Denon AV receivers stand second to none in terms of performance and sound quality. Marantz has been offering high-quality home theatre receivers for the past 5 decades. When it comes to choosing an AV receiver under $1700, many AV enthusiasts and experts recommend Denon AVR X2800H and Marantz Cinema 60 nowadays. Let us do a study on Denon AVR-X2800H vs Marantz Cinema 60 to compare the features and benefits of these two models.
Table of Contents
Denon AVR-X2800H vs Marantz Cinema 60 Comparison:
Denon AVR-X2800H | Marantz Cinema 60 | |
Preview |   Best Value |   Best Choice |
Channels | 7.2 | 7.2 |
Watts Per Channel | 95 | 100 |
Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
Video | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 8K Upscaling, 8K Passthrough |
HDMI Inputs | 6 | 6 |
Wireless Connectivity | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | AirPlay 2, DLNA, HEOS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
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Design
The beautiful design of the Denon AVR X2800H makes it a popular choice among many AV receiver enthusiasts. The boxy design and brushed black finish blend harmoniously to provide an elegant look. It comes with a large, monochrome display in the center and nine buttons just beneath it. You can also find the typical Denon round knobs (on the left and right sides), a headphone jack, and HDMI inputs on the front panel. The design and build quality of this model will never make you feel disappointed.
Marantz Cinema 60 has an architectural design that lends a visually pleasing look. Top-quality materials are used to ensure supreme build quality. The front panel comes with perfect symmetry to make a unique style statement. You can find an aesthetically pleasing porthole on this panel. Two knobs on the left and right sides let you control the volume and input selection. The buttons on the front side are perfectly arranged to create an uncluttered look. The nice and solid remote lasts for a long time. It comes with a backlight to ensure great ease of use.
Marantz Cinema 60 has a better design than the Denon AVR X2800H model. It is hard to find a striking difference between these two models in terms of build quality.
Winner: Marantz Cinema 60
Channels
These two products are 7.2-channel home theater receivers. You can use the available channels to convert both models to a 7.2 or 5.2.2 system. So, you won’t find any difference in terms of the number of channels and configuration possibilities.
The bottom line is that there is nothing to choose between X2800H and Cinema 60 when it comes to channel and configuration capabilities.
Winner: Tie
Connectivity
What are the connectivity features of these two AV receivers? Denon AVR X2800H boasts 3 HDMI 2.1 and 3 HDMI inputs. This model also sports 2 HDMI outputs. Marantz Cinema 60 offers the same HDMI inputs and outputs for users. However, the Marantz model comes with 2 Digital Coaxial inputs compared to the 1 Digital Coaxial input of the Denon model.
Equipped with advanced Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet connectivity features, both models make music streaming effortless and enjoyable. These products offer the same wireless audio protocols, including HEOS, Roon-Ready, Spotify Connect, and AirPlay2. You cannot find the DLNA feature of Cinema 60 on the X2800H model.
A detailed comparative study on connectivity features reveals that Cinema 60 holds a slight edge over its Denon counterpart.
Winner: Marantz Cinema 60
Audio Capabilities
What are the power generation capabilities of these models? At 8 Ohms, the Denon receiver delivers 95 watts per channel. The Marantz model produces 5 more watts at the same Ohms (100 watts). So, Cinema 60 produces more power than X2800H.
What about the audio features of these receivers? Cinema 60 and X2800H support the same DTS and Dolby formats. You can expect them to be compatible with the most sophisticated surround sound formats. Both of these models don’t support Auro 3D. The Denon model supports more file formats than its Marantz counterpart. Cinema 60 offers better upmixing capabilities than X2800H.
This Denon AV receiver controls and balances the sound output at all listening levels with impeccable precision. It provides perfect separation between bass and booming effects when it comes to watching loud movies. Dialogues are recreated with improved clarity and liveliness to keep you engaged. The expansive and airy soundstage creates a fully immersive listening environment. Overall, Denon AVR X2800H provides an immersive experience for users.
Marantz AV receivers are well-known for their clean and refined sound output. Cinema 60 takes this quality to the next level. Thanks to the proprietary HDAM design. You can enjoy a perfect blend of powerful bass, unbeatable spaciousness, and incredible surround effect. It creates an unbelievable soundscape to keep you immersed forever. Superior balance, exceptional control, and room-filling bass transform your movie-watching experience.
The sound quality of these two models can be termed exceptional. It is hard to identify a striking difference between these products. However, Marantz Cinema 60 stands a bit taller than the Denon model in terms of power output and sound immersion.
Winner: Marantz Cinema 60
Video Capabilities
8K pass-through and upselling are possible with the CINEMA 60 and AVR X2800H models. They also work perfectly with the latest HDR and Dolby Vision formats. Further, you can find them compatible with HDCP 2.3.
There is nothing to choose between these two products when comparing the video features and capabilities.
Winner: Tie
Value for Money
You just need to pay $500 lesser to buy Denon AVR X2800H than Marantz Cinema 60. However, the Denon model does not fall behind heavily in terms of features and capabilities. If you are concerned about the price, you can opt for the Denon receiver to get the best value for money.
Winner: Denon AVR-X2800H
Verdict
What is the final verdict? This Denon AVR-X2800H vs Marantz Cinema 60 study finds that these two AV receivers offer excellent performance and sound quality to keep users satisfied. However, Cinema 60 comes with a more appealing design, more sophisticated connectivity features, and improved audio capabilities to deliver a better user experience.
Denon AVR-X2800H | Marantz Cinema 60 |
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REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Denon AVR-S970H Review – New Value King - February 12, 2024
- How To Choose An AV Receiver – Make An Informed Decesion - May 6, 2023
- Onkyo TX-RZ70 Review – The Ultimate Flagship - April 26, 2023