Marantz has refreshed the middle and lower end of its CINEMA receiver range with three Series 2 models designed for home theater systems of different sizes. The lineup includes the CINEMA 50 Series 2, CINEMA 60 Series 2, and slimline CINEMA 70s Series 2, plus a DAB-equipped CINEMA 60 for Europe.

This is not a complete replacement of the CINEMA family. The CINEMA 30 and CINEMA 40 remain in the range, while the three Series 2 receivers retain the same channel counts and quoted power ratings as their predecessors. Most of the updates are inside the chassis or in the software, including a new DAC platform, broader Dirac Live support, improved gaming compatibility, and additional setup tools.

All three models use a new 32-bit, eight-channel digital-to-analog converter. It processes all eight channels simultaneously, which is intended to reduce timing errors and provide more consistent conversion across a surround system.

That is the kind of change that will need proper listening tests before anyone can judge how much it affects real-world performance. On paper, however, it is a more substantial update than simply adding a few watts to the specifications.

The new lineup breaks down as follows:

• CINEMA 50 Series 2: Nine amplified channels, 110 watts per channel, and processing for up to 11.4 channels
• CINEMA 60 Series 2: Seven amplified channels and 100 watts per channel
• CINEMA 60 DAB Series 2: A European version with DAB digital radio
• CINEMA 70s Series 2: Seven amplified channels, 50 watts per channel, and a slimline chassis

The CINEMA 50 remains the option for more elaborate speaker layouts. It can power a 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 system by itself, while its 11.4-channel processing and preamp outputs allow you to add an external power amplifier for extra channels. The CINEMA 60 and 70s are better suited to 7.2-channel or 5.2.2-channel systems.

One of the most useful changes is expanded Dirac Live compatibility. The previous CINEMA 50 already supported an optional Dirac upgrade, but the CINEMA 60, CINEMA 60 DAB, and CINEMA 70s are now upgradeable as well.

Dirac Live measures how your speakers interact with the room, then applies digital filters to address timing and frequency-response problems. It can be particularly helpful in the bass region, where walls and room dimensions often create noticeable peaks and dips.

There is an important catch: Dirac remains a paid upgrade rather than an included feature. The receivers still include Audyssey room correction, so you can complete the initial calibration without buying another license. The CINEMA 50 Series 2 is the only model in this group that supports the complete Dirac ecosystem, including Bass Control and Active Room Treatment.

Marantz is also adding Channel Level Monitoring, which displays real-time activity across the receiver’s channels. Web Control 2.0 allows you to configure the system from a phone, tablet, or computer, while HDMI Diagnostics 2.0 is designed to help professional installers identify connection and compatibility problems.

The CINEMA 50 Series 2 receives two features not offered on the other models. Dolby Atmos Channel Expander can use additional connected speakers when playing channel-based Atmos content, rather than leaving some speakers inactive.

A new Center Bi-Amp Mode also lets two amplifier channels drive compatible sections of a center speaker separately. Marantz presents this as a way to improve dialogue clarity, although the result will depend on the center speaker, room, and overall system configuration.

The receivers retain HDMI 2.1 features such as 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz pass-through, while adding 1440p/120Hz pass-through and AMD FreeSync compatibility. That will be most relevant to PC users and console players with displays that support variable refresh rates at 1440p.

A future firmware update is also expected to add low-latency Bluetooth LE Audio for compatible headphones and mobile devices. HEOS remains built in for music streaming and multiroom playback, with Marantz promising improved responsiveness and expanded multiroom functions.

The CINEMA 50 Series 2 costs $3,000, the CINEMA 60 Series 2 costs $2,000, and the CINEMA 70s Series 2 costs $1,500. Each U.S. model is therefore $200 more expensive than the version it replaces.

The CINEMA 50 and CINEMA 60 Series 2 will be available from August 12, 2026, with the CINEMA 70s Series 2 following on September 15. European pricing starts at €1,100 or £950 for the CINEMA 70s and rises to €2,100 or £1,850 for the CINEMA 50.

The Series 2 update does not dramatically change what these receivers are designed to do. Instead, it concentrates on room correction, system management, gaming support, and internal conversion, which are the areas that may matter more in daily use than another small increase in headline power.