Marantz CINEMA 70s vs Onkyo TX-SR494 – that is a question.
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 TX-SR494 has a power of 135/6. 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 TX-SR494 is equipped with AKM 384 KHz/32-bit. Each of the compared opponents supports Bi-amping. Both Marantz CINEMA 70s and Onkyo TX-SR494 can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing. Each of the receivers has a Bluetooth connector. The CINEMA 70s has access to the Spotify service.
Signaling over HDMI in standby mode can provide the CINEMA 70s and the TX-SR494. Video scaling is only possible with the CINEMA 70s. Operation with the Dolby Vision is only possible with the CINEMA 70s.
The number of HDMI inputs/outputs varies depending on the receiver, the CINEMA 70s has 6/1, and the TX-SR494 has 4/1. 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 TX-SR494, which supports the standard HDCP 2.2. In the presence of a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player only at Marantz CINEMA 70s.
Ability to create 2 Multi zones inherent in both AV receivers. There is an ECO mode in CINEMA 70s. The Marantz CINEMA 70s and the Onkyo TX-SR494 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.