I need a JBL expert!

[Steve Schell]

The C-55 doesn't seem to be discussed much these days. They were used quite a bit years ago in cinema and stage applications , and more rarely for hi fi. The slant front Ampex boxes in JBL 4645's picture may be the earliest versions; JBL inherited several Ampex designs; the 2350 radial horn is another example.

Here are two C-55 pictures. First one is from the JBL archive and depicts an early example- not sure of the application. The second pic is one of a pair of fancy, possibly custom ordered hi fi systems that a vintage audio dealer friend had scored a few years ago. Note the Hartsfield 375/horn/folded plate lens combo, making a three way system.

[locanti]

Funny how the woofers looks like LE15A in the second picture.

I read somewhere on the site that they can't operate in the 4520/4530

[Maron Horonzakz]

Boy talk about a poor layout,,, look at the spread between the 075 tweeter and the mid/horn and lens..

[clif]

I have a JBL catalog from 8/59. The C55 enclosure was priced at $192.00
Plans were available for $3.00 It was a rear loaded horn using 2 15 inch drivers. The horn path was described as 8 ft. and the unit was available in theater black only.
I heard a C55 at the High Fidelity Showroom in St. Louis. At a distance of 12 ft. a bass drum beat would make your stomach move.

[paragon]

I heard a pair of C55/4520 with EVM 15B drivers in the late 70`s in a rockdisco. Low and loud !! Mid was a 375 with HL89/2390 and High was 075/2402 and 077/2405 all driven by a RSD 800b poweramp.