MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS
System Type: Three way; acoustic suspension. System Components: 15-in. woofer, 5-in. dome mid-range, 1-in. dome tweeter.
Crossovers: 450 and 5,000 Hz.
Frequency Response: 25-20,000 Hz.
Power Handling Capacity: 100 watts.
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms.
Dimensions: 20-in. diameter, 27-in. high.
Weight: 75 lbs.
Price: $ 184.95 with imported marble top; $169.95 with walnut finish top.
The Empire 7500M Grenadier loudspeaker system repeats the now familiar cylindrical column shape, topped off by a heavy imported marble disc, which makes the speaker look like a piece of fine furniture. Hidden behind a decorative bronze panel are the mid-range and high frequency radiators. The cast acoustic lens in front of the mid and high frequency domes helps to increase the normally excellent dispersion of these drivers.
The massive 15-in. woofer is mounted close to the floor and faces downward into a funnel-shaped loading plug. Bass frequencies radiate through eight roughly oval-shaped slots at the bottom of the cabinet. Crossover points are at 450 and 5,000 Hz, and a three-position slide switch, marked DECREASE, NORMAL, and INCREASE, is located next to the polarized speaker input binding posts on the bottom of the cabinet. The system is available in either walnut or oak finish and the marble top is optional, so the speaker can be purchased in an all wood finish at a savings of $15.00 per speaker.
Measurements
Fig. 1-Impedance of the Empire 7500M.
Fig. 2-Frequency response at A, on axis; B, axis, and C, average of five positions.
Fig. 3-Second and third harmonic distortion at two sound pressure levels. An input of 2.8 volts gives 90 dB.
For our measurements as well as the subsequent listening tests, we placed the treble switch in the INCREASE position. Measurement of impedance confirmed the manufacturer's specification of 8 ohms for the 7500. As Fig. 1 shows, impedance is 8 ohms or more throughout most of the range and dips only briefly to 4.5 ohms. Three frequency response curves are shown in Fig. 2; the bottom one, C, shows the total energy that the speaker radiates and is fairly smooth. The low frequency rise at 65 Hz is partly speaker and partly due to room effects. Figure 3 shows that distortion, even at high sound pressure levels, is quite low. As efficiency is on the high side, a rather modest 20-watt amplifier or receiver will do an excellent job of driving the speaker to levels approaching 100 dB. For rock fans, however, the speaker will take 100 watts and more in peak loads without complaints. The tone bursts of Fig. 4 show excellent transient response by this speaker.
Fig. 4--Tone burst response at A, 100 Hz; B, 1000 Hz, and C, 10,000 Hz.
Listening Tests
With the treble switch in the INCREASE position, most of the boost takes place in the region above 6000 Hz. The overall sound can best be characterized as being robust, with the mid-range on the full side. Treble is well dispersed and holds up quite well to 16,000 Hz. Low frequency performance can best be characterized as clear and very deep. The range and power of this speaker at the bass end are certainly most impressive for a system of this size. Performance in the bass region is somewhat affected by the floor material. In our room we preferred standing the speaker on a deep pile carpet, well away from any wall. Since the speaker performs well under this condition and with its cylindrical shape and convenient height, it becomes a natural candidate for use as an end table, flanking a free-standing couch. Another advantage of the column form is that the speaker can be rotated to direct the high frequency energy either towards or slightly away from the listening area, as acoustics or personal preference dictates.
In conclusion, we might note that the Empire 7500M, in addition to being a rugged, efficient performer that blends into a variety of listening rooms, is something of a bargain at $169.95 (without marble top) and merits serious consideration.
-Alex Rosner
(Audio magazine, Nov. 1972)
Also see:
Empire Model 698 Turntable (Equip. Profile, Dec. 1977)
Empire 600 LAC Phono Cartridge (Jun. 1982)
Empire Scientific EDR.9 phono cartridge (ad, Sept. 1979)
Empire Scientific phono cartridges (ad, Nov. 1978)
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