JBL C51 (S7) "Apollo" With Blue Basket Drivers, Stunning! - SOLD

JBL, or James B. Lansing Sound, Inc., is one of the most storied and prolific audio manufacturers in the world.  Founded in 1946, JBL revolutionized how consumer audio products were designed, produced, and marketed.  JBL was known for taking older driver designs and layouts from brands like General Electric and Western Electric, and modifying those designs to suit the needs of a rapidly growing post-WWII hifi market.   The lauded 375 high-frequency compression driver, developed in the 1950s, was one such example of this type of product. 

The sound produced by some of these early home systems is unlike anything else on the market today.  JBL's drivers produce high-efficiency, impactful, and rich sound with a characteristic JBL signature.  The compression drivers reproduce vocals and instruments with authority, but without harshness.  

The JBL C-51 (S7) "Apollo" home speaker system was available between 1962 and 1967.  The "Apollo" monicker was attributed to the midcentury low-slung cabinet design with large solid-walnut overhang.  C-51 indicated the driver orientation, and the suffix, in this case (S7), indicted the exact driver compliment. Here we have an S7 version featuring the following:

- LE15A AlNiCo 15" Paper Pulp Cone Woofer ("Blue Basket")

- LE85 AlNiCo 1.75" High Frequency Compression Driver ("Blue Basket")

- HL91 long horn throat

- LX5 2-way adjustable crossover 

These speakers are stunning examples from the time.  The carved lattice grilles, extended overhang, and low body, make these the quintessential mid century design.  The speakers are as much about the look as the sound, but the sound is extraordinary.  We have been enjoying these speakers with a 40 watt per channel Octave Audio V40SE push-pull tube integrated amplifier, and the combination melts together perfectly.  

Of course, like all of our speakers, these JBLs have been fully serviced and are ready for decades more listening enjoyment.  The LX5 crossovers have been cleaned, and the HF filtering capacitor replaced with a new mylar-film type for additional audio clarity, and the woofer foam professionally replaced.  The cabinets have been lightly resurfaced to bring back the exquisite walnut veneer and furniture-quality details from the era. 

These are a "halo" speaker, and and end-game for most.  Demos are available.  

$2,799 (plus applicable sales tax)

Note: At this time, conventional shipping is not available for this item. Please inquire further regarding freight shipping information and cost estimates, customized upon request.