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Marantz Imperial Series Speakers

BKville

BKville

Active Member
What's the scoop on the Marantz Imperial series speakers..

How many different models did they make...

What is the quality..

So this Imperial series must match up with the 22xx model Marantz receivers pretty well..



Thanks, Brent
 
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IMO Marantz knew how to make many components but lets just say their speakers were lacking..

The one exception may be the TOTL HD series.

Grumpy
 
I have a pair of "Design Series" 900's, and the cabinetry is first-rate. The drivers are so-so, but are very easy to listen to.
Worth a listening, if they are available.
Otherwise, I agree with Grumpy.
 
I've had Imperial 9's and they were quite nice. I've also got a set of HD770's which are really fantastic speakers. I've never heard any lower end Marantz, though I've seen some from the Phillips years that looked highly comparable to the finest Soundesign had to offer....
 
Most of the Marantz line was filled up with stuff like fake lens plates and other things that make them seem cheesy. I bet some of their stuff is pretty decent but the ones I seen I normally pass on just because of those reasons.
 
Imperial Sevens were kind of a "poor man's JBL L-100" and not too bad. A buddy of mine had/has a set and I bought and sold a set a few years back (I have the real deal JBL 4311s now :D ).

I'd rate the Sevens as probably better than most Japanese speakers, with the exception of the Pioneer HPM series, but behind the good old American marques like JBL, Altec, Advent, AR, KLH, EPI, etc, etc.
 
I have a pair of HD 770s and was shocked on how full balanced and dynamic they sound. Mine have the original drivers and I had the walnut finish professionally refinished and they almost look like new. I think it is important to get a small stand to angle them up, but when they are, they give pretty much a full range sound and imaging that competes favorably with other popular vintage designs. I often wondered how the HD 880s sound, but I am guessing excellent. Truly a hidden gem, this series. Not familar with the Imperial series other than what I have read.

Regards,

Dave
 
Thanks guys for the info on the Imperial and HD series..

Now how about this SP series...


Thanks again, Brent
 
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