Marantz Cinema 30 Review

Some cinephiles have the luxury of a home theater installation that rivals a small cinema in size and equipment. For those who find a conventional sound setup insufficient, Marantz offers AV receivers like the Cinema 30. We took a closer look at this powerhouse.

by Thomas Johannsen

Marantz Cinema 30 rear view
As with all high-end AV receivers from Marantz, the control elements of the Cinema 30 are also hidden behind a flap.

The Cinema 30 doesn’t just feature seven or nine power amplifiers, like the Cinema 50 or Cinema 40; it has a full 11 amplifiers, providing ample power. Despite its size, this AV receiver, manufactured in Shirakawa, Japan, is truly a gem. The carefully crafted, staggered side panels with their meticulously finished surface shimmer like jewels. As is common in this price range, most of the front controls are hidden behind a solid flap. You can choose between a black or distinctive silver-gold finish. In the middle is, of course, the signature round display, flanked by two large dials.

Marantz Cinema 30 in silver
The Cinema 30 is also appealing in its silver-gold housing.

Plenty of Configurations

Inside the stylish casing are 11 power amplifiers that distribute their output across up to 13 speaker terminals. This allows for numerous, complex speaker setups, enabling configurations like 7.1.4 or 5.1.6. Five terminal pairs are fixed, while the other eight can be freely configured. For instance, you can use up to six speakers for height effects, creating a third dimension of sound, or use four height speakers and the remaining pairs to expand either back or front surround sound. You can also configure them for pure stereo operation in a second listening zone, though during this time, they won’t be part of the home theater setup. Switching between zones is done conveniently via remote control.

Marantz Cinema 30 remote control
The remote control is solidly built, with the most important functions accessible directly through a single button.

The possibilities expand even further when active speakers are involved. The Marantz can provide up to 13 channels via the pre-outs. This also allows for two stereo outputs for two separate stereo zones. The Cinema 30’s potential doesn’t stop there, as it can drive up to four subwoofers simultaneously. This means it can provide extra bass support in both stereo zones and deliver more punch in the home theater setup. This can be necessary in some rooms, especially to compensate for acoustically challenging conditions that often affect low-frequency performance.

Marantz Cinema 30 front view
With the cover open, the toroidal transformer, acting as the power source, is clearly visible, flanked on the left and right by thick heat sinks housing the 11 amplifiers—six on the right and five on the left.

Audio and Video Inputs

Of course, it’s important to consider which sources, whether audio or video, can be connected to the Cinema 30. In addition to wireless inputs like WiFi and Bluetooth, there are four digital sockets: two optical and two coaxial. A well-placed USB port on the front acts as an additional input for nearly any type of digital data.

Eight analog RCA inputs also allow for a wide variety of sources, including a turntable, as the Marantz has a built-in phono preamp.

The Cinema 30 has seven HDMI inputs and three outputs, providing flexible handling of video signals. In the home theater, for example, you can switch between a TV for daily use and a projector for the ultimate movie experience. The third HDMI output can deliver a completely different source to a second zone. All outputs support full bandwidth, including 8K signals, provided only one output is used at a time.

If two are in use, the main output, which also supports eARC, takes priority, and the second zone is limited to 4K resolution. In addition to the HDMI inputs, there are three analog video inputs on the rear: two for basic composite signals and one for higher-quality component signals. These are all upscaled and passed on to the three outputs.

Setup and Calibration

There’s no question that the connection and configuration options of the Cinema 30 are vast, which is where the built-in setup assistant in all Marantz AV receivers becomes essential. It guides you step-by-step through the correct connection of all speakers and sources, helps with network integration, and calibrates the connected speakers.

While experienced cinephiles might manage the wiring and network setup on their own, they shouldn’t skip adjusting the speakers to the room acoustics using the room correction software.

This is done with Audyssey MultEQ XT software, which is implemented here in its most advanced version and includes sophisticated adjustments for the four possible subwoofers. The required measurement microphone is included, as well as a cardboard stand, though we prefer to use a more stable metal version. Additionally, the Cinema 30 is hardware-ready for Dirac Live correction, so audiophiles will be pleased, though the associated software for smartphones, tablets, or PCs is available at an extra cost.

Depending on the speaker setup, the calibration process can take several minutes, as a total of eight measurements are taken, with each requiring a different microphone position. Each speaker is individually tested in each position. The 30-minute process is well worth it, as the result is an optimal 3D sound experience from every seat in the room.

Marantz Cinema 30 speaker configuration
One of the first tasks is to set up the current speaker configuration.
The Cinema 30 is also ready for DIRAC room correction
The Cinema 30 is also ready for DIRAC room correction, and the instructions can be downloaded via a QR code.
Marantz Cinema 30 The Cinema 30 includes an integrated setup assistant
The Cinema 30 includes an integrated setup assistant that guides you step by step through the installation process.
Audyssey room correction
Finally, the speakers are calibrated using Audyssey room correction.
Heos and AV Remote apps
Also available for download via QR code are the Heos and AV Remote apps for controlling the receiver from your smartphone. The Audyssey room correction can also be edited through the app.

The Perfect Cinema Sound

Once we connected the full speaker setup to the Cinema 30 and accurately calibrated everything, it was time to enjoy the results. After running our usual Atmos test disc, we played one film after another. Rain seemed to fall directly from the ceiling, and we instinctively ducked as helicopters or dragons flew overhead.

Battle scenes or claustrophobic tunnel sequences sent chills down our spines. The subwoofer delivered powerful, precise explosions with subsonic depth. The only issue that arose after using the Cinema 30 was that it made it hard to go back to a smaller home theater experience.

Specifications

Dimensions (W x H x D in mm): 442 x 189 x 457
Weight: 19.4 kg
Power Output (4 Ohm / 8 Ohm in Watts): 235 W / 162 W
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 94 dB
Channel Separation: 64 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.013%
Power Consumption (Off / Standby / 2 x 5 Watts): – / 0.1 / 65 W

Features:

Amplifiers / Decoders: 11 / 13.4
Dolby Atmos / DTS:X / Auro 3D / THX: • / • / • / –
USB Formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC HD 192/24, WAV 192/24, ALAC 192/24, DSD 2.8 MHz and 5.6 MHz
DSP Programs / Auto Calibration: Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dynamic EQ, Dynamic Volume, LFC
Multiroom / Bi-Amping: • / •
Streaming / FM-Tuner / Internet Radio: • / – / •
Network / WiFi / Bluetooth: • / • / •
Special Features: 8K Pass-Through, HEOS, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, DIRAC Live

Connections:

Front Inputs (USB / HDMI / Analog / Phones): • / – / – / •
Audio Inputs (Analog / Phono / Optical / Coaxial): 8 / 1 / 2 / 2
Video Inputs (HDMI / Composite / Component): 7 / 2 / 1
Audio Outputs (Analog / Optical / Coaxial): 13.4 Pre-Out, Zone 2 and Zone 3 Pre-Out, 4 x Subwoofer / – / –
Video Outputs (HDMI / Composite / Component): – / – / –

Marantz Cinema 30 back view, connection panel
No wishes are left unfulfilled, as the Cinema 30 offers plenty of inputs and outputs, both analog and digital.

Performance

Marantz Cinema 30 Frequency Response
Frequency Response: Crosstalk is not an issue, as both channels align perfectly across the entire audible range. The amplitude only starts to drop off above 30 kHz.
Marantz Cinema 30 Performance
Performance: Distortions are virtually nonexistent up to the power limits; at 8 Ohms (blue), the distortion factor only begins to rise significantly well above 162 watts, and at 4 Ohms (red), not until it reaches nearly 235 watts.

Verdict

9 Total Score
Recommended Marantz Cinema 30 Review

With the Marantz Cinema 30, you can fill even the largest home theater with immersive sound. Its extensive features and power reserves will rarely be pushed to their limits. And it looks great, no matter whether you choose the black or silver-gold version.

PROS
  • 11 powerful amplifiers
  • comprehensive room correction
  • integrated internet radio
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Marantz Cinema 30: Price Comparison

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Marantz Cinema 30 11.4 Channel 8K Home Theater Receiver with...
$4,500.00 8 new from $4,500.00
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Marantz CINEMA 30 11.4 Channel Home Theater Receiver - Black
$4,500.00
in stock
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Marantz Cinema 30 11.4 Channel 8K Home Theater Receiver with...
$4,500.00
in stock
World Wide Stereo
Last Amazon price update was: October 3, 2024 8:00 am
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Sound: 40% – 9.1/10
Lab: 10% – 8.9/10
Practical Use: 25% – 9.0/10
Features: 25% – 9.0/10

HOW GOOD is Marantz BEST RECEIVER? Marantz CINEMA 30 Review

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