#Test : Marantz Cinema 40: Immersion in Japanese Excellence

Jean-Philippe Burgos
Jan 18
3 min read

Updated: Jan 23

I’ve tested the Marantz Cinema 40, this amplifier that's been electrifying the audiophile AV community since its release.

Assembled in Shirakawa, Japan, this 125-watt-per-channel beast won me over with its versatility. After several weeks of intensive use, I'm sharing my experience with a device that has transformed my living room.

Discovery and First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Marantz Cinema 40 commands respect with its 16.4 kg weight. The Silver Gold brushed aluminum panel exudes quality, the iconic illuminated porthole pulses gently.

But the essential lies under the hood: more than 9000 components, 64 of which are hand-assembled. This artisanal manufacturing is immediately apparent.

The installation pleasantly surprised me. The QR codes on the box allow you to download the apps instantly, the color-coded terminals make the wiring almost fun. I had everything installed and calibrated in less than an hour – a miracle for this type of device.

The Marantz AVR Remote app transforms my smartphone into the perfect remote control, and on the tablet it's even more comfortable..

Technologies that Change Everything

The famous HDAM-SA2 modules aren't just marketing hype. These discrete amplification circuits offer a rare freshness and transparency. The soundstage gains in width, details emerge naturally without harshness. On the phono input, my vinyl has never sounded this good.

The Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration is present to correct the acoustic flaws of my room. The Dynamic EQ and Dynamic Volume functions are magical in the evening when I have to lower the volume – I recover all the details I used to lose.

Connectivity-wise, seven HDMI 2.1 inputs amply cover my needs. The HDR10+, Dolby Vision, HLG, IMAX Enhanced, 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz compatibility reassures me for the future.

The four independent subwoofer outputs can accommodate the most advanced configurations."

The HEOS platform, compatible with Qobuz Connect, Tidal, and Deezer, simplifies access to streaming, and I fully enjoy Qobuz in high resolution up to 24-bit/192 kHz.

Cinema Experience: Immersion

I launched "Blade Runner" in Ultra HD Dolby Vision/Atmos to test the 'beast'. The nighttime scenes reveal an unprecedented depth of black, the luminous details emerge to demonstrate Ridley Scott's vision. But it's the sound that transported me. The soundtrack in this Dolby Atmos version completely envelops me; I found myself turning my head several times, convinced that a sound element was actually coming from behind. The dialogue remains crystal clear even in the most intense action.

With "North by Northwest" restored in 4K, I was moved by the rendering of Bernard Herrmann's score. The texture of the strings, the depth of the brass... The Marantz Cinema 40 elevates this classic with intelligence, adding spatialization without betraying the original work.

Music: The Real Surprise

A home cinema amplifier excellent for music? I was somewhat skeptical. The Cinema 40 magnificently changed my perspective.

In pure stereo, it reveals that Marantz signature I love: warm without being rounded, detailed without harshness.

On a string quartet, the spatialization amazed me: I could point to each musician.

The transients snap with clarity, the bass descends deep without ever bloating.

My vinyl records found a second youth. I pulled out pressings I no longer listened to, rediscovering lost subtleties. The noise floor is almost nonexistent, even at high volume.

After carefully calibrating the amplifier with DiracLive, I was able to correct the bass bump that is very often found in living rooms where systems are generally installed, unless you're fortunate enough to have a dedicated room."

My Verdict:

After several weeks with the Cinema 40, I can confirm: it's a reference product. This dual cinema/music competence avoids the usual compromises. The price is high, certainly, but I understand where the investment goes. The Japanese assembly, the HDAM-SA2 modules, the functional richness: everything justifies the price.

What impressed me most? This ability to make me rediscover my collection. Films and albums take on a new dimension. If your budget allows and you're looking to permanently transform your living room into an audiovisual temple, I recommend it without hesitation.

One of my favorites of the year.

Marantz Cinema 40 Technical Specifications

Amplification