Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver
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Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver Review

ByGordon Lyn

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver is an advanced AVR amplifier, a 9.4-channel powerhouse delivering 235W of power, specially designed to create an immersive home theater experience that leaves a lasting impression. Its luxurious aluminum front panel enhances the overall aesthetic appeal.

About Marantz Cinema Receiver Series

Marantz, a globally renowned high-fidelity audio manufacturer, has upheld its brand philosophy of “Born from Sound, Showcasing Modern Luxury” since its establishment in 1953. With 70 years of advanced technology and an unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Marantz has earned recognition from an increasing number of professionals and audiophiles.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

In 2022, Marantz embarked on a new chapter, prioritizing art and lifestyle while preserving unwavering technology and quality. The CINEMA Series was born from this endeavor, boasting opulent design, superior performance, outstanding audio quality, and the brand’s long-standing commitment to artisanal craftsmanship. It also sets a new benchmark for high-quality home theater products.

The CINEMA Series comprises a flagship immersive preamplifier/processor, complementary 16-channel amplifiers, and multiple AV receivers, delivering a stunning home listening experience for discerning movie and music enthusiasts.

Design

The Marantz CINEMA 40 Receiver offers 9.4-channel output and 11.4-channel processing, natively supporting configurations like Dolby Atmos 5.1.4 and 7.1.2. Each channel delivers a powerful 125W (8Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, 0.05% 2ch Drive) power.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

With additional external amplifiers, it can provide 7.1.4 and 5.1.6 channel output. Equipped with the latest flagship Sharc – Griffin Lite XP DSP processor, it supports a comprehensive range of 3D audio formats, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, Auro-3D, MPEG-H, and 360 Reality Audio. It also supports simulated 3D audio with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization.

As part of Marantz’s high-end series, the CINEMA 40 boasts an audiophile-grade power supply and capacitors (71V/1,500uF x 2), including a custom 4.8kg toroidal transformer, providing high-speed and high-current power supply.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

It features an independent HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Modules) circuit board, with 15 sets of identical capacitors for buffering and the proprietary HDAM-SA2 Brush Up module used in AMP 10, ensuring high-quality audio processing.

Taking cues from the SR8015’s power amplifier stage, it becomes the first AV receiver with nine sets of independent monaural amplification circuits on a single board, effectively reducing interference and enhancing sound quality.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

Its eight sets of stereo DACs are arranged in a fully symmetrical layout, complemented by components such as voltage filter capacitors and gold-plated RCA terminals, all exclusive to the high-end series and designed to elevate audio quality. Moreover, the CINEMA 40 is manufactured in Japan, guaranteeing top-notch craftsmanship and quality.

The CINEMA 40’s four subwoofer outputs also support the Standard Mode and offer Directional settings. Zoning can be configured to provide more nuanced and three-dimensional low-frequency effects when using two or more subwoofers.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

The Subwoofer Pre-out can also connect to a Tactile Transducer vibrating chair, adding more versatility to the gaming experience. Like other models in the CINEMA series, it also supports a higher-quality Pre-out connection mode for direct disconnection of speaker outputs. In terms of surround sound calibration, in addition to Audyssey MultEQ XT32, it also supports the paid Dirac Live upgrade, which has been proven to have outstanding performance in previous tests with AV 10 + AMP 10, making it worth trying.

During this testing phase, the Marantz CINEMA 40 also received a firmware update, providing richer advanced low-frequency settings, including independent crossover points and subwoofer outputs for two-channel configurations, accompanied by detailed graphical menu interfaces for more user-friendly operations.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

The unit features seven input and three output HDMI ports, with an increased current of up to 300mA, ensuring better compatibility with optical HDMI cables and other accessories. It supports eARC for audio return and is compatible with 4K/120Hz, and 8K/60Hz, as well as HDR formats like Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, along with ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

In addition to enjoying movies, gamers can experience the best audio and visual specifications. It comes with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity and is equipped with the robust HEOS multi-room music streaming function. It is compatible with AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL, and Roon Tested, making music listening equally convenient.

Sound Performance

For this test, the setup consisted of B&W 702 S3 as the front speakers, HTM71 S3 as the center channel, M1 as the rear speakers, with M1 serving as the front and back height channels, and CCM663 used for the overhead channels.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

The system was complemented by PV1D and ASW610 subwoofers and two-channel external amplifiers, forming a 5.2.6-channel system. The first test was conducted with “Spider-Man: Far From Home” During the scene where the mysterious enemy constructs a virtual building using drones and battles Spider-Man, the seamless transition between real and virtual elements demonstrates impressive realism in sound spatialization.

The impact of the protagonist colliding with walls created a tangible sense of texture, and in conjunction with the visuals, even after multiple viewings, it managed to evoke surprising reactions. Additionally, clear directionality and sound positioning were provided in scenes with rapid movement and transitions.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

The flagship DSP, combined with the Marantz CINEMA 40’s heavy-duty amplifier design and two Directional subwoofers, reproduced an exceptionally detailed and expansive soundstage, surpassing the listening environment.

The six overhead channels, both front and rear heights, delivered precise sound positioning and a realistic sense of presence when playing scenes involving high-flying, drone flyovers, and magical effects. The coherence provided by the five floor-level channels was good, and even the typically weaker rear surround effects were well-achieved.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

Watching the opening scene of “A Quiet Place Part II” with meteorite impacts and monstrous chaos, the low-frequency result was ample, emphasizing the depth and thickness of the bass. Apart from movie-watching, Marantz’s other strength lies in music playback. Using the Auro-3D mode to watch “The Berlin Concert: Live from the Waldbuhne,” the surround effect was outstanding, recreating a lifelike sense of being at the concert.

The audience’s cheers and applause felt genuine. At the same time, the vocals were smooth and natural, with excellent fidelity for both male and female voices. This setup is one of the best sound-performing combinations for those who enjoy watching live performances such as concerts and recitals.

Conclusion

As Marantz’s current highest-tier AV receiver in their new generation of products, the Marantz CINEMA 40 9.4-Ch receiver delivers a three-dimensional, detailed, spacious, and accurately positioned sound performance. It boasts a rich and layered low-frequency response and Marantz’s smooth and warm sound signature, making it excel in movie-watching and music-listening experiences.

Marantz Cinema 40 9.4-Ch Receiver

The two models share similar functionalities and specifications compared to the CINEMA 50 from the same lineup. The CINEMA 50 stands out as one of the most cost-effective and feature-rich 9.4-channel AV receivers, while the CINEMA 40 is more suitable for users seeking higher sound quality.

After all, sound detail, layering, and spatiality rates cannot be fully reflected in specifications and parameters alone. The CINEMA 40 surpasses mid-range models in these aspects, making it one of the most high-quality and versatile AV receiver options currently available.

Customer’s Opinion

The setup process for my Marantz Cinema 40 was smooth and straightforward, especially with the comprehensive Audyssey calibration. Watching my favorite surround sound discs revealed enhanced detail. I appreciate the projector/monitor arrangement, making it easy to follow instructions. Although the main display is minimalist, the remote is clear and user-friendly. FM reception impressed me, and the Audyssey room correction exceeded my expectations. While some may consider the Dirac option, I find Audyssey more than adequate for my needs.

Absolutely no issues with my Marantz Cinema 40 so far. It sounds fantastic in a 2-channel stereo setup and delivers amazing performance with a full 7.2.4 Atmos configuration. It effortlessly drives all my audio equipment. Sound and video quality are excellent, passing through 120Hz 4K signals flawlessly. Overall, I’m extremely satisfied with this receiver’s performance.

“Recently upgrading to the Marantz Cinema 40 from my old AVR, I am blown away by the audio quality, particularly the surround sound. Each speaker produces convincing, crisp, and detailed surround effects. Previously, I had to increase the volume for my center speaker to comfortably hear dialogue, but after calibration with the Cinema 40, I didn’t need to adjust anything. The balance across all speakers is spot-on, and I was pleasantly surprised by the well-balanced sound of the center channel with the front left and right speakers. I’m eagerly looking forward to trying Dirac Live in a few months, as the sound is already impressive, and I can only imagine how much better it will become.

The Marantz Cinema 40 is a game-changer for my home theater setup. Its advanced features and impeccable sound quality elevate my movie-watching experience to a whole new level. The 9.4-channel output and powerful 125W per channel provide a captivating and immersive audio experience. Whether I’m watching action-packed blockbusters or enjoying music concerts, the sound reproduction is phenomenal. The compatibility with various 3D audio formats, such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, ensures a three-dimensional sonic landscape always surrounds me. I highly recommend the Cinema 40 to anyone seeking top-notch audio performance in their home theater.

After extensive research and comparisons, I settled on the Marantz Cinema 40 for my dream home theater setup, and it has exceeded my expectations. The craftsmanship and build quality reflect Marantz’s commitment to excellence. Setting up the receiver and performing the Audyssey calibration were seamless processes, allowing me to optimize the audio performance effortlessly. The soundstage is expansive and detailed, with accurate sound positioning that immerses me in the on-screen action. Including presets for every channel is a significant advantage, as I can easily expand my system with additional speakers in the future. The Cinema 40’s ability to handle a variety of audio formats and its support for high-resolution audio streaming via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make it a versatile and future-proof investment for any serious home theater enthusiast.