MARANTZ CINEMA 60

The Marantz Cinema 60 forms part of the brand’s latest line-up of AV amplifiers and receivers, all of which offer new features, better performance, and gorgeous redesigns. The Cinema 60 is an entry-level model, and in defiance of convention sits below Cinema 50 and flagship Cinema 40.

The Cinema 60 comes in two versions: a basic AV amplifier available to the custom install market (£1,250); and an AV receiver with a built-in DAB tuner that’s sold through retail (£1,300). The Cinema 60 boasts an elegant new chassis with a choice of two finishes, and has seven channels of built-in amplification, with processing for 5.2.2 or 7.2 speaker configurations.

The Marantz decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X object-based audio, plus it includes Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction. There are improved audio components, and 7.2 pre-outs for anyone wanting to upgrade the power using external amps. There are now three HDMI inputs that can handle 8K/60HZ and 4K/120Hz, plus the Cinema 60 supports the HEOS multiroom system.

SOUND QUALITY

While seven channels of amplification and processing might not sound like a lot, for many that’s sufficient to deliver an enjoyable surround or immersive experience. If you want overhead channels you’ll need to choose the 5.2.2 configuration, while those looking for a more old-school surround setup can pick a 7.2 layout. Either way, the Cinema 60 also allows you to run dual subs.

By reducing the number of channels Marantz is able to deliver more grunt to those channels, with the Cinema 60 capable of driving each channel at 100W into 8ohms. The amplification is not only powerful, but also clean and detailed. There’s a pleasing balance to the overall delivery, along with a musicality you expect from a Marantz amplifier, although it also sounds great with movies

If you want more channels of processing, you’ll have to move further up the range, but for the average living room, mixed-media space or smaller dedicated home cinema, the Cinema 60 should be enough. If you feel the need for more power you can add outboard amplification using the pre-outs, while the dual sub outputs are ideal for anyone who loves plenty of bass.

The stereo imaging is impressive, with clear vocals and instruments placed across the front with precision, while the overall delivery is energetic and fun. When you move on to 5.1 or 7.1 mixes the surround presence is excellent, with accurate placement of effects and smooth steering from channel to channel. The centre channel is also effective, with clear and focused dialogue.

The inclusion of Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction allows you to automatically calibrate the system, adjusting the levels and delays for each channel, while smoothing out the bass response through equalisation. As a result, the worst sonic aspects of your room can be eliminated, and although not as sophisticated as some EQ systems, it’s easy to use and gets the job done.

The Cinema 60 proves very capable when reproducing multichannel movie mixes, ensuring that you don’t miss any of those all-important surround effects. Thanks to Audyssey room correction it’s also tonally balanced, ensuring sounds are seamlessly steered from speaker-to-speaker, and the single or dual subwoofers are perfectly integrated to produce bass that’s deep and tight.

The result is a cohesive soundstage where dialogue, music, sound effects and bass are all reproduced with consummate skill. While any surround mix will sound fantastic, immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are amazing, with a three-dimensional delivery that moves sounds around and over you, while shaking the foundations with some seismic low-end impact.

LIVING WITH THE CINEMA 60

The Marantz Cinema 60 boasts a stylish new design that combines a matte central section, with textured side panels. In the middle is the classic circular Marantz display, which is flanked by volume and input dials, while some basic controls sit along the bottom. The build quality of the elegant and minimalist chassis is excellent, and there’s a choice of black or silver-gold finishes.

This AV amplifier is simple to setup thanks to colour-coded connections and speaker terminals at the rear, an intuitive wizard, and an upgraded user interface that looks great and feels responsive. The wizard takes you through the entire process, including the Audyssey MultEQ XT room correction, which uses an included microphone to automatically measure various test tones.

The remote control now includes a backlight, and this actually illuminates the writing on the buttons, making them much easier to read. A well designed remote app brings Marantz’s HEOS multiroom system to the party, connecting supporting HEOS devices into a single seamless and cohesive network, while music lovers can even benefit from high-resolution audio support.

The extensive connectivity includes six HDMI inputs and two outputs, one of which supports eARC. All the HDMI ports can pass 4K/60Hz and HDR (including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision), while three of the inputs and one of the outputs can also handle 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. The latter is important for the latest high-frame-rate gaming on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

In terms of other connectivity, there’s built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and AirPlay 2, plus the Cinema 60 includes Spotify Connect and is Roon Tested. It also works the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant – thus adding limited voice control and a degree of smarts. Since this is an AV amplifier there’s no built-in tuner, but if that’s important to you, a DAB version is available for an extra £50.

CONCLUSION

The Marantz Cinema 60 is a highly accomplished AV amplifier that delivers seven channels of powerful amplification, and 7.2 channels of class-leading immersive audio processing. The sound quality is great with movies and music, while Atmos and DTS:X produce excellent immersion.

The redesigned chassis is an eye-catching and well engineered package, while the build quality is excellent. The connectivity and features are extensive, and setup couldn’t be easier, plus the support for 8K and next-gen gaming features provides some welcome future-proofing.

If you’re looking for an AV amplifier that can create a compelling 3D audio experience in a living room, mixed media space or smaller dedicated home theatre, then the capable and affordable Cinema 60 is just what you’re looking for with its elegant looks and classy sonic delivery.

LISTENING NOTES

Ambulance (4K Blu-ray)
‍This heist-gone-wrong thriller boasts an energetic Dolby Atmos track that immerses you in all the ballistic carnage. There are car chases, helicopters, and gunfire, all of which are delivered with remarkable immersion, while deep bass gives every explosion impact.

The Batman (4K Blu-ray)
‍This gritty take on the Dark Knight delivers a powerful Dolby Atmos mix that makes full use of all the available channels to immerse you in a rain-soaked Gotham City. It also gives the punches, gunfire, explosions, and especially the Batmobile, plenty of extra kick. 

Top Gun: Maverick (4K Blu-ray)
‍This blockbusting if long-delayed sequel sports a dynamic Dolby Atmos mix that puts you in the cockpit during the stunning aerial sequences. The climatic mission is a sonic tour-de

If you’re a film fan who wants to enjoy an exciting 3D audio experience from an easy-to-install AV amplifier, then the Marantz Cinema 60 does exactly what its name suggests. It offers simplicity and affordability, without sacrificing specs, connectivity and features, plus it looks very elegant.