If your Marantz receiver PS5 120Hz not working problem appears after a setup change, the cause is usually in the HDMI chain, not the console itself.
This guide shows the exact settings, compatibility checks, and troubleshooting steps that typically restore 120Hz output.
Why 120Hz can fail through a Marantz receiver
PlayStation 5 supports 120Hz output, but the signal only reaches your TV correctly when every device in the path supports the required HDMI bandwidth and settings.
A Marantz AV receiver can pass 120Hz only if the model, the HDMI input, the HDMI output, and the connected display all support the right standards.
Common failure points include HDMI 2.0 limitations, incorrect input assignment, a non-4K/120-compatible TV port, or the receiver being set to a compatibility mode that reduces bandwidth.
In some cases, the PS5 is working properly but the TV reports 60Hz because the signal is being downconverted somewhere in the chain.
Check whether your Marantz receiver supports 4K 120Hz
Not every Marantz receiver can pass a PlayStation 5’s 120Hz signal.
Many older models support 4K at 60Hz, which is not enough for PS5 gaming at 120Hz.
Look up your exact model in the Marantz manual or product page and confirm support for:
- HDMI 2.1 bandwidth
- 4K/120Hz passthrough
- VRR, ALLM, and HDR10 passthrough
- eARC, if you rely on audio return
Marantz models with HDMI 2.1 support are more likely to work correctly, but some early HDMI 2.1 AV receivers from multiple brands had chipset issues that limited full bandwidth on certain inputs.
If your unit is from that era, firmware updates and port-specific workarounds matter.
Confirm the PS5 and TV are configured for 120Hz
The PS5 will not always output 120Hz automatically.
You need to enable the proper system settings and use a game that actually supports high refresh rates.
PS5 settings to check
- Go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output
- Set 120 Hz Output to Automatic
- Set Resolution to Automatic if possible
- Enable HDR only if your TV and receiver fully support it
Also check the game itself.
Titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, Destiny 2, and other PS5-supported games may require an in-game performance mode or 120Hz mode toggle.
If the game is limited to 60fps, the receiver is not the issue.
TV settings that can block 120Hz
Your TV must support 4K/120 on the exact HDMI port you use.
On many sets, only certain ports support full bandwidth, and some require a dedicated “Enhanced,” “Game,” or “4K 120” mode.
- Use the TV’s HDMI port labeled for 4K/120Hz or 120Hz gaming
- Enable the TV’s enhanced input or HDMI deep color option
- Turn on Game Mode if required by the manufacturer
- Check whether VRR or motion smoothing settings interfere with testing
Inspect the HDMI cable and cable length
Low-quality cables are a frequent reason a Marantz receiver PS5 120Hz not working issue persists.
4K/120Hz needs enough HDMI bandwidth to carry the signal reliably, especially when going through a receiver first.
Use an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable certified for HDMI 2.1.
Avoid older High Speed or Premium High Speed cables if you are troubleshooting 4K/120Hz.
- Test with a short cable, ideally 1 to 2 meters
- Replace any cable that has been bent, damaged, or repeatedly unplugged
- Do not assume a cable that works for 4K/60 will work for 4K/120
If the console is connected to the receiver and the receiver to the TV, both cable runs matter.
A weak cable on either side can cause the link to fall back to 60Hz or produce a black screen.
Use the correct Marantz HDMI input and output
On many Marantz AV receivers, not every HDMI port behaves the same way.
Some inputs may have enhanced settings, while certain outputs support higher bandwidth or specific HDMI 2.1 features.
Check the receiver’s manual for any designated 8K or 4K/120 input.
Then confirm the output is connected to the correct TV port.
If your model has multiple HDMI outputs, use the one recommended for video passthrough and eARC compatibility.
Also verify input assignment in the receiver’s setup menu.
If the PS5 is connected to an input configured for an older source profile, signal negotiation can fail or default to 60Hz.
Update firmware on the Marantz receiver, PS5, and TV
Firmware fixes often resolve HDMI handshake problems.
Marantz has released updates for various models to improve HDMI stability, gaming compatibility, and 4K/120 passthrough behavior.
Sony also updates the PS5 HDMI output behavior, while TV manufacturers frequently improve 120Hz support and VRR handling.
Before testing again:
- Update the Marantz receiver through its network or USB method
- Install the latest PS5 system software
- Update the TV firmware from the manufacturer
After updating, power down all devices completely, unplug them for a minute, and restart the full chain.
HDMI handshakes often recover only after a full power cycle.
Try a direct connection to isolate the problem
The fastest way to diagnose the issue is to bypass the receiver temporarily.
Connect the PS5 directly to the TV using the same cable you normally use from the receiver to the TV, then test 120Hz in a supported game.
If 120Hz works directly to the TV, the receiver, receiver settings, or one of the HDMI cables is the source of the problem.
If it still does not work directly, the issue is likely with the PS5 configuration, TV port settings, or game settings.
This simple test eliminates guesswork and helps determine whether you need a settings change or a hardware workaround.
Check for HDMI 2.1 chipset limitations
Some early HDMI 2.1 AV receivers from several brands were affected by a hardware-level chipset limitation that prevented full 4K/120Hz operation with certain devices.
If your Marantz model belongs to that generation, a firmware update may help, but it may not fully solve the issue in every setup.
Symptoms can include:
- 4K/120 not detected at all
- Black screen when switching to 120Hz
- Flickering or unstable signal
- 120Hz working only when connected directly to the TV
If your receiver is known to have this limitation, Marantz support or your retailer can confirm whether a hardware workaround, adapter, or replacement path applies to your model.
Adjust audio and video features that can interfere
Some advanced features may complicate troubleshooting even if they are useful in a finished setup.
If the signal is unstable, temporarily simplify the chain.
- Disable VRR and retest 120Hz
- Turn off HDR temporarily to isolate bandwidth issues
- Disable video processing or scaling on the receiver if enabled
- Set the PS5 output to a fixed resolution while testing
Once you confirm 120Hz works, re-enable features one at a time.
This makes it easier to identify the exact setting that caused the failure.
When to suspect a TV port or handshake issue
Sometimes the receiver is fine, but the TV port has a hidden limitation or requires a special setting.
If one HDMI input on the TV works and another does not, the issue is almost certainly on the display side.
Look for manufacturer-specific options such as:
- Input signal plus or enhanced format
- Game Optimizer mode
- HDMI deep color
- 120Hz or 4K120 input label
Handshake issues can also appear after switching inputs quickly or using a power strip that cuts power to the receiver and TV in the wrong order.
A clean restart of the PS5, receiver, and display often restores detection.
Practical checklist for fixing Marantz receiver PS5 120Hz not working
Use this checklist in order for the quickest path to a fix:
- Confirm your Marantz model supports 4K/120Hz passthrough
- Set PS5 120Hz Output to Automatic
- Verify the game supports 120Hz mode
- Use Ultra High Speed HDMI cables on both links
- Connect the PS5 to the correct Marantz HDMI input
- Connect the receiver to a TV port that supports 4K/120Hz
- Update firmware on the receiver, PS5, and TV
- Power cycle all devices fully
- Test the PS5 directly to the TV
- Disable VRR, HDR, or processing features if needed for diagnosis
When the chain is compatible and the settings are correct, a Marantz receiver should pass a PS5 120Hz signal without requiring major compromise.
The key is verifying each HDMI link, one device at a time, until the bottleneck is found.