■ Overview ■
This item is a pair of theater speaker systems built into original JBL/AMPEX MODEL 5070 theater enclosures released by JBL in the 1940s. It is equipped with four JBL 150-4 32Ω woofers, one of JBL’s signature models that was used in many speaker systems, along with 375 drivers and oversized 537-501 horns, offered here as a pair of complete theater systems.
■ A cabinet jointly produced by Jim Lansing and the trusted AMPEX company ■
This model was conceived and produced at Westrex, which had been established at the time as the outside manufacturing division of Western Electric, by John Frayne and Bart Locanthi, who later became a designer for JBL.
It was later distributed to theaters across the United States through a collaboration between Jim Lansing and Ampex, and became a rare model that established a firm reputation as Jim Lansing’s first theater speaker system.
It is said that the precision craftsmanship of these cabinets was so highly regarded that even Western executives and Mr. Lansing himself were impressed. This legendary cabinet offers excellent balance between the mid/high frequencies and the low end, delivering powerful deep bass that clearly sets it apart from other theater-specification models, while also producing a brilliant and highly uniform sound quality.
Even after being exposed to the Los Angeles sun for decades and becoming thoroughly dried out, it still retains a tenacious texture with just the right amount of “wetness” embedded in the sound. Its bass performance in particular left a remarkable impression. It is easy to understand why these are reportedly still in use in East Coast theaters even today.
■ Astonishing! A massive system loaded with four 150-4 woofers and two 375 drivers ■
This system is fitted with no fewer than four 150-4 32Ω woofers, which were originally standard only in the Hartsfield and the earliest Paragon models.
In addition, the 375 16Ω drivers are also the early bubble-back gray models, luxuriously paired with two 537-501 horns.
All units feature fat terminals, and the use of the early “L”-marked wax seals also adds collectible value.
The network is the highly rare N500H, a 500 network tuned specifically for theater use.
Because of its age, the exterior shows some paint loss and scratches, giving it a well-used appearance, but overall it remains in good condition, and the edges are in exceptionally fine shape. It is very clean, as can be judged from the photos, and as many images as possible have been provided.
■ Sound Quality ■
Sounds that would normally become compressed are reproduced effortlessly by the four woofers, resulting in an outstandingly vivid sound image.
Furthermore, only the fundamental low frequencies are fully emphasized, creating an exceptionally tight and sleek bass response.
As this system was built with theater and hall use in mind, few can surpass it in live sound reproduction.
Not only does it reveal the excellence of mono sources, but even stereo imaging is expressed with surprising delicacy, which is surely a testament to its superb design engineering.
The combination of the 150-4 and 375 is characterized by extremely high resolution and a clear, well-defined sound.
Like the previously introduced MODEL 6000, this system can be described positively as simple, or negatively as selective when it comes to associated equipment. Considering system matching is part of the enjoyment, but I found it pairs exceptionally well with theater amplifiers such as the ALTEC 1530T.
Rather than trying to make it sound overly restrained or compact, choosing theater amplifiers or other equipment with higher efficiency and sound pressure capabilities will likely let you enjoy this system’s full potential without compromise.
First, please experience its sound quality and sound pressure in the video.
[Specifications]
【150-4 32Ω】
(Serial numbers: 1572 / 1583 / 1722 / 1767)
One of the finest woofer units in JBL history.
It is one of the early Signature Series models.
A legendary unit used not only in the Paragon, but also in famous speakers such as the Hartsfield.
This is a top-grade Alnico woofer renowned for its excellent compatibility with the 375 driver.
Fat terminal specification.
The speaker cone paper and edges are both in good condition, with no sagging or hardening.
It is very clean, as can be judged from the photos.
【375 / 537-501 Horn 16Ω Sequential Pair】
(Serial numbers: 560 / 561)
One of JBL’s early series, this is a top-grade driver unit associated with Mr. Lansing himself.
An exceptional early model with flat-screen specification.
It is very clean, as can be judged from the photos.
There is absolutely no damage to the throats.
A rare sequentially numbered matched pair.
Fat terminal / early wax seal specification.
Because of its age, the exterior shows slight paint loss and scratches, giving it a used appearance, but overall it remains in good condition.
Despite its age, not only the exterior but also the inside of the enclosures are in very fine condition.
The enclosures, speaker cone paper, and edges are all in exceptionally good condition.
It is very clean, as can be judged from the photos.
Many exterior photos have been included, so please review them to confirm the condition.
System type: 2-way, 3-speaker, floor-standing
Stamping numbers: 1205 / 1207
Units used: 150-4 x4, 375 x2, N500 Network x2
Crossover frequency: 500Hz
Dimensions (per side, including horn): W 2340mm × H 2500mm × D 1150mm
Dimensions (per side): W 2340mm × H 2100mm × D 1150mm
Weight (per side): Approx. 300kg
Total packaged shipping weight (volumetric weight): 1500–2000kg
[Operation Check Video]
Guaranteed to have passed operational sound output testing.
