Marantz STEREO 70s
Score: 81/100
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos
Score: 83/100Rankings
The Bose Smart Soundbar delivers Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue Mode in a slim form factor, with built-in Alexa and extensive wireless connectivity. It lacks ADAPTiQ calibration and may be under-powered for larger rooms, and the wall-mount bracket is sold separately. Perfect for small-to-medium living rooms seeking an all-in-one smart sound solution.
Marantz's STEREO70S is a compact 2-channel AV receiver offering 75 W per channel, Class A/B amplification, HEOS streaming and extensive HDMI 8K support. While it excels in audio fidelity and feature set, it does not provide surround-sound channels or Dolby Atmos, limiting home-theater use. Ideal for audiophiles and streaming enthusiasts needing high-quality stereo performance in a small footprint.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2 | 5best | |
75 Wbest | — | |
4 Ωbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 210 Wbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 24 lb | 6.909 lbbest |
5 yearsbest | 1 years |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Audio(1) | ||
Audio Channels | 2 | 5 |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth | 5.0 |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 5 years | 1 years |
Build & Design(2) | ||
System Weight (lb) | 24.0 lb | 6.909 lb |
System Dimensions (H×W×D) (cm) | 44.2×10.9×38.6 cm cm | 5.6×69.4×10.4 cm cm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
The Absolute Sound commends the STEREO 70s for its solid stereo power, compact footprint, and a connectivity package that rivals larger AV receivers. Reviewers appreciate the discrete Class A/B amplification, HEOS integration, and the ability to handle high-resolution audio, positioning it as a high-quality music-first component that still accommodates modern video sources.
Professional reviewers commend the Smart Soundbar for delivering a remarkable sound-to-size ratio, with its five-speaker array and TrueSpace upmixing providing immersive audio despite the compact chassis. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and Alexa adds convenience, but critics note the lack of ADAPTiQ calibration and a lower speaker count than Bose's higher-end Ultra model, making it a solid mid-range choice rather than a flagship.
Everyday users praise the compact design, Dolby Atmos effect, and voice-control convenience, while noting the limited speaker count and desire for a wall-mount bracket. Overall sentiment is positive for the feature set relative to size and price.
