Marantz DS 940 (1977–1980)
A 4-way floor-standing speaker system from Marantz’s 9xx series, featuring tunable bass ports and LPF dome tweeters.
Overview
The Marantz DS 940 is a 4-way floor-standing speaker system produced in Japan from 1977 to 1980. It was the top model in the Marantz 9xx speaker series, designed for high-fidelity audio reproduction. The system uses a specially ordered 12-inch "Horley cone" woofer, a 5-inch midrange driver in a sealed back chamber, and dual dome tweeters—a 1.5-inch LPF dome tweeter and a 1-inch LPF dome super tweeter—for extended high-frequency response.
Specifications
| Configuration | 4-way, 4-speaker floor type |
| Woofer | 12 inch |
| Midrange | 5 inch (with dedicated back chamber) |
| Tweeter | 1.5 inch dome (LPF Dome Tweeter) |
| Super Tweeter | 1 inch dome (LPF Dome Tweeter) |
| Impedance | 8 Ω |
| Frequency response | 30 Hz to 22,000 Hz ±3dB |
| Crossover frequencies | 750 Hz, 2300 Hz, 5000 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB / 2.83V / 1m |
| Maximum power input | 150W |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 381 x 1162 x 305 mm |
| Original price | ¥175,000 (Japan) |
Design
The woofer uses a specially ordered "Horley cone" unit, while the midrange driver is matched to the woofer and housed in a separate, sealed back chamber to prevent interference. The tweeter and super tweeter employ Marantz's Light Weight Linear Polyester Film (LPF) dome technology for low distortion and precise directivity. The front baffle includes tunable ports sealed with urethane foam, allowing adjustment of low-frequency response based on room acoustics. The enclosure features a raised "tall boy" design with a reinforced structure and a unique bridge base that acts as a stand and aids in low-frequency room acoustic processing.
Market
A used pair in "Good" condition was listed for $1000 in April 2024. The most common issue is deterioration of the foam surrounds on the woofers, and a specific "Marantz DS 940 Speaker Surround Re-Foam Repair Kit For Woofer" is available for restoration.
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