This item is a pair of JBL C50SM Studio Monitor 3-way speaker systems, released by JBL in the 1960s.
The C50SM is a professional/studio-grade monitor model based on the renowned JBL Olympus, one of JBL’s finest speaker systems that showcases the company’s famous acoustic engineering and woodworking craftsmanship, scaled down into a more compact form.
This listing features the higher-grade S8 configuration from the Linear Efficiency (LE) series. In addition, the cabinets are the early-type version made with Douglas fir plywood, making them highly rare and valuable. The C50SM was later introduced as the 4320 monitor, but the models using Douglas fir plywood are limited to the early C50SM versions.
The gray-finished cabinets with large, striking logos leave a strong impression. While retaining the simplicity of a studio monitor, they also have a refined and stylish appearance. Their elegant look enhances the appeal of the sound they produce. As can be seen in the photos, the enclosures and grilles are in very beautiful condition. The woofer and driver units are extremely well matched in both sound quality and sound pressure.
Despite their vintage age, both the exterior and the inside of the enclosures remain in very good condition. The LE15A and LX5 are the rare blue-type versions, which were produced for only a very short period, further adding to their rarity.
■ Sound Quality ■
These speakers clearly carry on the excellent qualities of the Olympus, known for its refined and delicate sound. They produce rich, pleasant mid-to-high frequencies, and when combined with the LE15, they deliver a truly powerful and punchy sound. I found this to be a highly versatile system that allows you to enjoy high-resolution sound across classical, jazz, and contemporary music.
[Specifications]
■ JBL LE15A 16Ω ■
The top-of-the-line woofer unit from JBL’s LE series. It is one of JBL’s early Signature Series units.
This pair features the extremely rare blue-type LE15A. With a powerful 120W power handling capacity, it reproduces ultra-low frequencies smoothly and effortlessly.
As can be seen from the photos, the exterior is in very beautiful condition.
■ 375 + H93 Horn Lens 16Ω ■
The 375 is one of JBL’s early premium driver units and is one of the finest units associated with James B. Lansing. Its design excellence and historical importance can still be seen today, as it continues to serve as a foundation for JBL driver unit design.
It uses a ribbon-wire voice coil and an Alnico V magnet, along with a heavyweight 10.8 kg magnetic circuit with a magnetic flux density of 20,500 gauss, achieving high efficiency. This unit is equipped with the H93 horn lens.
As can be seen from the photos, the exterior is in very beautiful condition. The wax seals remain intact, indicating that the units have not been opened. There is also no damage whatsoever to the throat section.
■ 075 16Ω ■
The well-known and highly regarded 075 tweeter. This is the rare early model with the fat terminal specification.
As can be seen from the photos, aside from some minor dirt and scratches, it remains in very beautiful condition.
■ LX5 Network ■
The LX5 is a dedicated network for the Olympus system.
It is built with high-quality parts such as high-voltage non-polar capacitors and low-loss coils using oriented cores. Although the LX5 is designed for 8Ω, its special correction circuit allows it to match the 375 16Ω driver without changing the crossover characteristics.
When mounted to the enclosure, airtightness is maintained by using plastic tube packing around the frame.
■ N7000 Network ■
A high-quality network using excellent components such as high-voltage non-polar capacitors and low-loss coils with oriented cores.
It is designed for the high-frequency range in a 3-way speaker system.
[Enclosure Specifications]
Size per speaker: W605 mm x H770 mm x D515 mm
Approx. 23.8 in x 30.3 in x 20.3 in
Weight per speaker: approx. 50 kg
Approx. 110 lbs
[Operation Confirmation Video]
Sound output has been tested and is guaranteed.
