Marantz Model 70 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

A hi-fi amplifier that speaks television

The Marantz Model 70 is a Class AB integrated amplifier with current feedback topology and the latest HDAM-SA3 modules, and it has an HDMI ARC input so the television plugs straight in and the TV remote controls the volume. Underneath that it is a conventional stereo amplifier: four line inputs, a moving magnet phono stage, optical and coaxial digital inputs feeding an ES Sabre converter, tone controls and a subwoofer output. There is no network section, which keeps the price where it is.

Why You'll Love It

• The television problem, solved properly. HDMI ARC means one cable from the TV, and the TV remote controls the amplifier volume, so the household does not need a second remote to watch something.
• Marantz circuitry, not a budget shortcut. Class AB output with current feedback topology, the latest generation HDAM-SA3 modules, a linear drive power supply and a damping factor of 100.
• A turntable and a subwoofer both have a socket. A moving magnet phono input at 3.1mV alongside a dedicated subwoofer output, which is an unusual pairing at this size and makes a small system finish properly.

Under the Hood

• Class AB amplification with Marantz current feedback topology and HDAM-SA3 modules, rated at 50W into 8Ω and 65W into 4Ω at 0.08% THD, with a frequency response of 5Hz to 50kHz.
• One HDMI ARC input for a television, optical and coaxial digital inputs feeding an ES Sabre converter, four line inputs and a moving magnet phono input at 3.1mV into 47kΩ.
• Bluetooth with aptX, aptX HD and aptX Adaptive plus transmission to Bluetooth headphones, bass and treble controls at ±10dB, balance, Source Direct, preamplifier and subwoofer outputs and a headphone socket.

CHT Insider Verdict

This is the amplifier for a living room where the television and the stereo are the same system and nobody wants a rack. The HDMI input is the reason to choose it over a PM6007, and the Marantz circuitry is the reason to choose it over a lifestyle box. Know what it is not: there is no HEOS, no AirPlay 2 and no streaming services, and the HDMI is a single ARC input with no output and no video passthrough. If you want the network side, the Stereo 70s is the model that adds it.

Pro Tip: Set the television's audio output to PCM rather than bitstream. ARC on a two channel amplifier only needs stereo, and leaving the TV in bitstream is the usual reason people get silence on the first attempt and blame the cable.