[Overview]
■ Rare Jim Lansing & Ampex Joint Theater Speaker System ■
This is a JBL/AMPEX Model 5050 back-loaded horn theater system, released by AMPEX in the mid-1940s.
This listing is for a pair of theater speaker systems housed in genuine JBL/AMPEX Model 550 theater enclosures. They are equipped with JBL’s representative 150-4 woofer, 32Ω, which was used in many speaker systems, along with 375 drivers.
■ Jointly Produced Jim Lansing & Ampex Cabinet Following the Model 6000 ■
This model was conceived and produced at Westrex, which was established at the time as an outside production division of Western Electric, by John Frayne and Bart Locanthi, who would later become a designer at JBL.
It was later distributed by Jim Lansing and Ampex to theaters throughout the United States. As Jim Lansing’s first theater speaker system, it became a rare model that established a firm reputation.
The craftsmanship was highly regarded, and it is said to have impressed both Western Electric executives and Mr. Lansing himself. This cabinet, which would later evolve into the 5050 cabinet, offers an excellent balance between the mid/high frequencies and bass. It produces powerful deep bass that sets it apart from other theater-specification models, along with a brilliant, well-defined sound.
■ System Equipped with Signature 150-4 Woofers and Rare 375 Drivers ■
This system is equipped with 150-4 32Ω woofers, which were standard only in the Hartsfield and the earliest Paragon models. These are rare early models with solder terminals and decal labels.
In addition, the 375 16Ω drivers are also early bubble-back gray models. The network is the now highly rare and valuable N500.
Due to its age, the exterior shows some paint peeling and scratches, giving it a used vintage appearance, but overall it is in good condition. The edges are also in excellent condition. As can be judged from the photos, the exterior condition is very clean. As many photos as possible have been included.
■ Sound Quality ■
The system fully showcases the impact of powerful bass, producing an impressively tight and beefy low-end sound. As it was designed for use in theaters and halls, its reproduction of pipe organ and strings is truly outstanding.
Of course, monaural sources sound excellent, but stereo imaging is also expressed with unexpected delicacy, which is likely a result of its superb design engineering.
The combination of dual 150-4 woofers and 375 drivers is characterized by an extremely clear, high-resolution sound. Please experience its sound quality and sound pressure through the video.
[Specifications]
【150-4 32Ω】
Serial: 3221, 3288 / 3325, 3393
One of the finest woofer units in JBL history.
This is one of the rare early Signature Series models.
In addition to the Paragon, this legendary masterpiece was also used in famous speakers such as the Hartsfield. It is a top-grade Alnico woofer known for its excellent compatibility with the 375 driver.
Both the speaker cone paper and edges are in good condition, with no sagging or hardening. As can be judged from the photos, the appearance is very clean.
【375 Driver 16Ω】
Serial: 550 / 555
One of JBL’s early series models, this is a top-grade driver unit associated with Mr. Lansing himself.
As can be judged from the photos, the exterior is very clean. There is no damage whatsoever to the throat.
Due to its age, there is some slight paint peeling and scratching, giving it a used vintage appearance, but overall it remains in good condition.
[Enclosure Specifications]
Despite its age, both the exterior and the interior of the enclosures are in very good condition. The enclosures, speaker cone paper, and edges are all in outstanding condition.
As can be judged from the photos, the appearance is very clean. Many exterior photos have been included, so please review them to confirm the condition.
System type: 2-way, 3-speaker back-loaded horn theater system
Stamping: 822 / 823
Installed units: 150-4 × 4, 275 × 2, N500 Network × 2
Crossover frequency: 500 Hz
Size, each side: W 915 mm × H 1630 mm × D 760 / 890 mm
Estimated weight, each side: Approx. 115 kg
Total packed weight, dimensional weight: 2000 kg
[Operation Confirmation Video]
Sound output has been tested and confirmed. Guaranteed working condition.
