Marantz Imperial 8 (1970–1974)
The Imperial 8 was Marantz's mid-range floor-standing loudspeaker during the early Superscope era. It sat between the smaller Imperial 6 and the larger Imperial 9. It was a three-way, ported design built to pair with the Marantz receivers of the day, and it was the company's premium speaker offering of that period.
The drivers are a 12-inch woofer with a heavy, wide-surround design, an 8-inch cone midrange in its own sealed sub-enclosure, and a 3-inch tweeter. Crossover points are 800 Hz and 4,500 Hz. Level controls for midrange and treble sit on the front baffle. The port tube is on the front baffle below the woofer. The cabinet is walnut veneer with a black cloth grille and metal trim. It measures 26 inches high by 16 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep and weighs 55 pounds.
Stereo Review reviewed the Imperial 8 favorably in 1971, praising its even tonal balance across the midrange and smooth high-frequency response. The review measured frequency response at 32 Hz to 17 kHz (±3.5 dB), sensitivity at 93 dB SPL at 1 watt/1 meter, and rated power handling at 60 watts maximum (program). The original price was $189.50 each. Julian Hirsch's review noted that while it lacked the deepest sub-bass impact of larger systems, it delivered respectable low-frequency output with low distortion within its size class. Marantz's own advertising — appearing in Audio (May 1975, p.71) and High Fidelity (July 1975, p.99) — claimed the Imperial 8 could handle 125 watts of integrated program material while reproducing full realism with a fraction of that power, citing its efficiency as the basis for a wide dynamic range.
Known issues on surviving examples: the midrange surrounds are prone to separation, especially in humid climates, and the seal between the midrange enclosure and front baffle can fail. The internal damping material degrades after decades and should be replaced during restoration. The crossover capacitors in early units often drift out of spec, which gives dull midrange and harsh treble. Rebuild kits with air-core inductors and mylar capacitors are available from Classic Speaker Pages. Owners have also noted that the cabinets weren't exceptionally well braced and the veneer can separate. Resealing and adding bracing reportedly improves clarity.
Known specifications:
- Type: 3-way, ported floor-standing loudspeaker
- Drivers: 12″ woofer, 8″ midrange (sealed sub-enclosure), 3″ tweeter
- Crossover: 800 Hz and 4,500 Hz
- Frequency response: 32 Hz – 17 kHz (±3.5 dB)
- Sensitivity: 93 dB (1W/1M)
- Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
- Power handling: 60W max (program)
- Dimensions: 26″ H × 16″ W × 13.5″ D
- Weight: 55 lbs
- Original price: $189.50 each
Production years are given as 1970-1974, though the model first appeared in the 1971 Superscope catalog. The record is slightly ambiguous on the exact introduction date.
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