Last Ed May design?

[dgunnr]

Thought I would start a new thread concerning a brochure I bought off e-bay. It is a design by I believe Ed May. After the HD xx, HD xxx, DS series, Model cxx and M xx speaker lines it appears the next speaker design was F*7. I will attach the brochure after I review it. The speaker is Focused Field technology and is 5 way instead of 4 way. The brochure date is 1980 which is definitely Ed May era. I could not find any info on Google about these and have never seen a set for sale. I don’t think these ever made production. After I post the brochure I welcome comments if anyone actually owns a pair, saw a pair or has any information regarding them.

 

[triple20]

Since you list 6 lines of speakers from Marantz I'll post this copy/paste from an article about Ed May at the Lansing Heritage page.


He left JBL in1976, just as detailed design was just beginning. He joined Marantz Superscope to become their head of loudspeaker design. A custom design facility was built specifically for him. He used it to turn out three complete lines of loudspeakers in very short order. However, this was the last loudspeaker work he would perform. Edmond May passed away suddenly in1980 while still employed at Marantz.

 

[dgunnr]

Th

Since you list 6 lines of speakers from Marantz I'll post this copy/paste from an article about Ed May at the Lansing Heritage page.


He left JBL in1976, just as detailed design was just beginning. He joined Marantz Superscope to become their head of loudspeaker design. A custom design facility was built specifically for him. He used it to turn out three complete lines of loudspeakers in very short order. However, this was the last loudspeaker work he would perform. Edmond May passed away suddenly in1980 while still employed at Marantz.

That Sounds accurate. The HD xx was the first line. The HD/DS line were next and are identical components, only the cabinets are different, same specs. The M and Model line are identical components. There specs are slightly different. This new speaker I don’t think ever made production. Again wish some former Marantz executives, dealers and employees would chime in on these topics.

 

[dgunnr]

Some observations from brochure. First the brochure is dated 1979, defn. within the Ed May era. Secondly, the tweeters are different than the DS/HD/M and Model speakers. The other components also appear to be different. Shape of the speaker cabinet is most similar to the M-16 and Model 600 but does not have the glass top. Grill shape is the same design. Frequency range is 15 Hz-30 kHZ which is the best i have ever seen on a Marantz speaker. These are very good specs. Cross overs look very sophisticated for this era. Handles up to 400 watts which is the highest I have seen.

I would love to find out if anyone owns these or if it can be confirmed they were never made which at first glance this is what i believe. Would love some feedback from others who might add more insight.

 

[triple20]

Very interesting
I hope someone can share more info regarding these.