The Marantz Cinema 30 is a new flagship AV receiver from Marantz released at the beginning of 2024, designed to meet the needs of advanced home theater setups and discerning audio enthusiasts. It serves as a powerful alternative to its predecessor, the SR8015, by incorporating high-performance audio and processing capabilities, with some updated features that mark it as a top-tier option in Marantz’s current lineup.
The Cinema 30 carries Marantz’s modern design language, marked by a minimalist approach that includes a sculpted front panel, selectable side lighting, and the distinctive porthole display—an element long associated with Marantz products. Built in Shirakawa, Japan, the unit combines Marantz’s attention to quality with an emphasis on durability, seen in its multi-layer chassis, copper plating, and a five-year warranty.
The layout also features a fold-down front panel that conceals less frequently accessed controls, creating a streamlined aesthetic, unusual for AV receivers. Offered in Black and Silver Gold finishes, the Cinema 30 is designed to integrate well in various media setups, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.
The key feature of the Cinema 30 is its amplification power. This model provides 11 channels of Class AB amplification at 140 watts per channel, a design Marantz describes as a symmetrical, monolithic amplifier setup, intended to maximize performance with low distortion. Each amplifier channel is mounted on a dedicated PCB opposite the power supplies, optimizing signal flow and reducing interference, a layout that Marantz asserts as among the most advanced in the AVR category.
The Cinema 30’s internal components closely resemble those found in the SR8015, including an 835VA toroidal transformer, large power supply capacitors, and a robust cooling system with dual heatsinks and low-noise fans. This combination allows the Cinema 30 to deliver stable power across demanding audio setups. The amplifier design is intended to offer both clean sound reproduction and reliable power output for larger speaker configurations.
With 13.4 channels of processing, the Cinema 30 provides users with the flexibility to add additional external amplification if desired, such as for a front-wide channel pair, making it adaptable to various speaker arrangements.
Marantz integrates its HDAM SA-2 preamp stage within the Cinema 30, which, along with selectable preamp mode, allows users to disconnect unused power-amp channels when external amps are employed, aiming to further refine audio quality and optimize power flow.
The Cinema 30 supports advanced audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced, DTS:X Pro, and Auro 3D. Equipped with a high-performance 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC with jitter reduction and an Analog Devices SHARC dual DSP chipset, the receiver aims to ensure precise decoding and processing of high-resolution audio signals. The DACs and DSP work together to handle both stereo and immersive audio formats, with an objective of providing accurate and dynamic soundstage performance across a wide range of audio content.
For room calibration, the Cinema 30 uses Audyssey MultEQ XT32, which assists in automatically adjusting speaker sizes, distances, and levels using an included microphone. For those seeking additional customization, Marantz also offers Dirac Live support as an add-on. Dirac Live calibration can be downloaded and provides Dirac Live Bass Control, which optimizes low-frequency integration for up to four independent subwoofers.
This feature is especially valuable for achieving a coherent bass response, even in challenging room environments. This level of room correction capability ensures that the Cinema 30 can be fine-tuned to suit both simple and complex home theater configurations.
The Cinema 30 includes a range of connectivity options to support modern video and audio sources. With seven HDMI inputs, all capable of handling 8K video, the receiver is equipped to accommodate high-definition video from a variety of sources. Additionally, it includes two independent 8K HDMI outputs and a 4K HDMI output for a second zone, allowing users to connect multiple displays or projectors.
Marantz has improved the Cinema 30’s user experience with a new high-resolution user interface, simplifying setup and customization. The interface organizes all available settings and configurations intuitively, allowing users to personalize their setup efficiently.
For legacy sources, the Cinema 30 includes a component video input—a rare feature in modern AVRs. The inclusion of multiple analog and digital audio inputs further expands the receiver’s compatibility with various devices, making it adaptable for new and existing setups.
For streaming and multi-room audio, the Cinema 30 features Marantz’s HEOS platform, which integrates Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. This integration allows users to stream from a broad range of services and connect to other HEOS-enabled devices in the home. The Cinema 30 also offers support for voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, enhancing its appeal for smart home integration.
With a focus on ease of use, the Cinema 30 includes a backlit aluminum remote control that allows users to operate the unit even in low-light environments. This remote complements the Cinema 30’s voice assistant compatibility, giving users a choice between manual and voice-based control methods.
Key Features:
Priced at $4,500 at Dreamedia, the Marantz Cinema 30 competes in the high-end segment of AV receivers, positioned as a powerful option for users needing advanced home theater features. While the Cinema 40 is a step-down model with fewer channels and less robust amplification, the Cinema 30 delivers 11 onboard channels, additional processing flexibility, and enhanced power capabilities.
With its combination of high-performance DACs, DSP processing, room optimization options, and multi-room capabilities, the Cinema 30 is well-suited for both dedicated home theaters and media rooms. Its range of features, coupled with Marantz’s reputation for build quality and sound fidelity, places the Cinema 30 as a compelling option for enthusiasts and professionals looking to create immersive audio environments with flexibility and precision.
