Audio T Verdict
The Marantz CINEMA 40 sits at an interesting point in the current CINEMA range. It offers a meaningful step up in construction, amplifier output and connectivity from the models below it, while retaining the convenience of a single component rather than immediately requiring separate processing and power amplification.
Nine discrete Class A/B power-amplifier channels deliver a published 125W per channel into eight ohms with two channels driven. Processing for up to 11.4 channels means the CINEMA 40 can power substantial Dolby Atmos systems directly and expand to an eleven-speaker arrangement by adding a suitable external power amplifier.
Four independently configurable subwoofer outputs give the CINEMA 40 considerably more low-frequency flexibility than a conventional 9.2-channel design. Individual level and distance settings can help integrate several subwoofers, while Audyssey MultEQ XT32 and Sub EQ HT provide automatic room and bass calibration.
Dirac Live Room Correction, Dirac Live Bass Control and Dirac Live Active Room Treatment are also supported as optional paid upgrades. This gives customers with more challenging rooms or ambitious multi-subwoofer systems a route to increasingly advanced optimisation without replacing the amplifier.
All seven HDMI inputs support video up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz. Three HDMI outputs, eARC, modern HDR formats and gaming features are joined by HEOS Built-in, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, high-resolution network playback and a moving-magnet phono input.
This capability only becomes worthwhile when the complete system is planned properly. Speaker layout, amplifier assignment, subwoofer positioning, room correction, HDMI configuration and ventilation all need attention. For a system that justifies the work, the CINEMA 40 is a powerful and unusually flexible home cinema centrepiece.
Nine Powered Channels
Nine discrete Class A/B amplifier channels provide 125W per channel into eight ohms with two channels driven.
11.4-Channel Processing
Add a suitable external power amplifier to operate an immersive system using up to eleven passive speakers.
Four Subwoofer Outputs
Four independently adjustable outputs support more consistent bass across larger rooms and several listening positions.
Seven 8K HDMI Inputs
Every HDMI input supports video up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz with compatible sources, cables and displays.
Audyssey and Dirac
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included, with optional paid upgrades for Dirac Live room and bass optimisation.
HEOS Built-in
Stream music, internet radio and compatible multi-room audio through Wi-Fi, Ethernet and the HEOS app.
Reference CINEMA Series Construction
The CINEMA 40 is manufactured at Marantz’s Shirakawa facility in Japan. It uses a substantial full-width chassis with a metal front panel, the brand’s circular porthole display and a larger two-line display concealed behind the front door.
Internally, the design combines nine discrete power-amplifier channels with current-feedback pre-amplification and Marantz HDAM circuitry. Carefully selected components and a substantial power supply distinguish it from the less powerful models below it in the CINEMA range.
The receiver weighs 15.1kg and consumes considerably more power than a conventional stereo amplifier. It should be installed on a rigid shelf with sufficient open space around its ventilation grilles rather than enclosed tightly inside furniture.
Nine-Channel Discrete Power Amplification
Marantz rates each amplifier channel at 125W into eight ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz at 0.05% total harmonic distortion, measured with two channels driven. Output into six ohms is specified at 165W per channel at 1kHz and 0.7% distortion with two channels driven.
The two-channel measurement should not be interpreted as nine channels simultaneously producing 125W continuously from the shared power supply. Real-world requirements depend on speaker sensitivity, impedance, listening distance, room size, crossover settings and the required playback level.
Using one or more active subwoofers with appropriate bass management can reduce the low-frequency workload placed on the main amplifier channels. This can provide additional headroom for the centre, surround and height speakers during demanding soundtracks.
The CINEMA 40 supports speakers with an impedance between 4 and 16 ohms. The amplifier’s impedance setting must be changed when one or more connected speakers are rated below eight ohms.
Nine Amplifiers and 11.4-Channel Processing
The CINEMA 40 contains nine internal power amplifiers but can process up to 11.4 channels. Using internal amplification alone, it can operate layouts such as 5.4.4 or 7.4.2, alongside more conventional 5.1 and 7.1 systems.
A complete eleven-speaker arrangement, such as 7.4.4, requires at least two channels of suitable external power amplification. The external amplifier can power the main front speakers, selected height speakers or another compatible channel pair according to the chosen Amp Assign configuration.
11.4 Processing Does Not Mean Eleven Built-In Amplifiers
The CINEMA 40 has nine powered channels. A system using more than nine passive speakers simultaneously requires an external power amplifier connected to the relevant pre-amplifier outputs.
Speaker layout, pre-out assignment and internal amplifier assignment should be planned together before cables are installed or room correction is performed.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Dolby Atmos decoding allows sound to be positioned above the listener when suitable ceiling, height or Dolby Atmos-enabled speakers are installed. The CINEMA 40 can power up to four height speakers as part of a nine-speaker system without external amplification.
DTS:X provides object-based surround reproduction for compatible content, while DTS Neural:X can expand suitable conventional soundtracks across a larger speaker layout. Dolby Surround performs a similar upmixing role for compatible Dolby and conventional material.
Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization and DTS Virtual:X provide alternatives where physical height or surround speakers cannot be installed, although a properly positioned speaker system remains the preferred route when the room allows it.
Auro-3D and IMAX Enhanced
Auro-3D is supported for systems using a compatible layered speaker arrangement. Its preferred height-speaker positions differ from some Dolby Atmos installations, so customers intending to use both formats should decide on the final layout before installing cables or mounting speakers permanently.
IMAX Enhanced processing is available for compatible content, while the platform also supports 360 Reality Audio and MPEG-H material. The benefit of each format depends on the source material, speaker arrangement and playback service.
Browse Audio T’s range of home cinema speakers for front, centre, surround and height-channel options.
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 Room Correction
Audyssey MultEQ XT32 is included and uses the supplied calibration microphone to measure the interaction between the loudspeakers, subwoofers and room. Up to eight measurement positions can be used to account for a wider listening area rather than correcting only one seat.
The system calculates speaker distances, channel levels, crossover behaviour and frequency-response correction. Audyssey Dynamic EQ can help maintain tonal balance and surround detail at reduced volume, while Dynamic Volume can reduce large differences between quiet and loud content.
Audyssey LFC is intended to reduce the low-frequency energy most likely to travel into neighbouring rooms. It can be useful in flats, shared buildings and late-night listening situations, although it is not a replacement for proper acoustic isolation.
Automatic calibration provides an effective starting point, but the resulting speaker sizes, crossover frequencies and subwoofer levels should still be checked. Automatically selected settings are not guaranteed to be ideal for every loudspeaker or room.
Audyssey Sub EQ HT
The four subwoofer outputs are independently configurable rather than simply duplicating the same signal. Level and distance can be adjusted separately for each connected subwoofer.
Audyssey Sub EQ HT first compensates for differences in level and delay between the connected subwoofers. MultEQ XT32 can then apply room correction across the combined low-frequency system.
Multiple subwoofers are not only about producing more bass. Correctly positioned and calibrated units can provide more even low-frequency response between different seats and reduce the severity of room-related peaks and dips.
Browse Audio T’s range of active subwoofers or ask your local store for multi-subwoofer positioning and setup advice.
Optional Dirac Live Room Correction
The CINEMA 40 supports Dirac Live Room Correction as an optional paid upgrade. Dirac analyses both frequency and time-domain behaviour and allows the target response to be adjusted in greater detail.
It may be particularly useful when speaker placement is restricted, the room has difficult acoustic characteristics, several listening positions must be accommodated or the customer wants more direct control over the final response.
Dirac Live Bass Control and Active Room Treatment
Dirac Live Bass Control is also available as an optional upgrade. It is designed to optimise the interaction between the main speakers, crossover region and one or more subwoofers across the listening area.
Dirac Live Active Room Treatment represents a further level of processing. It treats the connected speakers as a coordinated system and uses their combined output to reduce room decay and lingering low-frequency energy.
Dirac Licensing and Setup
Dirac Live, Bass Control and Active Room Treatment are not included licences. The appropriate software licence must be purchased separately, and current firmware, computer, network and measurement requirements should be confirmed before setup.
Audio T can help establish whether Audyssey provides everything the room needs or whether the additional cost and setup time of Dirac is justified.
Seven 8K HDMI Inputs
All seven HDMI inputs support video up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz when used with compatible sources, displays and certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables.
Three HDMI outputs are provided. Two can serve displays in the main room, while the third can send a compatible HDMI source to Zone 2. This is useful for installations using both a television and projector or distributing entertainment to another room.
The CINEMA 40 supports HDCP 2.3, HDMI Control, Auto Lip Sync and standby pass-through. Compatible analogue video sources can also be converted for output through HDMI.
HDR and Gaming Compatibility
Supported high-dynamic-range video formats include HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision and Dynamic HDR. The complete signal path, including the source, HDMI cable, amplifier and display, must support the chosen format.
Gaming functions include 4K/120Hz pass-through, Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport. These can reduce latency and improve the presentation of compatible variable-frame-rate games.
Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are recommended when carrying 8K or 4K/120Hz video. Longer cable runs, wall plates and signal-distribution equipment can introduce additional bandwidth limitations and should be considered when planning the installation.
eARC Television Audio
Enhanced Audio Return Channel allows a compatible television to send high-bandwidth sound back to the CINEMA 40 through the main HDMI connection. This is particularly useful for streaming applications built into the television or source devices connected directly to it.
With compatible equipment and settings, eARC can carry multichannel Linear PCM and lossless formats including Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS-HD and DTS:X.
Standard ARC is also supported. Television audio-output settings should be checked if only stereo sound is received or the amplifier does not recognise the expected soundtrack format.
Traditional Audio and Video Connections
Alongside HDMI, the CINEMA 40 provides five stereo analogue inputs, two optical inputs, two coaxial digital inputs and a dedicated moving-magnet phono input. A front USB-A port supports music playback from compatible storage devices.
Legacy video equipment can be connected through two composite-video inputs and one component-video input. Analogue video conversion allows these sources to be sent to a connected display through HDMI.
The European CINEMA 40 does not contain a terrestrial FM, AM or DAB tuner. Internet radio is available through the HEOS network platform.
Moving-Magnet Phono Input
A turntable fitted with a compatible moving-magnet cartridge can be connected directly to the dedicated phono input. A signal-ground terminal is provided for turntables that require an earth connection.
A low-output moving-coil cartridge requires a suitable external MC phono stage, head amplifier or step-up transformer. Audio T can advise whether the built-in input or a separate phono stage is more appropriate for the intended turntable.
HEOS Built-in Streaming
HEOS Built-in provides app-controlled access to compatible streaming services, internet radio and music stored on network devices. The CINEMA 40 can also be grouped with other compatible HEOS products for multi-room playback.
Current network features include AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect. Service availability, subscriptions and regional support can vary.
The amplifier can connect to the network through Wi-Fi or Ethernet. A wired network connection can provide additional reliability where an Ethernet cable is available near the equipment rack.
High-Resolution Network and USB Audio
Compatible music files can be played from network storage or a USB memory device. Supported formats include MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV, ALAC and DSD.
FLAC, WAV and ALAC playback is supported at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, while DSD files can be played at 2.8MHz and 5.6MHz. Gapless playback is available with compatible FLAC, WAV, ALAC and DSD material.
Pure Direct mode can reduce unnecessary processing during music playback, although calibrated bass management and room correction may produce better results in some rooms.
Bluetooth and Headphone Listening
Bluetooth reception provides a simple way to play sound from a compatible phone, tablet or computer. The CINEMA 40 can also transmit audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones for private or late-night listening.
A conventional wired-headphone socket is located behind the front-panel door. Reduce the volume before connecting headphones and establish a comfortable listening level gradually.
11.4-Channel Pre-Amplifier Outputs
RCA pre-amplifier outputs are provided for all 11.4 processed channels. This allows selected speakers to be driven by external power amplifiers or the CINEMA 40 to form the processing and control centre of a larger separates-based system.
Moving the main front speakers to a suitable external amplifier can provide additional headroom for demanding loudspeakers while allowing the CINEMA 40’s internal amplifiers to concentrate on the remaining channels.
The Marantz AMP 30 is one expansion option. It can strengthen the front soundstage, power additional height channels or provide bridged amplification for suitable speakers.
Gain, input sensitivity, available power, channel assignment and speaker requirements should be considered before selecting an external amplifier.
Zone 2 and Zone 3
The CINEMA 40 supports additional Zone 2 and Zone 3 audio areas through assignable speaker outputs or analogue pre-amplifier connections, subject to the chosen main-room speaker configuration.
A separate HDMI Zone 2 output can send a compatible source to another television or display. HEOS provides an alternative route for network-based multi-room music with compatible products.
Using internal amplifiers for additional zones can reduce the number available to the main home cinema. The complete room and channel arrangement should therefore be planned before selecting an Amp Assign mode.
Custom Installation Connections
IP control, RS232, web control, app control, Marantz Remote Bus, Flasher In and three configurable DC trigger outputs support integration with compatible control systems and powered accessories.
HDMI diagnostics can provide information about connected sources, displays, resolution, HDR, colour space, pixel depth and signal bandwidth. These tools can help identify problems involving cables, settings or incompatible equipment.
CINEMA 40 or CINEMA 50 Series 2?
The Marantz CINEMA 50 Series 2 uses the newer Series 2 digital platform and adds updated gaming, conversion and installation features. It provides nine powered channels, 11.4-channel processing and 110W-per-channel amplification.
The CINEMA 40 remains the more substantial amplifier, with 125W-per-channel output, seven HDMI inputs, additional analogue connectivity and construction at Marantz’s Shirakawa facility in Japan.
The right choice depends on whether the system benefits more from the CINEMA 40’s greater amplifier output and construction or the CINEMA 50 Series 2’s newer digital platform and features. A demonstration with the intended speakers is considerably more useful than comparing specification sheets alone.
System Planning and Installation
Home cinema performance depends on more than the amplifier. Speaker positioning, centre-channel placement, subwoofer integration, room acoustics, cable routes, HDMI bandwidth and equipment ventilation all contribute to the final result.
Audio T can help design anything from a conventional 5.1 system to a larger Dolby Atmos arrangement with external amplification and several subwoofers. Browse home cinema amplifiers and AV processors, home cinema speakers and the wider home cinema and AV range.
You can also explore more Marantz products at Audio T or read our guide to choosing a Marantz CINEMA Series amplifier.
Why Buy from Audio T?
The CINEMA 40 is capable of supporting a wide range of system layouts, but that flexibility also makes proper planning and calibration especially important.
- Marantz CINEMA 40 demonstrations
- Comparisons with the CINEMA 50 Series 2 and alternative AV amplifiers
- Speaker-package and centre-channel matching
- 5.1, 7.1 and Dolby Atmos speaker-layout planning
- 11.4-channel system and external power-amplifier advice
- Single and multiple-subwoofer positioning
- Audyssey MultEQ XT32 calibration guidance
- Dirac Live, Bass Control and Active Room Treatment advice
- Television and projector integration
- eARC, 8K and 4K/120Hz HDMI setup
- Games-console configuration
- HEOS and network-streaming setup
- Multi-room and control-system planning
- Equipment-rack placement and ventilation advice
- Home visits, home demonstrations or product loans may be available
- Part exchange may be available for suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing setup and after-sales support from local specialists
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss speaker layouts, subwoofer integration, external amplification, room correction and complete system installation.