[Overview]
■ Overview ■
This item is a pair of JBL C51 APOLLO 2-way, 2-speaker systems released by JBL in the 1960s.
The C51 Apollo is a compact version of the legendary JBL C50 Olympus, a top-of-the-line speaker system that brought together JBL’s renowned acoustic and woodworking technologies. It was produced in response to strong demand from devoted JBL fans.
The design and finish are the same as the Olympus, featuring a walnut finish. The front grille is decorated with JBL’s original hand-carved lattice design.
Regarding the units, the drivers used in this item are the blue-type units, which were produced only for a limited period. The serial numbers of the units and networks are either consecutive or very close numbers from the same production lot, making this an excellent matched pair in both sound quality and sound pressure level.
The unit configuration is the S7 system, using an LE15A woofer, LE85 + H91 driver horn, and LX5 network.
■ Sound Quality ■
Unlike the 00X configuration equipped with the 130A or D130, this system is characterized by the powerful and well-defined sound unique to the LE15A.
Whether listening to classical, jazz, or contemporary music, this is a versatile system that allows you to fully enjoy its high resolution.
The stable low range and the clarity of the LE85 in the mid-to-high range are extremely pleasant, making it a system you can listen to for hours without fatigue.
Because it uses the LX5 network, the sound has a low center of gravity and plays with a full-range-like character. This is likely what gives the system its wonderfully wide frequency range.
[Specifications]
■ Unit Specifications ■
【JBL LE15A Woofer 16Ω】
The LE15A is the top woofer unit in JBL’s LE series. It is one of JBL’s early Signature Series units.
This is the rare white-surround version. With a powerful continuous program input capacity of 120W, it reproduces even the ultra-low frequency range smoothly and effortlessly.
It surpasses many speaker units released during the same period, offering high efficiency and excellent transient characteristics.
Size / Diameter: 38 cm
Serial numbers: 2752 / 2753, consecutive numbers
Power handling: 120W, continuous program
Magnet: Alnico V
Sound pressure level, new JIS: 94 dB
Impedance: 16Ω
Voice coil diameter: 10.2 cm
Magnet assembly weight: 9.1 kg
Magnetic flux density: 11,000 gauss
Recommended enclosure internal volume: 114 L–338 L
Depth: 149 mm
Weight: 11.8 kg
Both sound pressure and tone are well matched. The speaker cone paper is in good condition, with no sagging or hardening. As you can judge from the photos, the exterior is also very beautiful.
【JBL LE85 Driver 16Ω】
The LE85 incorporates JBL’s advanced technology, including a 3.4 kg magnetic circuit using an Alnico V magnet, an ultra-thin diaphragm, and a 4.4 cm diameter edgewise-wound aluminum ribbon voice coil.
The wax seals are still intact, indicating that the internal components remain in their original condition.
As you can judge from the photos, the exterior is very beautiful. Considering that more than 50 years have passed since production, this can be described as an exceptionally fine example.
Both sound pressure and tone are well matched.
Serial numbers: 5012 / 5207
Throat diameter: 1 inch / 2.5 cm
Magnet: Alnico V
Impedance: 16Ω
Sound pressure level: 108 dB
Voice coil diameter: 4.4 cm
Magnet assembly weight: 4.5 kg
Magnetic flux density: 19,000 gauss
External dimensions: 114 mm diameter × 98 mm
Weight: 5.4 kg
【JBL H91 Horn Lens】
【JBL LX5 Network】
Serial numbers: 12413 / 12430
System power handling: 100W, continuous program
Crossover frequency: 500 Hz
Level controller: 3-position switch
Weight: 2.7 kg
[Enclosure Specifications]
■ Enclosure Specifications ■
Walnut oil finish.
A distinctive design featuring a beautiful mosaic-style wooden grille.
Serial numbers: 53026 / 53027, consecutive numbers
Size, per speaker: W670 mm × H670 mm × D460 mm
Weight, per speaker: Approx. 45 kg
Total packed volumetric weight: Approx. 80 kg
