Marantz Cinema 40

    93
    Image cannot be found

    Highlights

    • 9.4 Channels
    • 11.4 Channel Processing
    • 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    • HDMI 2.1
    • Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D
    • HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision
    • 8K Passthrough, 8K Upscaling
    • Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet
    • Phono Input

    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    1. Overview

    Marantz Cinema 40 was introduced in 2022. It is equipped with 9 channel amplifier with 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) power per channel and is capable of 11.4 maximum channel processing. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, passes 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz and upscales up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.

    We evaluated the a/v receiver and gave 93 overall score out of 100. Our ranking system is based on the amplifier specifications, audio and video features, connectivity, multizone capabilities, radio and many other details.

    Amplifier
    90
    Audio Features
    93
    Video Features
    99
    Connectivity
    90
    Zones
    92
    Radio
    96
    OVERALL
    93

    For more details about the ranking please go to    Evaluation section.

    2. Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Marantz Cinema 40.

    PROs

    •   High Power Output - 125 W
    •   11.4 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   IMAX Enhanced
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   DSD via HDMI
    •   Auto Speaker Calibration System with Mic.
    •   HDR10
    •   HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   HDMI Version
    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   VRR
    •   QFT
    •   8K Passthrough
    •   8K Upscaling
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   HEOS
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   3 Zones
    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    CONs

    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   No Digital Radio

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   9.4 Channels
    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   Bluetooth 4․2

    3. Marantz 2022 Lineup

    In 2022 Marantz released 5 new receivers. Here is the lineup:

    Marantz 2022 Lineup
    ModelChannelsPowerMax. Ch. Proc.Pre OutsImmersive AudioZones Price
    Cinema 40 Image cannot be found 9.4125 W11.411.4Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D
    3
    Cinema 50 Image cannot be found 9.4110 W11.411.4Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    Auro 3D
    2
    Cinema 60 Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.17.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    2
    Cinema 60 DAB Image cannot be found 7.2100 W7.17.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    2
    Cinema 70s Image cannot be found 7.250 W7.17.2Dolby Atmos
    DTS:X
    2

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Marantz Cinema 40 vs Cinema 50 vs Cinema 60 vs Cinema 60 DAB vs Cinema 70s.

    4. Changes from the SR7015

    Marantz Cinema 40 has replaced SR7015. Here we present differences between these two models.

    UPGRADES Marantz Cinema 40 vs Marantz SR7015
    More Channels 9.4 vs 9.2
    Dolby Atmos Music vs
    Dialog Enhancement vs
    More Advanced Auto Speaker Calibration System Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade) vs Audyssey MultEQ XT32
    More 8K Inputs 7 vs 1
    +12V Trigger Output 3 vs 2
    Wi-Fi Standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac vs IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n
    DOWNGRADES Marantz Cinema 40 vs Marantz SR7015
    Dialog Level Adjustment vs
    Less HDMI Inputs 7 vs 8
    Less RCA Line Inputs 5 vs 6 (1 front)
    Multi-Channel Input vs 7.1
    Less Composite Video Inputs 2 vs 4 (1 front)
    Less Composite Video Outputs vs 1
    Less Component Video Inputs 1 vs 3
    Less Component Video Outputs vs 1
    Front A/V Inputs USB vs HDMI, USB, Composite, L/R Audio
    Zone 2 Outs HDMI, Pre Out vs HDMI, Component, Composite, Pre Out

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Marantz Cinema 40 vs SR7015.

    5. Amplifier

    9 channel Monolithic Amplifier

    Marantz Cinema 40 features 9 channel power amplifier with Monolithic design. It is rated at 125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven) and is able to drive 4 ohm speakers.

    • Current Feedback Topology: Marantz Cinema 40 features Current Feedback Topology which is a well known, Marantz’ original circuit technology. The Current Feedback amplifier technology fits perfectly with the high requirements set for Super Audio software providing wide-bandwidth, high-speed reproduction. The impedance at the Current Feedback point is limited resulting in a very low phase shift. Marantz receivers and amplifiers equipped with Current Feedback can keep the phase compensation via Negative FeedBack (NFB) to a minimum, resulting in high through-rate, excellent transient response and superb sonic transparency for the full bandwidth. Unlike conventional Voltage Feedback amplification, the Current Feedback amplification makes the power amplifier in-sensitive to difficult loudspeaker loads.
    • HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module): Marantz Cinema 40 features exclusive Marantz HDAM (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) technology found on their Reference Series components. Marantz developed its own discrete circuit boards to replace standard IC's. These HDAM's consist of discrete surface mount components with short mirror image L/R signal paths. Those devices are doing exactly the same thing as the Op-Amps, but outperform the regular IC Op-amps dramatically in terms of the Slew Rate and reduced noise level, resulting in a much more dynamic, accurate and detailed sound. Over the years Marantz developed different types of the HDAM to improve quality and to fit to the special requirements of a product category like CD or amplifier.
    AMPLIFIER
    Channels9.4
    Power Output125 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz - 20 kHz, 2 channel driven)
    Front Wide Channel Support
    Amplifier DesignMonolithic
    Current Feedback Topology
    Discrete Amplification
    HDAM
    THX™ Certification
    Continuous 6 Ω Rated
    Certified 4 Ω Performance
    Bi-amp Capability assignable

    6. Speaker Configurations

    Marantz Cinema 40's 9 channel amplifier can be assigned for different speaker configurations.

    • Dolby Atmos Configurations: The following speaker configurations are supported for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.4.2, 5.4.4, 7.4.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.4.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • DTS:X Configurations: The speaker configurations for DTS:X are the same as for Dolby Atmos:
    • 5.4.2, 5.4.4, 7.4.2 with internal amplifier.
    • 7.4.4 with addition of external 2 channel amplifier.
    • Configurations without height channels: There are also other speaker configurations available which do not include height channels:
    • 5.4, 7.4 with internal amplifier.
    • 2-ch Bi-Amp: Marantz Cinema 40 allows you to bi-amp up to 2 main channels simultaneously. During bi-amplification two amplifiers are used for one speaker. One amplifier powers the midrange and tweeter section of the speaker and another amplifier powers the low frequency woofers. Each amplifier is less loaded and performs better. In order to use this feature speakers must have 2 pairs of connectors.

    7. Immersive Audio Formats

    Dolby Atmos

    Marantz Cinema 40 supports Dolby Atmos with Surround Upmixer and Atmos Height Virtualization.

    • Surround Upmixer: If the content is not mixed in Dolby Atmos then the Dolby surround upmixer will expand the audio to all channels including ceiling speakers. The upmixer has replaced the Dolby Pro Logic II family with improved upmixing algorithms.
    • Atmos Height Virtualization is a digital signal processing solution that leverages Dolby's deep understanding of human audio perception to create the sensation of overhead sound from the listener-level speakers.

    DTS:X

    Marantz Cinema 40 supports DTS:X with Neural:X and Virtual:X.

    • Neural:X is an advanced upmixer that can take non DTS:X content and upmix it to the DTS:X speaker layout. It has replaced the DTS Neo family with improved flexibility.
    • Virtual:X bridges the gap between DTS:X codec and the reality of so many consumers' homes, allowing you to enjoy multi-dimensional sound regardless of room size, layout, or speaker configuration. If you have a limited speaker setup you will miss a full immersive potential of your entertainment system. DTS Virtual:X adds height and surround audio effect to your system without adding height speakers. It works with multiple configurations and delivers immersive sound experience out of 5.1 or even 2.1 speaker layouts.
    • DTS Dialog Control: This function adjusts the dialog levels during playback of the DTS:X stream. It allows you to separately increase the dialog levels in contrast with the background sound and hear dialog easily even under noisy circumstances.

    Auro-3D

    Marantz Cinema 40 supports Auro-3D. It is an immersive 3D audio format developed by the Belgium-based company Auro Technologies.

    • Auro-Matic upmixer takes non Auro-3D sound and upmixes to the current speaker configuration.

    IMAX Enhanced

    Marantz Cinema 40 is IMAX Enhanced certified. To qualify for IMAX Enhanced certification, 4K HDR televisions, projectors, sound bars, a/v receivers, loudspeakers, powered subwoofers and other premium home entertainment devices must meet carefully prescribed performance requirements established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading experts.

    • What makes an IMAX Enhanced A/V receiver different from an A/V receiver with DTS:X technology? DTS:X technology is commonly found in most multi-channel A/V receivers on the market today. All IMAX Enhanced A/V receivers include DTS:X technology and deliver additional features, such as auto-sensing of IMAX Enhanced content, via IMAX Mode. IMAX Mode indicates that your A/V receiver supports fully immersive IMAX signature sound.
    DECODING
    Dolby Atmos up to 7.1.4 or 5.1.6 with external amp
    Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    Dolby Atmos Music
    Dolby TrueHD
    Dolby Digital Plus
    Dolby Surround Upmixer
    Dolby Pro Logic
    Dolby Digital EX
    Surround EX
    DTS:X up to 7.1.4 or 5.1.6 with external amp
    DTS Neural:X
    DTS Virtual:X
    DTS Neo
    DTS-HD Master Audio
    DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
    DTS 96/24
    DTS Express
    DTS-ES Discrete 6.1, Matrix 6.1
    IMAX Enhanced
    Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer 11.1-ch (Built-In)

    8. HDMI 2.1

    Marantz Cinema 40 features 7 HDMI 2.1 inputs with 8K support. It has 3 outputs: 2 x 8K for MAIN and 1 x 4K for ZONE2.

    • 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz Passthrough: All inputs pass up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 video signal.
    • 8K Upscaling: Marantz Cinema 40 can upscale up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4 from HDMI and analog sources.
    • Analog To HDMI Upconversion: The a/v receiver supports video upconversion, so you can connect your analog Component and Composite video sources and Marantz Cinema 40 will output them via HDMI. This means that you will need only one HDMI cable to connect to your TV.
    • BT.2020 Color Space: BT.2020 or Rec. 2020 is a color standard which delivers a wider color gamut compared to Rec. 709. It covers approximately 75% of the total visual spectrum while the Rec. 709 covers only 35%.
    • HDCP 2.3 Copy Protection: All inputs and outputs are HDCP 2.3 compliant which is a requirement for 4K/HDR copy-protected content transmission.
    • 3D Ready: Marantz Cinema 40 is able to pass 3D video through HDMI.

    HDR (High Dynamic Range)

    Marantz Cinema 40 supports HDR (high dynamic range) video formats such as HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, Dynamic HDR and Hybrid Log-Gamma via HDMI ports. High dynamic range video has greater dynamic range than standard dynamic range (SDR) video with brighter whites and deeper blacks. The result is greater contrast and more details in dark and bright areas, better color and depth.


    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)

    Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature allows the compatible TV to send audio signal to the a/v receiver through the same HDMI cable which is used to send audio and video signals to the TV. So one HDMI cable is used to transfer audio signal in both directions. New Enhanced ARC will support uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio whereas the previous ARC could support only Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, DTS HD, and PCM.


    Gaming Features

    Marantz Cinema 40 supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Quick Frame Transport (QFT) for lag-free and smooth gaming.



    VIDEO FEATURES
    HDR10
    HDR10+
    Dynamic HDR
    BT.2020 color space
    Dolby Vision
    HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma)
    HDMI Version2.1
    HDBaseT Compatible
    Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC)
    HDCP Version2.3
    QMS (Quick Media Switching)
    ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode)
    VRR (Variable Refresh Rate)
    QFT (Quick Frame transport)
    3-D Ready
    Video Signal Passthroughup to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4
    Video Signal Upscaling up to 8K 50/60Hz and 4K 100/120Hz 4:4:4

    9. Room Calibration

    Marantz Cinema 40 comes with Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Dirac Live (upgrade) room correction system and includes the calibration microphone. It also supports Audyssey App.

    • Audyssey Room Calibration: Audyssey is an acoustic measurement technology which automatically restores the acoustic distortion caused by the acoustic behaviour of a room with only a push on a button. Audyssey equalization provides an clear, accurate, natural sound with voices and dialog that become focused and intelligible, restoring the musical balance. Musical instruments and sound effects become precisely localized and the surround soundstage is made seamless and enveloping.
    • Dirac Live: The interaction between your sound system and the physical layout of your room has a huge impact on sound quality. Dirac Live™ Room Correction applies state-of-the-art, patented algorithms to analyze and digitally reduce room impact and enhance speaker performance. Dirac Live delivers a larger sweet spot, accurate staging, clarity, voice intelligibility, and a deeper, tighter bass not otherwise possible. Fully tunable to your preference.

    10. Multi-zone Playback

    Marantz Cinema 40 offers multi-zone playback which allows you to play different input sources in 3 different rooms.


    Zone 2

    • Powered Zone 2: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 2 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • HDMI Output: Marantz Cinema 40 offers HDMI output for Zone 2. This means that it can send two different HDMI signals to two displays.
    • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 2 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.

    Zone 3

    • Powered Zone 3: You can use the unit's 2 amplifier channels by connecting Zone 3 speakers directly to the speaker terminals. The remaining 7 channels will be left for main zone amplification.
    • Audio Pre Output: If you have a dedicated power amplifier for Zone 3 you can connect it to the a/v receiver via pre outs and control volume from the a/v receiver.
    ZONES
    Number of Zones3
    Powered Zones 2 and 3
    Zone 2 OutsHDMI, Pre Out
    Zone 3 OutsPre Out
    RS-232C Interface
    +12V Trigger Output3
    Check out the receivers which are frequently compared to Marantz Cinema 40.

    11. Inputs and Outputs

    Audio

    • Phono Input: There is an MM phono input with built-in phono stage for connecting the moving magnet cartridge output of the turntable directly to the a/v receiver.
    • Analog Pre-Outs: Marantz Cinema 40 has 11.4 preamplifier outputs which allow you to connect the a/v receiver to the external power amplifier. You may want to use a high quality external amplifier for certain channels, usually for front L/R and center, and use the a/v receiver to power the rest. Also, Marantz Cinema 40 has 11 channel processing but has only 9 channel amplifier, so it needs the external amplifier connected to the analog pre-outs in order to reach the maximum speaker configuration.
    • Analog Line Inputs: There are 5 line inputs for analog audio connection.
    • Digital Inputs: 2 optical inputs and 2 coaxial inputs are available for digital audio connection.
    • Headphone Output: There is a 6.3 mm (1/4") headphone output jack on the front panel.

    Video

    • HDMI:
    • Inputs: 7   Outputs: 3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
      8K Inputs: 7
    • Composite Video: Connect you VCR, Laserdisc player and other old video equipment with composite video cables.
    • Inputs: 2   Outputs: 0
    • Component Video: Component video connection gives you the higher quality video compared to the composite video connection. So in case your old DVD player and other equipment do not have an HDMI output but have Component video output use this connection over the composite one. Marantz Cinema 40 supports up to 480i/576i resolution on Component video connectors.
    • Inputs: 1   Outputs: 0

    Front A/V Inputs

    • USB
    Image cannot be found
    Image cannot be found
    TERMINALS
    HDMI Inputs7
    HDMI Outputs3 (2 x 8K for MAIN, 1 x 4K for ZONE2)
    8K Inputs7
    USB Input1 Front for USB memory
    USB DC Out Port
    Optical Inputs2
    Optical Outputs
    Coaxial Inputs2
    RCA Line Inputs5
    RCA Line Outputs
    XLR Line Inputs
    Phono Input
    Multi-Channel Input
    RCA Pre-Outs11.4
    XLR Pre-outs
    Composite Video Inputs2
    Composite Video Outputs
    S-Video Inputs
    S-Video Outputs
    Component Video Inputs1
    Component Video Outputs

    12. Evaluation

    We evaluate Marantz Cinema 40 and give score of 93 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 6 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new receiver is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    93

    Amplifier

    EXCELLENT
    90

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 90 for Amplifier features.

    •   9.4 Channels
    •   High Power Output - 125 W

    Audio Features

    EXCELLENT
    93

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 93 for Audio Features features.

    •   9.4 Channels
    •   No Front Wide Channel Support
    •   11.4 Channel Processing
    •   Dolby Atmos
    •   Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
    •   DTS:X
    •   IMAX Enhanced
    •   Auro 3D with Auro-Matic Upmixer
    •   DSD via HDMI

    Video Features

    EXCELLENT
    99

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 99 for Video Features features.

    •   HDR10
    •   HDR10+
    •   Dolby Vision
    •   HDMI Version
    •   Auto Low Latency Mode Pass-through
    •   VRR
    •   QFT
    •   8K Passthrough
    •   8K Upscaling
    •   Analog To HDMI Upconversion

    Connectivity

    EXCELLENT
    90

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 90 for Connectivity features.

    •   eARC
    •   New HDCP Version
    •   Wi-Fi
    •   Bluetooth
    •   Works with Amazon Alexa
    •   Google Assistant
    •   HEOS
    •   7 HDMI Inputs
    •   4 HDMI Outputs
    •   7 8K Inputs
    •   USB Input
    •   RCA Line Inputs
    •   Phono Input
    •   RCA Pre-Outs
    •   Composite Video Inputs
    •   Component Video Inputs
    •   Ethernet
    •   Bluetooth 4․2

    Zones

    EXCELLENT
    92

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 92 for Zones features.

    •   3 Zones

    Radio

    EXCELLENT
    96

    We give Marantz Cinema 40 a score of 96 for Radio features.

    •   Analog Tuner
    •   Pandora
    •   Spotify
    •   Tidal

    For the complete list of specifications please go to the next page:

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