated circuits in terms of slew rate and noise reduction. The result is a more dynamic, precise, and detailed sound reproduction. The Cinema 60 DAB features the updated HDAM-SA2 version, specifically optimized for the demands of modern home cinema while preserving Marantz’s characteristic musicality.

The amplification topology remains true to Marantz’s philosophy, with a class A/B architecture and Current Feedback Topology. This technology, particularly suited to high-resolution sources like SACD, ensures wide bandwidth and high-speed reproduction. The limited impedance at the current feedback point minimizes phase shift, reducing the need for negative feedback phase compensation and thus delivering exceptional sonic transparency across the entire frequency range.

Superior Power and Amplification Flexibility

The Cinema 60 DAB delivers 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 channels driven), 5 watts more than the Denon AVR-X2800H DAB with which it shares many components. This power increase comes with 30% higher current capacity, resulting in a maximum power consumption of 650 watts versus 500 watts for the Denon.

This extra power reserve allows the Cinema 60 DAB to comfortably drive more demanding speakers, especially those with challenging impedance curves. The seven amplification channels offer remarkable flexibility: 5.2.2 configuration for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, traditional 7.2 system with rear surround speakers, bi-amping of the front channels to enhance dynamics, or powering an independent zone 2.

Total Audio Immersion with the Latest Formats

The Cinema 60 DAB supports all current immersive audio formats, from Dolby TrueHD to Dolby Atmos, as well as DTS-HD Master Audio and DTS:X. Compatibility with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X technologies allows for a convincing sense of height even without physical ceiling speakers, a particularly relevant feature for apartment installations.

Multichannel processing can handle up to 7.2 channels simultaneously, with the option to add external power amps thanks to preamp outputs available for each channel. The two subwoofer outputs allow for optimized bass reproduction tailored to the room’s acoustics.

Future-Proof HDMI 2.1 Connectivity

One of the Cinema 60 DAB’s major strengths is its completely redesigned HDMI section. The six HDMI inputs include three HDMI 2.1-compatible ports supporting 8K at 60 Hz and 4K at 120 Hz signals, essential for next-generation gaming consoles and future video sources. The two main outputs and the zone 2 output are also 8K-compatible, with eARC support on the main output to retrieve high-resolution audio tracks from compatible TVs.

Full support for HDR formats includes Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and Dynamic HDR, ensuring optimal reproduction of high dynamic range content. Gamers will especially appreciate the ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and QFT (Quick Frame Transport) features, which minimize latency and eliminate screen tearing.

Audyssey MultEQ XT Acoustic Calibration

The Audyssey MultEQ XT acoustic correction system analyzes your room’s acoustics using the supplied microphone and automatically optimizes audio settings. This XT version, more advanced than standard MultEQ, offers more measurement positions and higher filter resolution, allowing for more precise correction of acoustic issues.

Complementary technologies Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume intelligently adjust frequency response and sound level according to listening volume, preserving tonal balance and dialogue intelligibility even at low volume. The system can store two distinct calibration profiles, allowing you to switch between different setups depending on content type or listening preferences.

Streaming and Multiroom with Built-in HEOS

The HEOS platform transforms the Cinema 60 DAB into a true multiroom streaming hub. Compatible with a multitude of services including Spotify Connect, Amazon Music HD, TIDAL, Deezer, and many more, the amplifier can stream high-resolution music throughout the home. Support for lossless audio formats up to 192 kHz/24-bit in FLAC, WAV, and ALAC, as well as DSD up to 5.6 MHz, will satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles.

Wireless connectivity includes dual-band Wi-Fi, bidirectional Bluetooth for sending audio to wireless headphones, and AirPlay 2 for seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. Compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri via HomePod offers intuitive voice control of the entire system.

Comparison with the Denon AVR-X2800H DAB

While sharing many components with the Denon AVR-X2800H DAB, the Cinema 60 DAB justifies its higher price point (about €400 more) with several substantial improvements. Beyond the extra power and increased current capacity already mentioned, the Marantz stands out with its exclusive HDAM circuits, which deliver a warmer, more musical sound signature, especially appreciated for stereo listening.

The more comprehensive connectivity includes 7.2-channel preamp outputs absent on the Denon, as well as trigger and RS232 ports essential for integration into sophisticated home automation systems. The completely redesigned look and superior build quality, notably with the use of higher-grade materials for the front panel, also help justify the price difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Cinema 60 DAB really make a difference in a small room?
Absolutely. The available power mainly ensures better control of the speakers, especially during dynamic passages. The Audyssey MultEQ XT system is even more effective in smaller spaces, where acoustic issues are often more pronounced. The flexible configuration allows the system to be perfectly adapted to the available space.

What’s the difference between the DAB version and the standard version?
The DAB version includes a DAB+ digital radio tuner, providing access to numerous stations with audio quality superior to FM. This widely distributed version costs about €50 more than the standard version, which is only available on the Marantz website or through professional installers. For most users, the extra investment is justified by the convenience of having an additional high-quality audio source.

Do the HDAM modules really make an audible difference?
The HDAM circuits are one of Marantz’s distinctive hallmarks. Their discrete architecture objectively offers better technical performance than standard integrated circuits. In listening, this translates to a more spacious soundstage, more natural timbres, and better-preserved dynamics, especially noticeable with acoustic music and vocals.

Can the Cinema 60 DAB be used for music only?
Certainly. Pure Direct mode disables all non-essential video and digital processing circuits to provide the shortest possible signal path. Combined with the HDAM modules and the built-in MM phono input, the Cinema 60 DAB performs as an excellent high-fidelity stereo amplifier, continuing Marantz’s musical tradition.

How does it compare to the model it replaces, the SR5015?
The Cinema 60 DAB brings several major improvements: three full HDMI 2.1 inputs versus none on the SR5015, a completely modernized design, a backlit remote control, and updated HDAM circuits. The loss of the Hybrid PLL Clock Jitter Reducer found on the SR5015 is the only notable compromise, but its impact remains marginal for most uses.

Is bi-amping the front speakers worth it?
Bi-amping can bring subtle but real improvements to compatible speakers: better separation between bass and treble, increased dynamics, and reduced distortion at high volume. This option is worth considering if you have high-end speakers with dual binding posts and don’t need the rear surround channels.

Technical Specifications

Amplification

• Number of channels: 7
• Output power:
  • 100 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 0.08% 2 channels)
  • 140 W (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 0.7% 2 channels)
  • 200 W (6 Ω, 1 kHz, 10% 1 channel)
• Discrete power amplifier
• Topology: Class A/B
• Assignable bi-amp configuration

Decoding

• DTS: DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X, DTS Neural:X, DTS Virtual:X
• Dolby: Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization, Dolby Atmos Music, Dolby Surround
• Maximum processing channels: 7.2

Technologies

• Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules (HDAM)
• Pure Direct mode
• Gold-plated RCA connectors

Acoustic Correction

• Audyssey MultEQ XT
• Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume
• Adjustable filtering
• Optimized bass redirection

Compatible Formats

• Compressed formats: MP3, WMA, AAC
• Lossless formats: FLAC HD 192/24, WAV 192/24, ALAC 192/24
• DSD audio: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
• Gapless playback: FLAC, WAV, ALAC, DSD
• Compressed audio optimizer: MDAX2
• Network audio sharing

Streaming Services

• HEOS Multi-room and streaming
• AirPlay 2
• Internet Radio
• Spotify Connect, Pandora, SiriusXM
• Additional services: Amazon Music HD, Amazon Music, TIDAL, Deezer, Napster, Soundcloud, Mood Mix

Integration and Control

• Voice assistants: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomePod
• Marantz AVR mobile app (iOS and Android)
• Built-in HEOS multi-room
• HEOS Link compatibility: Infrared (IR), Internet Protocol (IP)
• Multi-room zones: 2
• Control: IP, RS232, Web, App
• Infrared receiver
• Marantz remote bus
• 12V trigger output: 1
• HDMI diagnostics

HDMI

• Inputs: 6 total (3 compatible with 8K)
• Outputs: 2 main + 1 zone
• HDCP 2.3 compatible
• Upscaling: 1080p/4K to 8K
• eARC
• HDR formats: HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR
• Gaming features: ALLM, VRR
• Standby pass-through
• CEC
• Auto lip-sync

Connectivity

• Analog audio: 4 line inputs, 1 Phono input (MM)
• Digital audio: 2 optical, 2 coaxial
• Outputs: 7.2 preamp, 2 subwoofers
• Speaker terminals: 7 (assignable A/B)
• Front USB-A
• FM tuner with RDS
• Network: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (transmit/receive)

General Features

• RC-049SR remote control with Smart Select
• USB update
• ECO mode and auto power-off
• Power consumption:
  • Operation: 650 W
  • No sound: 45 W (ECO on), 75 W (ECO off)
  • Standby: 0.2 W (normal), < 2.0 W (network)
• Dimensions: 442 × 354 × 165 mm
• Weight: 10.9 kg

Package Contents

• Main unit
• Remote control and batteries
• AM/FM antennas
• Quick start guide
• Audyssey microphone with stand
• 2 removable external antennas
• Power cord