The catch
Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Four high-refresh inputs and two display outputs may still be the limit, even when there is plenty of speaker capacity.
Side by side
Sony STR-AZ7000ES vs Marantz CINEMA 30: Sony drives thirteen speakers, Marantz gives more source routes
Quick verdict
When avoiding an additional power amplifier is the priority for a supported thirteen-speaker layout, Sony is the choice. It powers thirteen main speakers without an external amplifier. CINEMA 30 needs a separate stereo amp to reach thirteen, but it adds four independently adjustable sub outputs, seven high-refresh rear inputs and supported analog-video conversion to HDMI. Each already powers 7.1.4 by itself.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Thirteen channels can end up as one box or as two
For a planned 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 installation, the thirteen main amplifiers are built into Sony. CINEMA 30 processes thirteen but powers eleven, so its published maximum depends on another stereo power amp. Without a suitable ventilated spot in the rack for that amp, the Marantz expansion promise falls short in your room. If you already own and have installed a suitable amp, most of that drawback goes away. Compare the full system you’ll end up with, extra cables and power connection included.
Where this comes from
For Marantz, 13 requested main channels minus 11 built-in amps equals 2 external amplifier channels. What that means physically depends on the equipment you have and how it is installed.
The catch
Marantz CINEMA 30
Processing thirteen channels doesn’t mean having thirteen built-in amplifiers. For that layout, add a stereo power amp.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Why pick it
- Your supported thirteen-speaker plan is fixed, and you want all its amplifiers inside one receiver.
- A difficult rear cable route is solved by compatible Sony wireless rears.
- The catch
- Four high-refresh inputs and two display outputs may still be the limit, even when there is plenty of speaker capacity.
Marantz CINEMA 30
- Why pick it
- There is room for a stereo power amp, and you need several independent sub settings.
- Supported analog-video devices and modern HDMI sources both have to reach the same screen.
- The catch
- Processing thirteen channels doesn’t mean having thirteen built-in amplifiers. For that layout, add a stereo power amp.
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What this page compares
Sony AZ7000ES vs Marantz CINEMA 30 for a thirteen-speaker theater, weighing extra amplifier space, multiple subs and old consoles feeding one HDMI screen.
Each can process a theater with thirteen main speakers. For a serious installation they are both credible, though the way the amplifiers are packaged and the sources you own can flip the choice.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Running thirteen main speakers without a second power amp
Thirteen amps come built into Sony, while Marantz needs two more amplifier channels.
- Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Better fit
- Marantz CINEMA 30
- Caution
A supported analog console sent to the display over one HDMI cable
Supported analog video gets converted to HDMI by Marantz.
- Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Caution
- Marantz CINEMA 30
- Better fit
Four subs that each need their own receiver settings
Four sub outputs on Marantz can be adjusted independently.
- Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Caution
- Marantz CINEMA 30
- Better fit
Existing 7.1.4 room
Each drives eleven main speakers directly.
- Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Good
- Marantz CINEMA 30
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Thirteen channels can end up as one box or as two
For a planned 7.1.6 or 9.1.4 installation, the thirteen main amplifiers are built into Sony. CINEMA 30 processes thirteen but powers eleven, so its published maximum depends on another stereo power amp. Without a suitable ventilated spot in the rack for that amp, the Marantz expansion promise falls short in your room. If you already own and have installed a suitable amp, most of that drawback goes away. Compare the full system you’ll end up with, extra cables and power connection included.
How we worked this out
For Marantz, 13 requested main channels minus 11 built-in amps equals 2 external amplifier channels. What that means physically depends on the equipment you have and how it is installed.
An older console can force a second path to the screen
Your family might switch between current games and a compatible composite or component source, with only a single HDMI cable already running to a projector. CINEMA 30 can convert supported analog video to HDMI. Analog video on Sony isn’t converted to HDMI, so the old source needs another verified conversion or display route. Look at the exact console signal first, since analog inputs don’t guarantee support for every vintage format. What you gain is keeping the one-screen-cable plan. The old console's picture does not improve.
How we worked this out
Analog-to-HDMI conversion, matched against a single cable run already in place and family sources from different generations. The exact input formats are still a condition.
A room with several subs needs more than a big channel number on the label
Suppose an installation puts three or four powered subs in different positions. CINEMA 30 offers individual receiver settings for all four outputs. Sony has two sub sockets, so the same four-sub plan calls for a separate distribution and control arrangement that has been verified. Splitting an output doesn’t create a new independent receiver setting. This counts when placement and adjustment are already part of the design. It doesn’t establish a smoother response, and it doesn’t make four subs necessary in every room.
How we worked this out
Four individually adjustable outputs compared with two physical outputs, applied to an installation of three or four subs. Nothing is claimed about the acoustic result or about Sony control behavior that isn’t documented.
Plan your receiver connectionsLay out my system
Check a documented speaker layout against HDMI sources and external-amplifier plans.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz. Use the four designated rear high-refresh inputs. The front input does not support 4K/120Hz.
Marantz CINEMA 30
Handles your setup
Runs 5.1.2 on its own built-in amplifiers. Takes 3 HDMI devices, 1 of them at 4K/120Hz.
A powered subwoofer does not count toward the speaker channels. This checks one main room. Check Zone 2, bi-amping and unusual speaker assignments yourself. Leave room for ventilation, and confirm HDMI settings, cables and speaker impedance before you install.
Option A
Sony, US black standalone receiver
STR-AZ7000ES
Your supported thirteen-speaker plan is fixed, and you want all its amplifiers inside one receiver.
- Best for
- Your supported thirteen-speaker plan is fixed, and you want all its amplifiers inside one receiver.
Facts we checked
- Thirteen main speakers: Thirteen built-in amps
- High-refresh inputs: Four
- Analog video to HDMI: Not converted to HDMI
- Subwoofer output plan: Two sub outputs
Option B
Marantz, US black standalone receiver
CINEMA 30
There is room for a stereo power amp, and you need several independent sub settings.
- Best for
- There is room for a stereo power amp, and you need several independent sub settings.
Facts we checked
- Thirteen main speakers: Eleven built-in amps plus external stereo amp
- High-refresh inputs: Seven rear inputs
- Analog video to HDMI: Supported analog-video conversion
- Subwoofer output plan: Four independently adjustable sub outputs
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Sony STR-AZ7000ES | Marantz CINEMA 30 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thirteen main speakers | Thirteen built-in amps | Eleven built-in amps plus external stereo amp | In that particular build, Sony does away with the extra amplifier. |
| High-refresh inputs | Four | Seven rear inputs | A larger set of compatible sources can stay connected directly to Marantz. |
| Analog video to HDMI | Not converted to HDMI | Supported analog-video conversion | Even in a brand-new theater, a legacy console can change the wiring plan. |
| Subwoofer output plan | Two sub outputs | Four independently adjustable sub outputs | Marantz documents individual settings for as many as four, which doesn’t prove the bass will be better. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Sony STR-AZ7000ES
- Even with the amplification included, the added speakers and their installation still cost money.
With Marantz CINEMA 30
- Dirac is a paid option, while Audyssey XT32 comes included. Outboard amplification calls for cooling and cabling.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
You can’t do without thirteen built-in main amplifiers
Go with Sony STR-AZ7000ES. With Sony, no external stereo amplifier is needed.
How sources and subwoofers connect counts for more than how the amplifiers are packaged
Go with Marantz CINEMA 30. Marantz brings the documented analog conversion plus four independent sub outputs.
Decision guide
Before you buy
The complete speaker layout without extra boxes is what you want, though older sources and multiple subs may need connections that the simpler rack lacks.
What this page can’t tell you
- Amplifier count and sub count do not point to an acoustic winner. Neither maximum speaker label allows every layout and zone at once.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the AV receivers we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony STR-AZ7000ES |
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| Marantz CINEMA 30 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Sony STR-AZ7000ES
Your supported thirteen-speaker plan is fixed, and you want all its amplifiers inside one receiver.
A difficult rear cable route is solved by compatible Sony wireless rears.
See price & reviews on AmazonMarantz CINEMA 30
There is room for a stereo power amp, and you need several independent sub settings.
Supported analog-video devices and modern HDMI sources both have to reach the same screen.
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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