Overview
This item is the C45 METREGON, one of the top flagship models in JBL’s Ranger Series, released in 1958. It is positioned as a sibling model that inherited the design philosophy of the legendary flagship system JBL Paragon D44000, which JBL introduced in 1957, and is regarded as one of the most original and highly refined home speaker systems in JBL’s history.
Among the Ranger Series, the METREGON stands out as a particularly unique model. It uses a design in which a curved central reflector disperses the sound from the left and right channels throughout the room. Its appearance is very similar to the Paragon, but structurally it differs, using a bass-reflex cabinet with a large port at the bottom.
At the time of its release, it was often treated simply as a scaled-down version of the Paragon, and it took time for its true value to be fully appreciated. However, its excellent acoustic design and practicality gradually gained recognition, and the fact that it remained in production for about 10 years speaks to the high level of refinement of this model.
In the METREGON, the curvature of the reflector panel is designed to be gentler than that of the Paragon. By setting a deeper relative angle with the driver units, it successfully directs the primary reflected sound, which had previously diffused toward the opposite channel side, more efficiently toward the center. As a result, it theoretically enhances the primary reflected sound that reaches the listener more directly—something the Paragon was less able to achieve—providing a stable sound image and rich energy throughout a wide listening area.
Furthermore, by positioning the drivers farther forward and at a shallower angle than in the Paragon, not only reflected sound but also direct sound contributes more significantly, resulting in a more powerful and clearly defined soundstage. Thanks to these design improvements, the METREGON is highly regarded not as a mere scaled-down model, but as a speaker system with its own distinct level of refinement.
This unit is one of the early versions released in 1958, and uses the following original JBL components in a 205 configuration:
- Woofer: 130A (16Ω)
- Compression driver: 275
- Horn: Original 16Ω horn
- Network: N600 (600Hz crossover)
Sound Quality
The 275 compression driver is known as a superb unit that combines delicacy with dynamic range, reproducing rich and smooth mids and highs. Thanks to the relatively low 600Hz crossover frequency, the midrange energy is especially full, creating a thick, weighty sound with a low center of gravity. Combined with the 130A woofer, it delivers lower mids and bass with both punch and scale.
Although this is a 2-way configuration, it reproduces the core musical frequency range with extremely high density, offering more than enough capability not only for monaural and early stereo recordings from its era, but also for a wide variety of modern audio sources. Some users add a tweeter to create a 3-way system when seeking greater extension in the highs, but even in its original state it offers an exceptionally well-balanced and highly complete sound.
The METREGON can truly be described as one of the masterpieces representing vintage JBL, successfully combining a spacious natural soundstage, dense midrange, and powerful bass at a very high level.
Although it is a vintage item, it is in very beautiful condition, as can be seen in the photos.
Specifications
JBL 130A 16Ω
The 130A is one of JBL’s early series models and a product associated with James B. Lansing.
Its fundamental design principles are still reflected in current JBL products, showing its historical significance and excellence.
This is a 38 cm cone-type woofer unit.
It improves high-frequency characteristics by using a curved cone shape for the cone paper.
It features a 5.9 kg magnetic circuit using an Alnico V magnet, a 10.2 cm diameter voice coil, and a lightweight cone paper, all of which provide excellent transient response.
- Size (diameter): 38 cm
- Serial numbers: 17804 / 19853
- Power handling: 60W (continuous program)
- Sound pressure level (new JIS): 101dB
- Impedance: 16Ω
- Voice coil diameter: 10.2 cm
- Magnet assembly weight: 5.9 kg
- Magnetic flux density: 12,000 gauss
- Recommended enclosure volume: 114L to 338L
- Depth: 146 mm
- Weight: 8 kg
Both sound pressure and tone are well matched.
The speaker cone paper is in good condition, with no sagging or hardening.
JBL 275 16Ω
The JBL 275 is one of JBL’s finest and most representative premium driver units, standing alongside the 375 as a top model.
It is the early model of the later LE85.
The terminals are also the original fat terminal type.
The wax seals remain intact, indicating that the internal condition is still original.
As can be judged from the photos, it is in very clean cosmetic condition, and considering that more than 50 years have passed since manufacture, it can be called a remarkably beautiful example.
- Serial numbers: 375 / 376 (consecutive numbers)
- Magnet: Alnico V
- Impedance: 16Ω
JBL N600
- Serial numbers: 1263 / 1264 (consecutive numbers)
- System power handling: 60W (continuous program)
- Crossover frequency: 600Hz
- Level controller: 3-position switch
- Stamped serial marking: 246
- Dimensions: Width 1860 mm × Height 760 mm × Depth 570 mm
- Dimensions (after pallet packing): Width 77″ × Height 39″ × Depth 29″
- Weight: Approx. 120 kg
