AV Receivers · Premium
Marantz CINEMA 50 Series 2
The August 2026 refresh of Marantz's mid-flagship keeps the nine-channel, 11.4-processing layout of the Denon AVR-X3900H but adds a new 32-bit eight-channel Cirrus Logic DAC stage, the current-loop HDAM preamp, and the quieter, more refined presentation that Sound & Vision praised on the original. It is the receiver for a serious theater that also plays a lot of music.
- 9 amp ch, 11.4 processing, 110 W/ch
- 6 HDMI in / 3 out, all 8K/4K120
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32, Dirac Live ready
- 11.4 pre-outs, 4 sub outs
Nine channels rated at 110 W into 8 ohms with two driven, 11.4 processing, and four independent subwoofer outputs cover a 7.1.4 room with a pair of subs and leave the option of external amplification through full pre-outs. The Series 2 upgrade to a 32-bit, eight-channel DAC and the Marantz HDAM preamp stage is where it separates from the Denon it shares a platform with. Sound & Vision called the original the best-sounding receiver in its class for two-channel music.
Watch out: It costs about as much as the Denon AVR-X3900H plus a good two-channel amp, and the Series 2 is too new to have independent bench measurements.
Pros
- 11.4 pre-outs and four discrete sub outputs
- New 32-bit DAC stage and HDAM preamp
- All six HDMI inputs are 8K and 4K120
Cons
- Dirac Live is a paid license
- No Amazon listing yet at research time
- Nine amps only; 7.1.4 needs an external amp
Specifications
| Amplified channels | 9 |
|---|---|
| Processing channels | 11.4 |
| Power (8 ohm, 2 ch) | 110 W |
| HDMI 2.1 inputs | 6 of 6 (8K, 4K120), 3 outputs |
| Room correction | Audyssey MultEQ XT32 (Dirac Live optional) |
| Pre-outs | 11.4 pre-outs, 4 independent sub outs |
| Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro-3D, IMAX Enhanced |
Specs come from manufacturer documentation and published reviews; check the retailer listing for the current revision.