Marantz Cinema 50 Review – Sound Perfection

Marantz Cinema 50 Review

The Marantz Cinema 50, a cutting-edge addition to the world of high-fidelity audio equipment, offers a blend of advanced technology and exquisite design. As a distinguished player in the audio industry, Marantz has a reputation for delivering products that combine quality, innovation, and user-centric features. The Cinema 50 is no exception, standing as a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence in sound reproduction.

This Marantz Cinema 50 Review delves into the depths of Cinema 50, exploring its various features, performance metrics, and overall user experience. Designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, the Cinema 50 promises to elevate the audio experience with its state-of-the-art surround sound capabilities, dynamic range, and clarity. The device’s sleek design and intuitive interface are also highlights, offering a seamless integration into modern living spaces.

The Cinema 50’s compatibility with various audio formats, connectivity options, and customization features are analyzed to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of its capabilities. This review aims to offer an in-depth assessment, examining how the Marantz Cinema 50 stands out in the competitive market of high-end audio equipment and whether it lives up to the expectations set by its prestigious lineage.

Marantz Cinema 50 Design And Build

The Marantz Cinema 50 AV receiver showcases a blend of contemporary and classic design elements, contributing to its high aesthetic and functional appeal. This unit is distinguished by the iconic Marantz porthole, a symmetrical design, and front panel controls that are elegantly concealed, offering a modern interpretation of timeless design principles. The architectural design of Cinema 50 allows it to either stand out or blend discreetly into luxurious environments. Its build quality is evident in its sturdy metal front panel and substantial weight of 29.8 lbs, signaling robust internal hardware.

The Cinema 50 has been updated to offer a more modern feel while retaining some of the luxurious vintage look characteristic of Marantz products. It features a refreshed layout with two large circular knobs for input selection and volume adjustment, flanking the updated front circular porthole, now an OLED display. This design mirrors elements from both the SR6015 and the new Cinema 60 models.

In terms of layout, the Cinema 50 conceals most controls behind a front hatch located just below the porthole, similar to the SR6015 design. This hatch houses controls for various functions like Pure Direct, M-DAX, and Zone 2, along with a microphone port and a USB Type-A for external storage. However, Marantz has opted to remove front analog ports and HDMI ports from this model.

Adding a touch of sophistication, the sides of the front face feature a gently curved and textured design. One side houses a headphone jack, and the other contains a small circular power button. Internally, the Cinema 50 has been upgraded with Marantz’s proprietary HDAM circuitry, featuring the new HDAM-SA2 board, which differs from the board used in the Cinema 60 model.

The remote control has also been modernized, featuring a more contemporary design and a backlight for ease of use. The remote’s layout includes inputs at the top, with volume, channels, and navigation controls in the middle, followed by playback and selection buttons. This updated remote design complements the overall modernized appearance of the Cinema 50.

Overall, the Cinema 50 combines Marantz’s signature design elements with modern updates, providing a visually appealing and high-quality build that aligns with the expectations of both longtime fans and new customers alike.

Marantz Cinema 50 Features

The Marantz Cinema 50 AV receiver boasts a range of impressive features that cater to the needs of high-performance home theater systems. Here are some of the key features:

9.4 Channel Amplification

The Cinema 50 offers a premium 9.4-channel setup with 110-watt-per-channel amplification. This setup ensures powerful and dynamic sound quality, suitable for very high-performance home theaters. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro 3D, alongside 8K Ultra HD capabilities and HEOS® Built-in streaming.

Advanced Room Calibration with Dirac Live

Dirac Live is available as an upgrade for the Cinema 50, providing an advanced room calibration solution. This software optimizes the sound quality of your system, ensuring the best possible audio performance in any room environment.

Immersive Audio and Video Technologies

The Cinema 50 abounds with the latest immersive audio formats and 8K video capabilities. It includes room optimization and streaming technologies to enhance your entertainment experience.

Proprietary HDAM Amplification Circuitry

Marantz’s proprietary HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) amplification circuitry is meticulously tuned by the Marantz Sound Master. This feature aims to create the most musical sound in your home, enhancing the overall audio quality.

Flexible Connectivity and Speaker Arrangements

The receiver offers thoughtfully selected connectivity options and flexible speaker arrangements. This allows users to customize the setup according to their preferences and room configurations.

User-Friendly Interface and Controls

The included remote control, accessible front-panel controls, and an intuitive on-screen setup process are designed to make the user experience straightforward and enjoyable.

Multichannel Surround Technologies

It supports a variety of multichannel surround technologies, including DTS HD Master, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, and 360 Reality Audio. The maximum number of processing (preamp) channels is 11.4.

Extensive Input and Output Options

The Cinema 50 features 6 HDMI inputs and 3 outputs, with support for 8K resolution. It also includes analog inputs, phono inputs, digital optical/coaxial inputs, multi-room output options, independent subwoofer outputs, and a variety of other connection possibilities.

Advanced Audio and Video Support

It supports HDCP2.3, HDMI upscaling from 1080P/4K to 8K, and a maximum resolution of 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz. The system also includes features like an Audio Return Channel (ARC, eARC), Video Dynamic Range (HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dynamic HDR), and gaming features like ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

Audyssey Room Correction Technology

The Cinema 50 is equipped with Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, and Audyssey LFC for optimal room acoustics. It also offers Dirac Live upgradability, variable cross-over, optimized bass redirection, and bass sync features.

Each of these features contributes to the Marantz Cinema 50’s capability as a top-tier AV receiver, suitable for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts seeking a high-quality, immersive audio-visual experience.

Marantz Cinema 50 Connectivity

The Marantz Cinema 50 AV receiver offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options to cater to various home theater setups and preferences:

HDMI Connectivity

HDMI Inputs and Outputs: The Cinema 50 features 6 HDMI 2.1 inputs and 3 HDMI outputs. All inputs and outputs are compatible with 4K/60Hz video. Additionally, 2 of the outputs and all 6 inputs support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making the receiver suitable for Ultra HD sources and televisions. This compatibility is further enhanced by HDCP 2.3 technology.

Audio and Analog Inputs

Analog Inputs: The receiver includes 5 Stereo RCA inputs and 2 digital coaxial inputs. There’s also a moving magnet phono input for turntable connectivity.

Optical Inputs**: For digital audio, there are two Optical TOSLINK inputs.

Subwoofer and Pre-Out Connections: The Cinema 50 boasts four independent RCA Subwoofer outputs and an 11-channel RCA Pre-Out. Additionally, there is a Stereo RCA Zone 2 Pre-Out.

Streaming and Wireless Connectivity

Wireless Audio Protocols: The receiver is equipped with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapters. It supports various wireless audio protocols including HEOS, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Roon-Ready, allowing for versatile streaming options from multiple services.

Music File Support: The Cinema 50 supports various audio formats, including lossy formats (MP3, WMA, AAC) and lossless formats (FLAC HD, WAV, ALAC up to 192 kHz / 24-bit). It also supports DSD Audio streaming (2.8 MHz / 5.6MHz) and offers gapless playback for FLAC, WAV, ALAC, and DSD.

Smart Home Integration and Control

Voice Assistant Compatibility: The Cinema 50 is compatible with various voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Voice Assistant, and Apple HomePod. This feature allows for hands-free control of the receiver.

App Control: Users can control the receiver using the Marantz AVR Remote App and HEOS app for both iOS and Android devices. The HEOS integration also enables multi-room audio control and streaming.

Overall, the Marantz Cinema 50 provides a wide array of connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for a modern home theater setup. From advanced HDMI capabilities to wireless streaming and smart home integration, the receiver is designed to seamlessly integrate into various audio and video systems.

Marantz Cinema 50 Sound Quality

The Marantz Cinema 50 AV Receiver is highly praised for its sound quality, both for cinematic and musical performances. This receiver is equipped with advanced room calibration solutions like Dirac Live, allowing for optimized sound quality. The sound signature of the Marantz Cinema 50 is described as providing immersive spaciousness, warm and rich tones, extraordinary detail, and lifelike dynamics. It supports a wide range of immersive audio formats, ensuring compatibility with various technologies.

The meticulous tuning by the Marantz Sound Master, combined with proprietary HDAM amplification circuitry, contributes to its exceptional performance, creating a highly musical sound in your home. Users have the flexibility to tailor the system to their preferences through various connectivity options and speaker arrangements. The user experience is further enhanced by an intuitive setup process, making it easy to feel like an expert user from the start.

A detailed session with it confirms the receiver’s outstanding audio quality, rating it 9.4 out of 10. It is noted for its ability to render even the most minor details in audio tracks, with a front soundstage that expands impressively on all sides without losing cohesion.

The Cinema 50 supports a range of audio formats, including high-resolution audio like FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and DSD streaming, maintaining Marantz’s reputation for musicality. Testing with FLAC tracks streamed through the front USB port showcased the distinct tonality and traits of the Marantz brand that appeal to music lovers, with the Cinema 50 retaining all the qualities that have made Marantz a favorite over the years.

Using the receiver in Direct mode is recommended for the best music reproduction, as it competes well with high-quality separate amplifiers. The Cinema 50 is described as embodying the essence of the Marantz brand, making it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate its unique sound signature, whether for movies, music, or both.

Marantz Cinema 50 Pros and Cons

The Marantz Cinema 50 AV Receiver offers several noteworthy pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Advanced Sound Quality: The Cinema 50 is renowned for its amazing cinematic and music performance. It offers immersive spaciousness, warm and rich tones, extraordinary detail, and lifelike dynamics, making it ideal for both movies and music.

2. Support for Latest Audio Formats: The receiver supports a variety of immersive audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and Auro-3D. This ensures compatibility with the latest audio technologies for a comprehensive home theater experience.

3. High-Quality Connectivity Options: It features six 40Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs, providing ample and advanced connectivity for various devices, supporting even 8K video.

4. Dirac Live Support: The receiver offers future support for Dirac Live, an advanced room calibration solution that optimizes sound quality and enhances the listening experience.

5. Elegant Design and Customization: The Cinema 50 boasts a modern, symmetrical design with iconic Marantz features. It also provides extensive customization options through its connectivity and speaker arrangements, allowing users to tailor the system to their preferences.

Cons:

1. Lack of Certain Ports: The receiver lacks composite and component ports, which may limit connectivity options for older devices.

2. No Front HDMI Input: Currently, there is no front HDMI input, which can be a drawback for users who prefer easily accessible connections for temporary devices like cameras or gaming consoles.

3. Questionable Porthole Design: Some users might find the porthole design of the receiver questionable, although this is more of a subjective aesthetic consideration.

In summary, the Marantz Cinema 50 excels in sound quality and supports a wide range of modern audio and video formats, but it has some limitations in terms of connectivity options for older devices and easy access ports.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Marantz Cinema 50 stands out as a highly capable and versatile AV receiver, showcasing a harmonious blend of advanced technology and user-friendly features. Its sound quality is characterized by immersive spaciousness, rich tones, and lifelike dynamics, a testament to Marantz’s legendary sound engineering. The inclusion of the latest audio formats support, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, coupled with up-mixing and virtual technology, ensures broad compatibility with various audio sources and environments.

The Cinema 50’s visual presentation is equally impressive, with six 40Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting a wide range of formats and future-proofing the device with upcoming support for Dirac Live. The meticulous tuning and proprietary HDAM amplification circuitry further enhance its performance, delivering an audio experience that is both evocative and exhilarating.

Despite these strengths, the Cinema 50 has its limitations. The absence of phono and S-video inputs, along with the lack of a front-facing HDMI input, may inconvenience some users. Additionally, its price point places it in the higher tier of the market, making it a significant investment.

Overall, the Marantz Cinema 50 is a compelling choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who prioritize high-quality audio and video performance. While it may come with a premium price tag, its range of features, exceptional sound quality, and future-proof design make it a worthy investment for a superior home theater experience.