I feel like the pre amp mode is also a great addition to the 70s. "You can even use the Stereo 70s in conjunction with a higher-end external amplifier by setting it into pre-amp mode."
The Stereo 70s would be my selection here primarily for it’s ability to support two pairs of speakers but most importantly for its ability to display track information on my TV. Thanks again John for another great review!
70s vote here, and John I very much respect your honor in not reviling the launch date. This shows your a person of character and can be trusted with information. That quality is very rare in today’s society ✌️
Good on you for your "Roon ready" announcement policy. I have an M1 and love it. LOVE it. I'm sure you've heard this before - i am still confused about "no DAC" vs. "Direct Digital Amp." Digital goes in and analog comes out to the speakers. Sounds DAC-y to me!
70s - I actually just purchased the Cinema 60 to pair with my TV and passive soundbar with the hope to expand to an Atmos setup. Will have separate tube amp and mains for 2 channel music
I own the stereo 7S and I couldn’t be more happy. It’s power, soundstage, functionality, and versatility to matching speakers is optimal. Looking forward to Roon readiness and improved bass management. I run the S70 with a pair of red Sonus faber lumina 2 Amator and the smallest REL subwoofer in white in a mid to large room. Total bliss! Sublimely detailed forward set up. I can hear everything.
Oh my god, this comparison is just what I needed. Now considering my brighter speakers I'm in the team 70s, also for added value of multiple inputs (especially phono) and now playing display on TV. Thanks a lot John.
I own the 70s and really enjoy it for its duel purpose hifi and movies set up with SVS ultra bookshelf and SVS sb2000 sub The only issue I have is when watching movies sorry should say streaming movies eg Netflix Amazon ect the dialog is heard to hear as the audio stream is compressed so much Ideally the cinema 70s with a centre channel would be the go but I haven’t the room to fit a centre channel so I would really like to give the M1 a go because it has a Dolby decoder and you can adjust the dialogue enhancer which I would love to hear but no one has reviewed the functionality as of yet except for Andrew Robinson who talked about the filters included If it performs really well in the dialogue enhancer function it could be a year from me
You may have already done so, but manually switching to Stereo audio tracks in Netflix resolves a great deal of this issue. If you have a Google Chromecast w/TV, you can turn off surround sound tracks globally and stick to linear PCM.
I understand new school products like the M1 (being from the iPod generation), but I have also had my brains 🧠 blown to smithereens by all this 70s hifi stuff i have been collecting. The Stereo 70 is neither old school nor new school to me. If I were Marantz, I would design an old school integrated that fit the WC-22 or WC-2 wood case from the superscope era that people are still making. Go back to your roots, Marantz!!!!!
m1 upstairs in the office and 70s with TV and vinyl downstairs. I need to rob a bank...in the meantime I will survive with my Old Technics and my Wiim amp upstairs. Great review. Marrantz are one of the few old brands that have not gone to poop.
This comparison is what I have been waiting for! I would like to listen to both amplifiers to make the final decision but would probably choose Model M1 as - at least on paper - it better suits my needs. Thanks for another great video!
I think another benefit with stereo 70s is the pre-amp out which enables experimenting with different power amps in the long run. Something that m1 buyers would not be interested anyway, so they might serve different folks which are fine. Would be interesting to hear from others on how much the pre-amp contributes to the sound when having external amp.
I own the Stereo 70's but I have been a long term Marantz user for years. I love all the new and vintage marantz. Currently eyeing up the upcoming Model 10 reference series amp.
Is there a reason not to go for the cinema 70s if you want a stereo setup? I dont need 5.1 but maybe adding a center speaker to the stereo system for movie nights would be nice. Otherwise, stereo for music and movies are enough. Or would the stereo 70s deliver better performance for music?
Over the last few weeks, I've watched numerous reviews of the M1 and have been getting curiouser and curiouser as to whether it would be good for me. I'm so glad you did this comparison. I had completely forgotten about the 70s. At the same price point, I think I would go with the 70s given how you characterized the differences in sound. Thanks mate.
I have owned a Stereo 70s for 10 days, brought it back to the dealer and traded it in for the Model 40s. Though i really liked the connectivity i kept having troubles with the HDMI-CEC after much tinkering and i thought the sound was lean compare to my old marantz 8006. So i would choose neither (but it is a different price class)
The M1 looks so stylish. I became quite excited that you’re trying out the Q Acoustics with the M1, then immediately disappointed when you said it’s not a good paring lol
If (when?) my SR6007 dies, I would have to pick the Stereo 70s. TBH, I have a stereo only setup with no TV attached, but I got a screaming deal on the SR6007 when it was closed out. Just a 2.0 setup (tried Bi-Amp but didn't make enough of a difference with my B&W speakers). What I do require is an analog input (have a separate Pho tube phono amp), a coax for my Sonos Connect, a toslink for my Marantz CD6005 and a zone 2 pre-amp out - feeds the input on the Sonos - so I can listen to my vinyl anywhere in my house. And a network connection and AirPlay.
I like your detailed yet clear review, you clearly give the sound styles of amplifiers , i would be buying 70s for the fuller sound of my old songs, nice review. S
Stereo 70s...I currently have a KEF LS50 Wireless II and fondly remember the analog sound of my setup... when I owned a Marantz amp or Musical Fidelity
I opt for the Stereo 70, because of the multiple hdmi inputs, the dual speaker zones (incl. The second subwoofer) plus the rest. Wonder though how they would pair wit the Kef Q150
I would chose 70s, just because of the Now Playing screen :) I have Lyngdorf tdai-1120 and the mobile app is sooo outdated :/ Obviously it has other qualities, but thats another topic. When it comes to the 70s, I would use it as a pre/amp, but I havent noticed any digital outputs?
Good video and thanks for reiterating the fairly limited effect amps have on sound(subject to power), particularly in this case as they couldn't be more different in respect of the technology. I'd love a vid on explaining the connection of subjective description vs technical. Such as class A amps having warmth or weight due to distortion at certain frequencies etc vs good quality Class D amp such as purifi based amps being more transparent/accurate and neutral in presentation. It seems some of the subjective description around amps sound is overblown and also raises the question do you want your amp colouring the sound or having a signature as that means you have no option of actually hearing the music as intended. Maybe its best leaving the colouring of sound to eq, speakers and pre amps/tubes etc
The stereo 70S would be my choice. I'm old, 1949 model. We do have a TV between our speakers. It's a 2.1 setup. Built to Spill - Very cool! Thanks! Paul H. Huntington Beach, CA
Model M1 gets my vote - has wife approval factor 😅 I always enjoy your thoughts and wait for it………the bloopers at the end 🤣🤣 thanks John for another excellent video 🙏🏻🙏🏻
There is a function on the model M 1 that you seem to have admitted on both videos… Did you know that there is a virtual surround sound type function? If so, did you try it out? And what did you think if you did?
I bought the Stereo 70s to replace my NAD 320BEE and I love it. No way I'd pick the M1 even it was free. I wouldn't be caught dead in skinny jeans either :))
Where do I get my free Stereo 70s? I like the extra input options, and the now playing information. Excellent video as always. And seeing as I recently saw a bit of grief in the comments concerning the bloopers, I just want you to know I appreciate them. They help me face my day, knowing I'm not alone. 😀
If you use your smart TV streaming apps to your Reciever you'll get playing now screen presentation. I find audio levels are slightly lower but can't detect any drop in quality. I just drive it harder
Really happy of this comparison since they are my actual dilemma! I was first going to keep my old Rotel and add a WiiM Ultra but no Airplay is a killer for me so… Stereo 70S or M1? Now that I saw this comparison, I will go for the 70S. Thanks John, you really help me out with this one. 👍
Stereo 70S is for me, simply for that more natural sound and extra feature it brings for the curious listeners to look-up to what is playing, giving context to the music playing.
I purchased the 70S to use in a 2 channel home theater setup and I love the flexibility it gives me, for music I think my previous amp (Rotel A12) was punchier than the Marantz but they both sound great with my kef 350’s. The 70S is great with my LG C2 tv and Oppo 105 for my movie collection, and I don’t care about the streaming because I have my own music collection and tastes.
Stereo 70s for me. My reasons are largely aesthetic - what can I say, I'm shallow 🤷🤷 Great video John, I love the "extra" information videos you make (not that you need my "blessings" - 😂) 👍😁👍
Long time lurker and first time poster here. Great comparison video! What would be the best matching amplifier between the M1 and the Stereo 70s for a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 100 7G in a 8 square metre room, connected to a TV (music, movies and games) and eventually a turntable? Thank you in advance!!
Got to see Built to Spill back in 06 @ Webster hall NYC, awesome f***in show! Is there really that much $ on the line concerning review units? How much would one guestimate the cost of materials/components is for the M1 that has no pots, no VU meters, NOTHING tactile or pleasing to the touch at all vs say the GORGEOUS units they made back in the 70's?
M1. I paid for two of as them as it happens! Virtual surround is superb .. and that alone is worth a lot for me. Ditch the soundbar. I think it’s useful to point out what the m1 has that the 70s doesn’t have..
70s... I'm REALLY old school! 70s....!!?😄 Actually looking into the Integra DTM-7.4 Receiver with FM/AM capability. Review that some time soon if you possibly can, tq.
