{"id":714461,"date":"2026-07-28T00:16:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T00:16:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/714461\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T00:16:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T00:16:19","slug":"marantz-model-70-review-a-capable-and-likeable-performer-but-faces-talentedrivals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/714461\/","title":{"rendered":"Marantz Model 70 review: a capable and likeable performer but faces talentedrivals"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nWhy you can trust What Hi-Fi?<\/p>\n

Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Marantz has long been a dominant force in the affordable stereo amplifier market, so when it replaces the long-running, five-star PM6007<\/a>, we can\u2019t wait to have a listen.<\/p>\n

After generations of budget 6000-series amplifiers differentiated only by small tweaks, the Marantz Model 70 marks a notable shift in styling and price, if not content.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Where PM6007 originally launched at \u00a3499 \/ $599 and has been available for around \u00a3349-\u00a3399 in the past couple of years, the new Model 70 has launched at \u00a3749 \/ AU$1600 (exc VAT) \u2013 moving it out of the ‘budget’ bracket. It’s also worth noting that this new amplifier won’t be available to buy in the US initially<\/a>, with Marantz stating it is focusing on the “markets where consumer demand can be more effectively met.”<\/p>\n

Latest Videos FromWhat Hi-Fi?<\/p>\n

Build & design<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)<\/p>\n

While the new Model 70 integrated is clearly based on the former Award-winning PM6007, just compare their back panel layout; it is obvious that the company\u2019s engineers haven\u2019t just been twiddling their collective thumbs for the last half a decade.<\/p>\n

The big change is the appearance, of course. This now mirrors the aesthetics of the company\u2019s more premium stereo products (such as the Model 40n<\/a>), and we like it. To our eyes, it looks classier and more elegant than the more function-first approach of the previous budget model.<\/p>\n

The symmetry of the front panel is appealing, as is the trademark Marantz \u2018porthole\u2019 display. We are pleased to report that the front panel dials for the volume, balance, tone controls and inputs all feel solid and precise in use, while that small display is crisp, though admittedly not particularly easy to read from a distance.<\/p>\n

This stereo amplifier, and partnering CD 70 CD player<\/a> (\u00a3499\/ $750), are both available in black and silver finishes. The Model 70\u2019s build feels broadly on a par with the outgoing PM6007, which cost \u00a3499 \/ $599 when launched in 2020, but is now available for notably less.<\/p>\n

The latest hi-fi, home cinema and tech news, reviews, buying advice and deals, direct to your inbox.<\/p>\n

It is nicely finished, though, and reasonably solid, bar the flex we notice in the back panel when plugging in the speaker cables. Arcam\u2019s similarly-priced A5+<\/a> (\u00a3749 \/ $1199) feels more substantial in terms of casework panel thickness and overall solidity.<\/p>\n

The Model 70 is supplied with a system remote that also controls the partnering CD player. It looks like a tweaked version of the older amp\u2019s handset, and works well on the whole, being nicely laid-out and easy to use.<\/p>\n

Marantz Model 70 tech specs<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Marantz)<\/p>\n

Type Integrated<\/p>\n

Power 50W per channel<\/p>\n

Phono stage? Yes (MM)<\/p>\n

Inputs Line level x3, moving magnet phono, optical, coax, HDMI ARC<\/p>\n

Outputs Preamp, subwoofer, speaker<\/p>\n

Bluetooth aptX HD<\/p>\n

Headphone output? Yes (6.3mm)<\/p>\n

Dimensions (hwd) 10.9 x 44 .2 x 37.3cm<\/p>\n

Weight 7.9kg<\/p>\n

There is a bit of give and take when it comes to features compared to the PM6007. The Model 70 gains an HDMI ARC<\/a> input, Bluetooth (aptX HD<\/a>) capability and a preamp output over its predecessor. However, it loses one of the two optical inputs, the second set of speaker outputs and the fixed line output.<\/p>\n

In general, we have no complaints about the new amplifier\u2019s connectivity. It has three line-level inputs, a moving magnet phono stage, as well as coaxial and optical digital ins.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)<\/p>\n

The addition of HDMI and Bluetooth is a definite step in the right direction, making the amplifier more versatile than before. As with the older amp, there is a 6.3mm headphone output on the front panel.<\/p>\n

Inside, you will find that the changes over the PM6007 continue with a different DAC chip (ESS Sabre\u2019s ES9020Q rather than the ES9010K2M), electric rather than potentiometer-based volume control and higher-capacity power supply capacitors (15,000uF vs 12,000uF). Those smoothing capacitors have been moved closer to the power amplifier to reduce resistance. Together, all these changes aim to improve transparency, bass performance and sonic stability.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Internal\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Marantz)<\/p>\n

The use of Marantz\u2019s discrete HDAM amplifier modules, in this case the SA3 version, continues, and power has risen slightly to 50 watts per channel, up from the PM6007\u2019s 45 watts.<\/p>\n

A stereo amplifier at this price has to be flexible enough to work in a wide range of systems. It should be forgiving and balanced enough to make the most of budget sources and speakers, while having the sonic stretch to shine with more capable components. The Model 70 certainly meets that challenge well.<\/p>\n

We use a range of sources from the Marantz CD 70 and Cyrus CDi <\/a>CD players right through to our Naim ND555\/555 PS DR<\/a> music streamer. Record playing duties are carried out with a Technics SL-1000R<\/a> turntable fitted with a Nagaoka MP-200<\/a> moving magnet cartridge. As for speakers, we use our reference ATC SCM50<\/a> along with the KEF LS50 Meta<\/a> and Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sound<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)<\/p>\n

Our first port of call is a comparison of the Model 70 with its predecessor. The PM6007 remains a fine performer for the money, delivering a smooth and fluid presentation that still holds our attention well. However, the new model is clearly better despite sharing a similarly refined tonal balance.<\/p>\n

As we listen to Hans Zimmer’s The Battle from the Gladiator OST unfurl, it is the Model 70 that sounds clearer and more composed. As the piece builds, the amplifier remains impressively stable, tracking low-level instrumental strands with ease while allowing the listener to sit back and enjoy the whole, if they desire.<\/p>\n

In comparison, the PM6007 sounds a little soft and muddled. It manages to reveal the energy and feel but isn\u2019t as tidy in the way the music is presented. Low notes lack impact and definition, while dynamic shifts are more muted.<\/p>\n

The Model 70 rams home its advantage when we play the Back On The Block album by Quincy Jones. Here it comes across as the more insightful and revealing performer, beautifully highlighting the wonderful vocal talents of Chaka Khan and Siedah Garrett on The Places You Find Love. We hear more in the way of vocal and instrumental textures, and greater finesse across the board.<\/p>\n

The Model 70 retains its predecessor\u2019s forgiving nature thanks to its innate refinement and smoothness, but adds more authority when delivering hard-hitting basslines and challenging dynamic contrasts.<\/p>\n

You can add the moving magnet phono stage and digital inputs as additional plus points. With records, the Model 70 retains a good degree of clarity. It delivers Mary J Blige\u2019s No More Drama set with verve and detail, while tonality is nicely judged. It helps that the phono stage\u2019s noise levels are relatively low, too.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)<\/p>\n

The digital inputs are equally capable. The Model 70 is compatible with PCM files up to 24-bit\/192kHz and shifts between file resolutions seamlessly. There are two filter options \u2013 Slow Roll-off and Fast Roll-off \u2013 and while the sonic difference between the two is subtle, we consistently prefer the Slow option as we work our way through a variety of tracks. It just sounds more fluid and natural to our ears. As always, try it for yourself, as much depends on taste and system matching.<\/p>\n

The positives continue with the new amplifier\u2019s Bluetooth performance. While this input doesn\u2019t rival any of the physical connections for outright quality, it still produces musically enjoyable results when we feed in music from Tidal <\/a>and Qobuz<\/a> using our iPhone 14 Pro Max<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So, it should be clear by now that the Model 70 is a talented performer. Its superiority over the PM6007 is obvious; however, it also costs a lot more than its predecessor. That move up in price puts it into a different performance ballpark and up against some remarkably capable opposition, most notably the Award-winning Arcam A5+<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Comparison to the Arcam proves a stiffer test, one that shows that the Marantz doesn\u2019t hold all the cards. Up against the A5+, we find that the Model 70 falls just a step behind in most areas, regardless of input. With the Quincy Jones album, it isn\u2019t quite as rhythmic with the title track, diluting the music\u2019s sense of momentum a little.<\/p>\n

Dynamic nuances aren\u2019t communicated so convincingly, leaving the emotional impact of great vocalists like Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles slightly diluted. Outright clarity and insight, particularly the interplay between instruments, isn\u2019t as easily followed either.<\/p>\n

However, the Marantz is the more neutral of the two, sounding less rich through the midrange and bass, while its lows are just a touch firmer. Absolute detail levels are broadly on a par, and we can still enjoy the Marantz\u2019s lovely top-to-bottom consistency.<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/p>\n

\n

\"Marantz\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: What Hi-Fi?)<\/p>\n

The Marantz Model 70 amplifier has plenty of appeal. It is well-specified, decently made and works with a wide range of music. Had it been priced closer to the PM6007, we would undoubtedly be proclaiming it a class leader.<\/p>\n

However, the move up in price level puts it up against tougher competition and, in that context, it earns a more cautious recommendation.<\/p>\n

Review published: 27th July 2026<\/p>\n

SCORES<\/p>\n

MORE:<\/p>\n

Read our review of the Arcam A5+<\/a><\/p>\n

Also consider the Rega Brio Mk7<\/a><\/p>\n

Best stereo amplifiers<\/a>: 8 class leaders chosen by our review experts<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Marantz Model 70: Price Comparison<\/p>\n

\"View<\/a>\"Amazon\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":714462,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[59,86,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-714461","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","tag-gb","tag-technology","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/714461","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=714461"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/714461\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/714462"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=714461"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=714461"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=714461"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}