Audio T Verdict
The Marantz STEREO 70s is an unusually flexible solution for anyone who wants proper two-channel music reproduction while bringing a television, games console, disc player and streaming services into the same system. It combines a 75W-per-channel stereo amplifier with six HDMI inputs, HEOS network streaming, DAB/DAB+ and FM radio, Bluetooth, a moving-magnet phono input and two subwoofer outputs.
Its greatest strength is simplicity. A pair of suitable passive speakers can handle music and television sound without the extra centre, surround and height speakers required by a conventional home cinema system. HDMI ARC allows compatible television audio to return through the same cable used for video, while HDMI Control can coordinate power, input selection and volume with compatible equipment.
The discrete Class A/B amplifier delivers 75W per channel into eight ohms with both channels driven. Marantz also uses its proprietary HDAM circuitry, while Direct and Pure Direct modes provide options for reducing unnecessary processing during focused music listening.
HEOS Built-in adds app-controlled streaming, internet radio and compatible multi-room playback. AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth and high-resolution network or USB file playback further broaden the choice of sources. The MM phono input means a compatible turntable can be connected without buying a separate phono stage.
The important limitation is that this remains a two-channel stereo receiver. It does not power centre, surround or height speakers and does not provide Dolby Atmos or DTS:X decoding. For a listener who specifically wants two speakers, optional subwoofers and extensive HDMI connectivity, that focus is a benefit. For genuine multichannel cinema sound, a Marantz CINEMA receiver is the appropriate alternative.
75W Stereo Amplification
Discrete Class A/B power amplification rated at 75W per channel into eight ohms, with both channels driven.
Six HDMI Inputs
Connect televisions, consoles, media players and disc players, with three inputs supporting video up to 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz.
HEOS Built-in
Stream music, internet radio and compatible multi-room audio through the HEOS app, Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
MM Phono Input
Connect a turntable fitted with a compatible moving-magnet cartridge without requiring a separate phono stage.
DAB/DAB+ and FM Radio
The European model includes digital and analogue radio reception alongside internet radio through HEOS.
Dual Subwoofer Outputs
Add one or two active subwoofers, with configurable crossover and level settings for stereo system integration.
Stereo Sound for Music, Television and Games
The STEREO 70s brings many of the connection and video-management features associated with an AV receiver into a conventional two-channel system. It is intended for listeners who want music and television sound through a pair of proper stereo speakers without installing a complete surround package.
Televisions, games consoles, streaming boxes and compatible disc players can all be connected through HDMI. Traditional hi-fi sources are covered by the analogue, optical, coaxial and phono inputs, while HEOS provides a direct route to network music and internet services.
The slimline chassis is approximately 109mm high without its antennas, making it easier to accommodate than many full-size AV receivers. Ventilation space is still required around the unit, especially when it is driving speakers at higher listening levels.
Two-Channel Stereo, Not Surround Sound
The STEREO 70s has two powered channels. It does not provide connections for a centre speaker, surround speakers or Dolby Atmos height channels, and it does not decode Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X or other multichannel cinema formats.
HDMI audio is handled as two-channel Linear PCM. Connected televisions, consoles and media players should therefore be configured to output stereo PCM rather than bitstream or multichannel sound.
If the system requires true 5.1, 7.1 or Dolby Atmos playback, consider the Marantz CINEMA 70s Series 2 AV Receiver or speak to Audio T about the most suitable multichannel alternative.
75W-Per-Channel Class A/B Amplifier
The STEREO 70s uses a discrete two-channel Class A/B power-amplifier section rated at 75W per channel into eight ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz, with both channels driven at 0.08% total harmonic distortion. Marantz also specifies 100W per channel into six ohms at 1kHz and 0.7% distortion.
Marantz HDAM circuitry is used within the audio design. Direct mode bypasses tone, balance and M-DAX processing, while Pure Direct additionally switches off the front display circuitry to reduce unnecessary activity during listening.
Speaker matching remains important. The receiver supports speakers rated between 4 and 16 ohms, but its impedance setting must be changed when using models below eight ohms. Audio T can advise whether a particular pair of loudspeakers presents a suitable electrical and performance match.
Six HDMI Inputs and 8K Video
Six HDMI inputs allow the STEREO 70s to act as the central connection point for a television-based system. Three of those inputs support video up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz when used with compatible source equipment, displays and Ultra High Speed HDMI cables.
Supported video features include HDR10, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision and Dynamic HDR. Gaming-related functions include Variable Refresh Rate, Auto Low Latency Mode and Quick Frame Transport, subject to support from the connected console, television and chosen HDMI input.
The internal video processor can upscale compatible 1080p or 4K sources to 8K. HDMI standby pass-through can also send the selected source to the television while the receiver is in standby when the relevant settings are enabled.
HDMI ARC for Television Sound
The HDMI output supports ARC, allowing sound from compatible television tuners and apps to return to the receiver through the same HDMI cable used to send video to the television. HDMI Control can allow compatible equipment to coordinate power, input selection and volume.
The current European manual specifies two-channel PCM for audio received from a television through ARC. The television should therefore be set to PCM stereo output. If a television does not support ARC, its optical digital output can be connected to the receiver instead, again using a two-channel PCM setting.
HDMI Setup Guidance
For 8K/60Hz or 4K/120Hz sources, connect the device to one of the three 8K-capable inputs and select the appropriate 8K Enhanced signal setting. Certified Ultra High Speed HDMI cables are recommended for these higher-bandwidth formats.
Audio T can help configure the television, source equipment, HDMI Control, ARC and PCM output settings if the system does not initially produce sound or the expected video format.
HEOS Built-in Network Streaming
HEOS Built-in provides access to compatible streaming services, internet radio and music stored on network devices. The HEOS app can be used to select music, manage playback and group the receiver with other compatible HEOS products around the home.
Support also includes AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect. Service availability and account requirements can vary by provider and region.
The receiver can join a home network using dual-band Wi-Fi or a wired Ethernet connection. Ethernet can be particularly useful where the equipment rack has a reliable network connection or local wireless coverage is inconsistent.
Explore more network music players and music-streaming products available from Audio T.
High-Resolution Network and USB Playback
Music files can be played from compatible network storage or a USB memory device connected to the front USB-A port. 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.
The USB connection is designed for storage devices rather than direct USB audio from a computer. Compatible storage should use FAT32 or NTFS formatting.
Bluetooth Input and Headphone Transmission
Bluetooth provides a straightforward way to play music from a phone, tablet or other compatible device. The receiver can also transmit audio to compatible Bluetooth headphones, with headphone volume controlled through the receiver.
A conventional 6.35mm headphone socket is provided on the front panel. When Bluetooth headphone transmission is active, some sound-processing and adjustment options are unavailable.
Browse Audio T’s range of headphones or ask your local store for advice about wired and wireless listening options.
Moving-Magnet Phono Input
A dedicated phono input allows direct connection of a turntable fitted with a moving-magnet cartridge. A signal-ground terminal is provided for turntables that require an earth connection.
A low-output moving-coil cartridge requires a suitable MC phono stage, head amplifier or step-up transformer. Audio T can advise on cartridge compatibility and whether the built-in MM input or a separate phono stage is more suitable for the intended turntable.
Browse turntables and record players available from Audio T.
DAB/DAB+, FM and Internet Radio
The European STEREO 70s includes DAB/DAB+ digital radio and FM reception. Station presets, FM RDS information and DAB functions are available through the receiver’s tuner system.
Internet radio is provided through the network platform, giving access to compatible stations beyond those available through the supplied terrestrial-radio antenna.
Speaker A/B and Bi-Wiring
Four speaker-terminal pairs provide Speaker A and Speaker B operation. They can be used for two switchable pairs of compatible speakers or for bi-wiring a single suitable pair.
Speaker B is not an independently powered second audio zone. Both terminal sets are driven by the same two-channel amplifier, so speaker impedance and the combined electrical load must be considered carefully when using A and B together.
Two Active Subwoofer Outputs
Two RCA subwoofer outputs allow one or two compatible active subwoofers to be added. Both sockets carry the same mono signal rather than independently processed subwoofer channels.
The low-pass crossover can be selected between 40Hz and 250Hz, with 80Hz used as the default setting. Subwoofer output can be enabled or disabled and its level adjusted for individual input sources.
Subwoofer positioning, phase, crossover and level all affect integration. Audio T can help match the subwoofer to the main speakers and adjust it so that bass supports the system without drawing attention to its location.
Main Pre-Out and Zone 2
Stereo main pre-amplifier outputs allow an external power amplifier to be connected if greater output or a different power-amplifier match is required later. The two subwoofer outputs complete the receiver’s 2.2-channel pre-out arrangement.
A separate Zone 2 analogue pre-out can feed an external amplifier or suitable active speakers in another room. Zone 2 is not powered directly by the STEREO 70s, and source availability depends on the selected input and audio format.
System Control and Everyday Operation
The front panel combines Marantz’s circular OLED display with conventional input, speaker and volume controls. The supplied RC-052SR remote provides direct access to sources, sound settings and Smart Select presets.
An on-screen Setup Assistant can guide initial connection and configuration using a connected television. The Marantz AVR Remote app, HEOS app, web control, HDMI Control and supported voice-assistant integrations provide further control options.
Remote Control and Flasher In connections are provided for compatible integrated-control installations. Network or USB firmware updating allows Marantz to deliver supported product updates.
Choosing the Right Marantz Amplifier
The STEREO 70s is particularly well suited to systems that need several HDMI inputs but will use only two main speakers and optional subwoofers. Its combination of video switching, streaming, radio and traditional audio inputs makes it more versatile than a conventional analogue amplifier.
If HDMI switching is not required, a more traditional integrated amplifier or network amplifier may provide a better balance for a music-first system. Browse Marantz products at Audio T or compare the wider range of stereo amplifiers.
For genuine surround sound, centre-channel dialogue and Dolby Atmos expansion, the Marantz CINEMA 70s Series 2 is the more appropriate slimline choice.
Why Buy from Audio T?
The STEREO 70s combines conventional hi-fi, networking and HDMI video functions, so careful setup and system matching can make a meaningful difference to both usability and performance.
- Demonstrations with suitable loudspeakers and source equipment
- Comparisons with conventional stereo amplifiers and multichannel AV receivers
- Advice choosing between a two-channel and surround-sound system
- Speaker and active-subwoofer matching
- Television, HDMI ARC and two-channel PCM setup guidance
- 8K, 4K/120Hz and games-console configuration advice
- HEOS, Wi-Fi, Ethernet and streaming-service setup
- Turntable and moving-magnet cartridge compatibility advice
- Second-zone and external power-amplifier planning
- Equipment-rack placement and ventilation guidance
- 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 Marantz STEREO 70s demonstration or discuss loudspeaker matching, television integration, streaming and complete system setup.