Marantz Releases the CINEMA 30!

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Intro

Despite Marantz’s announcement of their new CINEMA Series line of AVRs in the fall of 2022, some keen observers noted a missing piece: a direct replacement for the SR8015, Marantz’s flagship AVR released in 2020. Many have eagerly awaited this replacement, and their patience has been rewarded with the unveiling of the CINEMA 30.

The CINEMA 30 follows the same new look with the rest of the CINEMA lineup, with upgraded internals over the rest of the series. The CINEMA 30 has 11 discrete power amplifiers, delivering 140 watts per channel (8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.05% THD) with 70% of power guaranteed. It can be expanded to process up to 13.4 channels, allowing for up to 9.4.4 or 7.6.4 channel configurations. The receiver features high-fidelity technologies like HDAM SA-2 modules for exceptional audio performance. It supports the most common immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and even Auro 3D. Connectivity options include 7 HDMI inputs with eARC for seamless integration of your devices, plus support for 8K video with HDR for stunning visuals. The CINEMA 30 comes with a 5 year manufacturer’s warranty.

Marantz Cinema 30 Specifications

Amplifier

• Number of Powered Channels: 11
• Process up to 13.4 channels
• Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2ch Drive): 140W
• Power Output (8 ohm, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% THD, 2ch Drive): 140W
• Power Output (6 ohm, 1 kHz, 0.7% THD, 2ch Drive): 175W
• Power Output (6 ohm, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1ch Drive): 250W
• 70% Guarantee: Yes
• Discrete Power Amplifier: Yes
• Amplifier Topology: Class A/B
• Current Feedback Topology: Yes
• Bi-Amp Drive: Assignable

Multichannel Surround

• Dolby Atmos: Yes
• Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization: Yes
• Dolby True HD: Yes
• DTS:X: Yes
• DTS:X Pro: Yes
• DTS Neural:X: Yes
• DTS Virtual:X: Yes
• IMAX Enhanced: Yes
• Auro3D: Yes

Sound Enhancements

• Discrete Power Amplifier: Yes
• Copper Plated Chassis: Yes
• Audyssey MultEQ XT32: Yes
• DIRAC Live Upgradable: Yes

HDMI

• HDMI Inputs (Back/Front): 7 / 1
• HDCP 2.3 Support: Yes
• ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) Pass-through for Gaming: Yes
• Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): Yes
• Quick Frame Transport (QFT): Yes
• Quick Media Switching (QMS): Yes

Multiroom / CI

• HEOS Multi-Room Integrated: Yes
• HEOS Link Compatibility (IR/IP): IR / IP

Others

• Dimensions: 17.4″ (442mm) x 17.6″ (372mm) x 7.5″ (109″)
• Weight: 42.8lbs (8.7kg)

Additional notes:

• It features Marantz’s proprietary HDAM SA-2 technology for improved audio performance.
• It includes HEOS built-in for multi-room audio streaming.
• It has a 5-year warranty.

Price

Marantz CINEMA 30: $4500 USD, at the time of writing. Check current price here.

Marantz CINEMA 30: Product Page

Key Features To Note

Along with all of the updated features and styles in the CINEMA series; more information regarding these can be found in our article “Marantz Cinema 40 versus Marantz Cinema 50,” the CINEMA 30 gets a couple of additional upgrades:

The 70% Guarantee

Marantz stands by their commitment to accurate power ratings with their 70% guarantee, a reassuring promise for buyers of the CINEMA 30. This guarantee ensures that even when powering five channels, the CINEMA 30 will deliver at least 70% of its rated 2-channel output power. Similar to its predecessor, the SR8015, the CINEMA 30 is expected to surpass this guarantee. This means you can trust the CINEMA 30 to provide at least 98 watts into 8 ohms across five channels, as the SR8015 often did. Plus, if you ever need more power down the line, the CINEMA 30 offers preamp outputs for all 13.4 channels of processing, backed by the HDAM SA-2 preamplifier stage known for delivering Marantz’s signature warmth and musicality.

Transformer

As you move up the models in the CINEMA series, you will notice an improvement in transformer quality. Just like the upgrade from the CINEMA 50 to the CINEMA 40, the CINEMA 30 also benefits from an improved transformer compared to the rest of the CINEMA lineup. Similar to the SR8015, the CINEMA 30 boasts an 835VA toroidal transformer and two 22,000uFX power supply capacitors, delivering ample current to its 11 discrete HDAM class A/B output stage modules. The toroidal transformer is a step up from the EL core transformer present in the rest of the CINEMA lineup, due to it radiating less electrical noise, allowing the CINEMA 30 to produce cleaner, more detailed sound.

Furthermore, the CINEMA 30 incorporates copper plating inside the chassis to improve isolation and performance. These components undergo tuning by Marantz’s Sound Masters at their factory in Japan, ensuring top-notch performance.

Updated Processor

The CINEMA 30 utilizes an Analog Devices SHARC dual DSP chipset alongside a 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC. This configuration equips it to seamlessly process advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X Pro, and Auro-3D. To fine-tune audio quality across different room configurations, the receiver integrates Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room optimization, and for an additional cost will be able to run Dirac Live and Dirac Live Bass Control.

CINEMA 30 vs CINEMA 40

For those deliberating between the CINEMA 30 and CINEMA 40, the decision boils down to whether the increased channel count and improved amplifier design justify the cost difference. The CINEMA 40 offers 9 powered channels and 11 channels of processing, whereas the CINEMA 30 bumps up the count to 11 powered channels and 13 channels of processing. Additionally, the CINEMA 30 features the upgraded transformer. As for whether the upgraded transformer will make a noticeable difference in performance, that remains to be seen. Full reviews and testing will provide more insight once the unit starts to ship. However, for enthusiasts seeking the utmost performance from their AVR, the CINEMA 30 may indeed justify the investment.

CINEMA 30 vs Denon X6800H

Upon initial inspection of their specifications, these two AVRs seem nearly indistinguishable. However, the CINEMA 30 commands a $1000 premium. Both models boast 11 amplifier channels and support up to 13.4 channels of processing, delivering a comparable power output of 140W per channel with 2 channels driven. Yet, the scarcity of information regarding the transformer and amplifier technology of the X6800H suggests that this is where the primary differences between the two may lie.

While these AVRs share many similarities, the CINEMA 30 could potentially justify its higher price tag with exclusive features such as the 70% guarantee for 5-channel output and the renowned Marantz HDAM SA-2 preamplifier section. Conversely, the X6800H offers its own distinct advantage with its compatibility for Sony 360 Reality Audio, appealing to users with specific media player preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these models hinges on individual needs and preferences regarding audio performance and functionality.

CINEMA 30 vs Denon AVR-A1H

On paper it looks like the AVR-A1H is the most equipped AVR from Masimo (Denon and Marantz’s parent company) due to it having a slightly more powerful amplifier section and still being the only AVR on the market that offers 15 channels of amplification and 17 channels of processing compared to the 11 and 13 of the CINEMA 30. However, if you are not or will never use the full 15 channels, then it might be worth it to save some money opting for the CINEMA 30, even if you have to get an external amp to get 13 channels.

Setting Up Audyssey & Dirac Live

For help setting up Audyssey and Dirac Live, there are 4 articles that every user should read linked below.

• Achieving Reference Playback with Audyssey
• Configuring Audyssey – The Right Way
• Configuring Dirac Live – The Right Way
• Setting Up Dirac Live Loudness Curves on Denon / Marantz AVRs

More relevant articles are provided under the Related Articles section.