NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: MARANTZ CINEMA 30 AV RECEIVER

If you’re a fan of the Marantz Cinema Line of AV receivers, you know that the latest model in its lineup, the Cinema 30, was announced in 2023 but through last week was not yet available for shipping.  This week, however, is a different story.  So give us a call at AV Enthusiast to put in your order.

MARANTZ’ NEW FLAGSHIP RECEIVER

The Cinema 30 is the highly-anticipated flagship replacement for Marantz’ SR8015 (which is currently out of stock).  Boasting seven 8K HDMI inputs along with one phono input, two digital inputs, and six analog inputs, it is heads above any of the previous receivers in their Cinema line.

Not only does it offer 11 channels rated at 140 watts/8 ohms each, plus 2 driven channels, it provides a significantly low distortion level of 0.05% THD. It also sports 4 independent subwoofer channels that can be driven with either a “Standard” or “Directional” setting, dependent upon your preference for evenly-distributed bass performance throughout the room or bass that is tailored to the nearest speaker. The Cinema 30 also uses the same symmetrical, monolithic amplifier design used in the SR8015 that incorporates an 835VA toroidal transformer along with 22,000uFx power supply capacitors, dual rows of heatsinks, and 4 low-noise cooling fans. 

Additionally, the Cinema 30’s selectable preamp mode can be used to improve sound quality even further by disconnecting any unused power-amp channels when external power amplifiers are being used, producing the “characteristic warmth and musicality” that Marantz is known for.

The appearance of the Cinema 30 is a much more stylish look than the SR8015, having the signature sculpted front panel design characteristic of the Cinema line.  In contrast, the front panel of the SR8015 is quite plain, although it has the same porthole and the same larger, more detailed display behind a fold-down panel.

COMPARISON TO THE CINEMA 40

Although at first glance the Cinema 30 could be mistaken for a Cinema 40, the physical dimensions are quite different.  At 17.6 inches as opposed to 15.8 inches, the chassis of the Cinema 30 is significantly deeper than that of the Cinema 40 and is composed of a higher percentage of copper plating.  The toroid transformer possibly contributes to its greater weight of 42.8 pounds, which is 9.5 pounds heavier than the Cinema 40.

When it comes to its DAC chipset, the Cinema 30 outshines the Cinema 40 with its use of state-of-the-art high-performance 32-bit ESS Sabre DACs with built-in jitter reduction.  According to Marantz, this allows it to “precisely decode and accurately process all forms of incoming audio, from high resolution stereo to the latest forms of immersive audio, including Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X Pro, and Auro 3D.” 

Similar to the Cinema 40, the Cinema 30 also includes Audyssey MultEQ XT32 room optimization, which uses a microphone to automatically calibrate the device for speaker sizes, speaker distances, and level adjustments, in addition to other parameters. It also works with 3^rd party software from Dirac – both Dirac Live and Dirac Live Bass Control - that must be purchased separately online as an add-on license.  Dirac Live uses proprietary algorithms to acoustically tune the room, making it mostly unnecessary to use the more expensive method of installing acoustical panels on the walls and ceiling.  However, it does not tune the subwoofers, and that is where Dirac Live Bass Control steps in and steps up to the job.  This outstanding bass control software has only recently become available for Marantz products and is simply one more excellent reason to purchase a Cinema 30.   

Got questions?  AV Enthusiast has the answers!

Please call us at 256-882-5081.

The AV Enthusiast showroom is located at 514 Madison Street in Huntsville, Alabama.  Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM.