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Marantz Cinema 30: 11.4, Ultra HD 8K, Dirac Live, Alexa, multiroom Heos, Auro 3D, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Pro, HDR10, HDR Dolby Vision…

After the renewal of its Home Cinema amplifier range at the start of 2023 with the 7.2 Marantz Cinema 70s (slim) and Marantz Cinema 60 DAB models, the 9.4 Marantz Cinema 50, Marantz AMP10 models, the Marantz AV10 pre-amplifier, the manufacturer is expanding it with the arrival of the Marantz Cinema 30 capable of managing thirteen amplification channels via the addition of an external stereo amplifier to benefit from a Dolby Atmos 9.1.4 configuration, ideal for large dedicated rooms dimensions.

As with the Marantz Cinema 70s, Cinema 60 DAB, Cinema 50, Marantz Cinema 40, Marantz AMP10 amplifiers and the Marantz AV10 pre-amplifier, the most notable change about the Marantz Cinema 30 (replacing the Marantz SR8015), concerns the superb new design inaugurated on the manufacturer's audiophile products, the Marantz Model 40n network player, the Marantz CD 60 audio CD player or the Marantz SACD 30n player. Another important development of this new series of equipment, the name Cinema present within the product references. We must see the desire of the Californian firm Masimo, new owner of Sound United (Bowers & Wilkins, Definitive Technology, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio) since February 2023, to position the Marantz brand on the premium Home Cinema market , in addition to that of Hi-Fi.

For the rest, the Marantz Cinema 30 of course takes up most of the specifications of the Marantz Cinema 40, modulo some developments in terms of components and the connectivity, the presence of DTS:X Pro processing. Likewise, the Marantz Cinema 30 has two additional amplification channels, making eleven, offering the possibility of managing thirteen with the addition of an external stereo amplifier.

Marantz Cinema 30, main specifications££££

The Marantz Cinema 30 is therefore the big brother of the Cinema 40. As such, it of course benefits from all of the latter's specifications. In addition to its aesthetics, it therefore has an OSD, 1080p color displaying a lot of information on the screen, in particular the nature of the input and output signals with, for example, the actually active channels. And cSimilarly, we find a display in addition to the transport buttons behind the front hatch to use the amplifier without the remote control, comfortable power (slightly increased, see below), seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, all obedience 2.1. Likewise, the Dirac Live calibration process is planned via a future firmware update and it is now possible to connect up to four subwoofers via as many outputs.

Marantz Cinema 30, main specifications the rest££££

We still notice a pre-amplifier mode on all channels with a Pre-Out 13.4 output, management of HDR10, HDR10+, HDR HLG and HDR technologies Dolby Vision, UHD 8K Upscaling up to 60 Hz and the possibility of applying the audio processing available on a Dolby signal, for example engaging DTS Virtual:X on a Dolby Digital 5.1 signal.

To return to the HDMI 2.1 inputs/outputs, these support all the features of the standard: VRR, ALLM, eARC, QMS, QFT and Ultra HD 4K 120 fps (see our HDMI 2.1 standard news , welcome official, technical and ergonomic additions).

Marantz Cinema 30, main specifications the rest again… ££££

The Marantz Cinema 30 still relies on HDAM SA-2 pre-amplification stages (Curent Feedback type circuit, see photo more top) specially developed by the late Ken Ichiwata, the former ambassador of the brand, capacitors with a capacity of 44,000 microfarads, compatibility with 3D audio processing Dolby Atmos, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization (to simulate height speakers in the event of absence of these), DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X (to simulate height speakers in the event of their absence). Finally, Auro 3D decoding is still required.

At the equipment level, there is always the display of signal or volume information superimposed on an Ultra HD/4K stream. Precision, the Marantz Cinema 30 is Roon Tested certified. Without forgetting Finally the 360 Reality Audio sound processing developed by Sony, and compatibility with the Mpeg‑H standard (group of international standards including a video compression standard, an audio compression standard, a container format standard as well as related documents ).

Plus the availability of the Bluetooth TX function to broadcast the audio signal to a suitable headset in addition to the speakers. It is thus possible to enjoy your music on the speakers in the living room but also in the kitchen or bedroom via wireless headphones.

Marantz Cinema 30, Heos multiroom function and ££££ connectivity

For the rest, we find the Works with Alexa on this 11.4 model, the same for the Heos multiroom functionality. This amplifier can therefore easily be transformed into a link in a larger audio chain including real Heos HS2 speakers, to add sound to a home.

Marantz Cinema 30, bulk specifications…££££

We still notice the dual-band Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility (2.4 GHz/5 GHz), the Spotify Connect function in addition to the access to Tidal and Deezer streaming services.

The Marantz Cinema 30 is a Class A/B model with a power of 11 x 140 W RMS (into 8 ohms)/11 x 175 W RMS (into 6 ohms) . There is a UPnP (DLNA) audio/photo gateway function associated with access to TuneIn web radios, AirPlay 2 certification, a front USB Host port, a second at the rear to power a suitable device or even the possibility of controlling the Marantz Cinema 30 with an Android/iOS smartphone/tablet, after downloading a specific application called Marantz AVR App for free. We still note the Gapless function and MP3, WMA, AAC, Flac, Alac and Wav compatibility (up to 192 kHz/24 bits). Likewise, management of 2.8/5.6 MHz DSD formats and 4 ohm speakers are included. The same goes for the third HDMI output (allowing you to enjoy a source different from that assigned to the main room in another room) and Imax Enhanced compatibility.

Also present, automatic calibration of the system by Audyssey MultEQ XT 32 microphone (optional). Not forgetting Audyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ and Audyssey LFC processing, a Sharc DSP, dual 32-bit ESS Saber converter and a Source Direct mode. Plus MDAX2 processing to improve the rendering of compressed music.

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Marantz Cinema 30, larigot connectors££££

The connection therefore has seven HDMI inputs, plus three outputs, 2.1 CEC certified HDCP 2.3, transparent to Deep Color, xvYCC, 1080p/24 and 3D, Ultra HD 4K or 8K signals. Added to this are two Composite, one YUV, seven stereo RCA, one Phono (MM), two coaxial, two optical, two Pre-Out 2.0 outputs (zone 2 and zone 3), the Pre-Out 31.4 output already mentioned, and four subwoofer outputs. Plus thirteen pairs of screw terminal blocks, two USB ports (Host on the front, 5 V/21.5 A on the back) and another Ethernet.

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Speaks to Dave Sheen, President of Luxury Performance Audio Group, Masimo Consumer££££

Dave Sheen, President of Luxury Performance Audio Group, Masimo Consumer, said: “Cinema 30 embodies Marantz excellence in the AVR category and one of the most sophisticated designs the team has created in its 70-year history. I can't wait to see the reception our loyal customers and specialist journalists have in store for him.”

Availability, in black or silver finish, immediately. Please note, the Marantz Cinema 30 is guaranteed for 5 years. Indicative price: 4,500 euros.

Reminder of the key characteristics of the Marantz Cinema 30:

• Model: 11.4

• Power: 9 x 175 W at 6 ohms, 9 x 140 W at 8 ohms

• THD ( total harmonic distortion): 0.05%

• Inputs: 7 HDMI 2.1 CEC, 2 Composites, 1 YUV, 7 stereo RCA (including one on the front), 1 Phono (MM), 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 USB Host port (front), 1 powered USB port (rear) and 1 Ethernet port

• Outputs: 3 HDMI outputs (eARC function), 1 zone 2 stereo RCA, 1 zone 3 stereo RCA, 1 Pre-Out 13.4, 1 RS-232, 13 pairs of screw terminals

• OSD functions

• UPnP Audio Gateway (DLNA) functions

• ALLM functions

• VRR functions

• QFT functions

• QMS functions

• Spotify Connect functions

• Tidal functions

• Deezer functions

• Soundcloud functions

• Amazon Music HD functions

• Flac HD compatibility

• DSD 2.8/5.6 MHz compatibility

• Wav compatibility

• Alac compatibility

• MP3 compatibility

• WMA compatibility

• AAC Compatibility

• DTS Audio:X

• Audio Dolby Atmos Height Virtualizer

• Audio DTS Virtual:X

• Audio eARC

• Audio Calibration Dirac Live

• Audio Processing Audyssey Dynamic Volume

• Audio Processing Audyssey Dynamic EQ

• Audio Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 with the addition of an external stereo amplifier

• Audio Calibration automatic Audyssey MultEQ ;• Dolby Vision HDR Video

• BT.2020 Compatibility Video

• Ultra HD Pass-Trought Function Video

• 3D Ready Video

• HDR10+ Video

• Video Function Ultra HD/8K Upscaling (24/25/30/60)

• Video Ultra HD/4K Upscaling Function (24/25/30/60/120)

• Imax Enhanced Certification

• Network IP Control

• Dual Band Wi-Fi Network (2.4/5 GHz)

• AirPlay 2 compatibility

• Bluetooth TX Network

• Heos Application Network

• Multimedia Works with Alexa

• Multimedia Roon Tested

• Hi-Res Audio streaming via USB/network: yes

• Web radios: TuneIn

• Hi-Res Audio certification

• HDCP 2.3 certification

• Other(s): integrated Heos multiroom module

• Dimensions (W x H x D, mm): 442 x 257 x 457 mm (Wi-Fi antennas deployed)

• Consumption: 780 W (0.2 W in standby)

• Weight: 19.4 kg