I upgraded to the Cinema 50 after owning a Marantz NR1603 since it was released. I've always had B&W speakers and thought that what I had was enough since my room was on the smaller side. I decided to upgrade when I saw Marantz's 70th anniversary trade in program, and I decided on the Cinema 50. It was clear from the first 10 minutes that the Cinema 50 is a clear step up from what I had... not to mention the new design of Marantz products is really nice. The best way I can describe it is everything sounds bigger, even at low volumes. I don't consider myself an "audiophile", but I like audio and home theater gear. It looks nice and sounds great. While this isn't the cheapest option out there for what you get, in my opinion (and considering what i had before), I do think that there is definitely a noticeable sonic difference which translates to using it more often which is kind of the whole point, right?

This is my first Marantz product and I’m quite happy with my decision to finally upgrade the heart of my system. I’m able to run 7.4.2 with Klipsch reference and have flexibility to add another channel at some point. Sound is warm and enveloping, movies are robust yet crisp. Purchased in November and it took me a few weeks to dial it in and fully reach perfection, but it is spot on. After calibration, I did have to bump up the bass a bit, since Audyssey seems to set subs a touch too low. Highly recommend to everyone, including the serious audiophile.

Being an audio guy, I appreciate good quality and fast amp recovery timing. And this unit gives me that plus the video capabilities, which I could not ask for anything more.. Thanks for making such a great product that even a lay person that doesn't understand audio video can be a successful.

The Cinema 50 is more than capable, offering every format from Dolby Atmos to Aural 3D. Dirac Live is coming sometime later this year and for an additional fee. Start diving into all that's possible with the Cinema 50 and you better be knowledgeable at minimum. I consider myself an audiophile, and it took me and a friend over 2 weeks to get The Cinema 50 set up and dialed in. The reward is powerful Sound that is full and rich. The new on screen menus are much improved. I don't think there's a better option out there for the money without going to separates.

This is my first Marantz receiver and I'm quite happy with my decision to finally upgrade the heart of my system. I'm able to run 7.4.2 with Jamo S807 and have flexibility. Sounds great. Highly recommend to everyone