Having had an opportunity to test Marantz CINEMA 70s vs Denon AVR-X2500H, I’d like to share my impression here to facilitate your choice of a new AV receiver.
AV receivers under review have the same number of channels. In terms of power, there are differences, the CINEMA 70s has such a ratio W/Ohm - 50/8, 70/6, while the AVR-X2500H has a power of 95/8, 125/6. A common feature for devices is the same total harmonic distortion - 0.08%.
The manufacturer installed different DACs, the CINEMA 70s received the model 192 KHz/32-bit, but the AVR-X2500H is equipped with AK4490 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz CINEMA 70s and Denon AVR-X2500H can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. Both devices can work with such Apple Music services: AirPlay, AirPlay 2. Access to the Spotify service is on each of the competitors. The number of available streaming services varies for receivers, the Marantz CINEMA 70s works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, SiriusXM, Napster, SoundCloud, Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD, MOOD:Mix, but the Denon AVR-X2500H works with Deezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Sound Cloud.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the CINEMA 70s and the AVR-X2500H. Video scaling is only possible with the CINEMA 70s. Each of the participants of the comparison has a Dolby Vision.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the CINEMA 70s has 6/1, and the AVR-X2500H has 8/2. HDMI Audio Return Channel is implemented in both devices. HDMI eARC is only supported by the CINEMA 70s. When comparing receivers, it becomes clear that each of the rivals can work with HDMI CEC. The CINEMA 70s has support for the standard HDCP 2.3, compared to the AVR-X2500H, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. Like most receivers, our models have a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. Voice control is performed using Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI in both models. There is an ECO mode in either AV receiver. The Marantz CINEMA 70s and the Denon AVR-X2500H can be properly configured using the setup assistant.
A Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format is available both models. A DTS:X surround technology is supported by devices from our comparison.