Marantz 70s pre-pro or something else?

[Amari]

Hi,
I currently run a Sonos Arc + One on my TV, but like to replace it with something which does a better job at stereo music listening. The Sonos Arc is rather unsatisfying when it comes to music. I am not new into Hifi, but I would need your help to find a proper AVR, which can take the TV signal via eARC and Spotify / Tidal connect for music listening.

I was looking into the Marantz Cinema 70s, because I can get it here for around 500 Euro new, and use the pre-outs with a used stereo amp to drive both front speakers. I was looking into something in the size of Elac Vela BS, or Kef LS 50s, whatever I find on the used market.

I read the review from @amirm about the cinema 70s, which seemed to be not so great. I also wish that the 70s would support dirac. So maybe there are better alternatives to consider? Especially if I spend 500 for the AVR + another 500 for a used Amp. Maybe there is a better alternative to start up on.

Would like to know what you think.

 

[peng]

Hi,
I currently run a Sonos Arc + One on my TV, but like to replace it with something which does a better job at stereo music listening. The Sonos Arc is rather unsatisfying when it comes to music. I am not new into Hifi, but I would need your help to find a proper AVR, which can take the TV signal via eARC and Spotify / Tidal connect for music listening.

I was looking into the Marantz Cinema 70s, because I can get it here for around 500 Euro new, and use the pre-outs with a used stereo amp to drive both front speakers. I was looking into something in the size of Elac Vela BS, or Kef LS 50s, whatever I find on the used market.

I read the review from @amirm about the cinema 70s, which seemed to be not so great. I also wish that the 70s would support dirac. So maybe there are better alternatives to consider? Especially if I spend 500 for the AVR + another 500 for a used Amp. Maybe there is a better alternative to start up on.

Would like to know what you think.

The Cinema 70 should be fine with 2 channel stereo music as a preaamp/dac. I have done it with the very similar AVR-X1800H for a few months and had no complaints, and I did use it with Dirac Live. You can use the C70 with Dirac Live too, just have to use the PC standalone version, so you do have buy a license, that is not too expensive if you buy it when it goes on sale.

 

[ban25]

Maybe consider the new KEF Q Concerto Meta as an alternative to the LS50. You'll get more bass response from dedicated woofer in a 3-way design.

 

[jaakkopetteri]

Do you really need to spend 500 on an amp? The new PFFB offerings from 3e Audio for example seem like a great choice.

The 70s should be pretty great as a preamp. I wouldn't worry about no Dirac since you can use Audyssey Evo

 

[Amari]

Do you really need to spend 500 on an amp? The new PFFB offerings from 3e Audio for example seem like a great choice.

No, I am not decided yet. Just looking for something which measures well. On the used market there are a lot of old rotel and nad amps. I might also use the avr without in the beginning.

@ban25 thanks. I didn't know this option existed. Good alternative to the R3 and LS 50 indeed.
If I get lucky, I might have found a new pair of the Vela 403.2 (new version with jet 6 tweeter) for 1200 Euro. I think for this price this might be the best option for me. Last time I heard them, I was really impressed from this model.

Dirac over PC is no option for me, unfortunately. I really need some standalone solution which just works. Focus is really on comfort in use. On my PC I already have another setup with an RME Fireface + Adam Audio Monitors. But maybe you are right, and I can skip on this feature. I didn't realize that the license is not included with the Marantz AVR anyway.

So you guys think going with the 70s is fine? I like the looks, was only concerned about the measurements and if other Brands like Denon would be better. But in the end Denon and Marantz are almost identical anyway. I just realised that the next class up from Denon is also in a good price range, Denon X3800h.

 

[ban25]

So you guys think going with the 70s is fine? I like the looks, was only concerned about the measurements and if other Brands like Denon would be better. But in the end Denon and Marantz are almost identical anyway. I just realised that the next class up from Denon is also in a good price range, Denon X3800h.

It's a very handsome, compact design. You will be very happy, having true stereo separation is a huge step up from a soundbar.

 

[NISSE]

Hi,
I currently run a Sonos Arc + One on my TV, but like to replace it with something which does a better job at stereo music listening. The Sonos Arc is rather unsatisfying when it comes to music. I am not new into Hifi, but I would need your help to find a proper AVR, which can take the TV signal via eARC and Spotify / Tidal connect for music listening.

I was looking into the Marantz Cinema 70s, because I can get it here for around 500 Euro new, and use the pre-outs with a used stereo amp to drive both front speakers. I was looking into something in the size of Elac Vela BS, or Kef LS 50s, whatever I find on the used market.

I read the review from @amirm about the cinema 70s, which seemed to be not so great. I also wish that the 70s would support dirac. So maybe there are better alternatives to consider? Especially if I spend 500 for the AVR + another 500 for a used Amp. Maybe there is a better alternative to start up on.

Would like to know what you think.

Hi,
Your plan seems to be good, to use the C70s as a preamp/DAC . If yo look at Amirs test, the preout/DAC meassurements for the C70s are pretty good. I use a simmilar setup, but with a NR1606 and a NAD C272 (front). The NAD plays very good, and with 150W there are plenty of power. Highly recomended. Be careful though, before you buy. The C272 is more than 20 years old. To use the C70s as a preamp/processor is a good and cheap choice. Good luck.

 

[peng]

No, I am not decided yet. Just looking for something which measures well. On the used market there are a lot of old rotel and nad amps. I might also use the avr without in the beginning.

@ban25 thanks. I didn't know this option existed. Good alternative to the R3 and LS 50 indeed.
If I get lucky, I might have found a new pair of the Vela 403.2 (new version with jet 6 tweeter) for 1200 Euro. I think for this price this might be the best option for me. Last time I heard them, I was really impressed from this model.

Dirac over PC is no option for me, unfortunately. I really need some standalone solution which just works. Focus is really on comfort in use. On my PC I already have another setup with an RME Fireface + Adam Audio Monitors. But maybe you are right, and I can skip on this feature. I didn't realize that the license is not included with the Marantz AVR anyway.

So you guys think going with the 70s is fine? I like the looks, was only concerned about the measurements and if other Brands like Denon would be better. But in the end Denon and Marantz are almost identical anyway. I just realised that the next class up from Denon is also in a good price range, Denon X3800h.

If you want a low profile one, the C70 is the only good option, why the hesitation?

 

[NISSE]

For stereo and music you could put a DAC in between a music streamer and the C70. Analog inputs in C70, with Pure Direct mode enabled, works perfect, with no interference from A/D convertion (read Amirs review). With 7.2 preouts and all the latest video decoding and video conversion (on top of latest DTS and Dolby), the C70s reciever is a great value for money. Remember though,the onboard amps on the C70 is nothing to write home about. I would try out external amps for everything, exept maby the Atmos speakers. 8 ohm Atmos speakers should work fine, amplified with the C70 itself. Thx

 

[Verig]

Marantz has great looks and size. The pre part is not bad at all. For 500€ it will be hard to find anything better.

Both Vela and LS50 Meta are wonderfully clean speakers. I'm not familiar with Q Concerto but Qs have never been a match for LS and R so worth auditioning first. For similar to Vela/KEF smooth sound you could consider Wharfedale EVO 4 series. Very civil AMT tweeter there and matches your price point.

Edit: if you're only looking for standmount then these are actually a bit cheaper. In used market you can take a look at the next step up but I find EVO 4s already very good and consider them above KEF Qs.

 

[ZCD]

I got one <500 and for that money it´s hard to beat if you need a pre/pro. I did setup with marantz multi eq and run over it with Evo 1 neutron which is b.t.w. very easy to do. Kudos to them. Sounds pretty good at first impression with evo1 neutron target curve. No more to say after 3 days.

I utilize 2 NC400 for fronts (R900) and though stereo sounds good through the 70s over analog inputs i prefer either direct USB input on the 70S (USB stick with files) or connecting the streamer (CXN/wiim) direct to the amps and use their preamps. It´s a minor difference imo. but i can hear it in direct comparison. If you don´t know the difference it will be no problem i guess and enjoyable.

 

[Amari]

Hi,
Your plan seems to be good, to use the C70s as a preamp/DAC . If yo look at Amirs test, the preout/DAC meassurements for the C70s are pretty good. I use a simmilar setup, but with a NR1606 and a NAD C272 (front). The NAD plays very good, and with 150W there are plenty of power. Highly recomended. Be careful though, before you buy. The C272 is more than 20 years old. To use the C70s as a preamp/processor is a good and cheap choice. Good luck.

nice, powerful combination. Very close to what I had in mind. Maybe I have a bit of luck and find a newer model. I have to check what comes up.

I got the cinema70 this weekend. The speakers should come in 2 weeks. So far I am very happy with it, controlling it via Apple TV / HDMI works flawlessly. For everything else I have to wait for the speakers.

I got one <500 and for that money it´s hard to beat if you need a pre/pro. I did setup with marantz multi eq and run over it with Evo 1 neutron which is b.t.w. very easy to do. Kudos to them. Sounds pretty good at first impression with evo1 neutron target curve. No more to say after 3 days.

I utilize 2 NC400 for fronts (R900) and though stereo sounds good through the 70s over analog inputs i prefer either direct USB input on the 70S (USB stick with files) or connecting the streamer (CXN/wiim) direct to the amps and use their preamps. It´s a minor difference imo. but i can hear it in direct comparison. If you don´t know the difference it will be no problem i guess and enjoyable.

Thanks I will look into it. Never heard of it before.
Edit: Ok, watched the video. Will definitely try this out. Sounds very interesting. Thank you for this hint.

If you use the AVR analog inputs, isn't the signal still A/D/A converted for volume control?

 

[ZCD]

If you use Pure Direct Mode on the Marantz there should be no ADC.



I have done more tests and utilize now 2 NC400 for fronts like before + my old AVR SC LX57 for surrounds over Zone 3 so i can use it benefical as i also use it for my desktop setup over Zone 2 (which one could also use for fronts if free). I guess i will get an mono amp on long term for the center channel too as the amp section is clearly the weak point of the marantz. Utilizing the ice amps of the Lx57 did even well just for surrounds so getting an amp for center channel will be benefical even more i can imagine though it sounds pretty damn good even now.

If you decide for the 70s get the multi eq app for your phone (better measurement) and use A1 Evo Neuron and you will get very satisfying results. I wished you could use Neuron without a sub, so keep in mind you need one and have to measure with it in audyseey if you want to use the Neuron script.

 

[NISSE]

nice, powerful combination. Very close to what I had in mind. Maybe I have a bit of luck and find a newer model. I have to check what comes up.

I got the cinema70 this weekend. The speakers should come in 2 weeks. So far I am very happy with it, controlling it via Apple TV / HDMI works flawlessly. For everything else I have to wait for the speakers.



Thanks I will look into it. Never heard of it before.
Edit: Ok, watched the video. Will definitely try this out. Sounds very interesting. Thank you for this hint.

If you use the AVR analog inputs, isn't the signal still A/D/A converted for volume control?

Hi,
Good question. The A/D/A conversion does not happen in Pure Direct mode. Amir made that statement after testing in his review of the C70. That means you can put a DAC after your digital source and be sure it`s OK. With Amirs lab, I think you can trust that statement. He even put the "NOT" in capital letters.

 

[Ultrasonic]

Do you really need to spend 500 on an amp? The new PFFB offerings from 3e Audio for example seem like a great choice.

The 70s should be pretty great as a preamp. I wouldn't worry about no Dirac since you can use Audyssey Evo

I own a 70s and the EQ using Audyssey is frankly poor. For my subwoofer I use a miniDSP 2x4 HD with it to give much better results. I also use Dirac Live for bass on a miniDSP SHD which again is way better than the version of Audyssey on the Cinema 70s. It's obviously better than nothing but there are better options for more money.

 

[jaakkopetteri]

^Have you tried Audyssey One EVO which I mentioned?

 

[Ultrasonic]

^Have you tried Audyssey One EVO which I mentioned?

Can this be used with the Cinema 70s? I specifically referred to the Audyssey version on the Cinema 70s that I have used. If there's new better functionality I'd like to know though .

Edit: doing a bit of digging it looks like it might be, via a paid app. Although the fact that the Cinema 70s only has basic MultiEQ rather than XT or XT32 will still limit what can be achieved I believe.

 

[peng]

Can this be used with the Cinema 70s? I specifically referred to the Audyssey version on the Cinema 70s that I have used. If there's new better functionality I'd like to know though .

Edit: doing a bit of digging it looks like it might be, via a paid app. Although the fact that the Cinema 70s only has basic MultiEQ rather than XT or XT32 will still limit what can be achieved I believe.

You just need the $20 app, REW (free) and a mic such as the Umik-1 (US$79 from HK). Even MultEQ should do it, as it will be REW that does the heavy lifting.

 

[Ultrasonic]

You just need the $20 app, REW (free) and a mic such as the Umik-1 (US$79 from HK). Even MultEQ should do it, as it will be REW that does the heavy lifting.

There will be limitations on filter number/coefficients based on the version of MultiEQ that will affect what can be achieved I believe. I will probably have a look though as from some quick reading it looks like paying for the app allows me to turn off a mid-band frequency dip that is applied by default (c.f. a 'BBC dip' by the looks of it).

(For context I'm very familiar with REW and have used both it and a UMIK-1 for many years.)

 

[peng]

There will be limitations on filter number/coefficients based on the version of MultiEQ that will affect what can be achieved I believe. I will probably have a look though as from some quick reading it looks like paying for the app allows me to turn off a mid-band frequency dip that is applied by default (c.f. a 'BBC dip' by the looks of it).

(For context I'm very familiar with REW and have used both it and a UMIK-1 for many years.)

Multeq and XT has the same very good resolution for the bass range.