Origin of Ampex Speaker ?

[Mirrophonic Sound System]

This 8" Ampex speaker found, in ATR & VTR monitors in the 50s & 60s,
is the same weight & diameter as the W.E./Altec 755, yet had a sturdier cast frame
and the sticker says 'made by Ampex'.

Does anyone know more about this Ampex 755-like speaker ?

(Click on 'member rated' for larger view of picture)

[Steve Schell]

This speaker is, I believe, closely derived from the JBL D-208 8" full range driver. Ampex used a lot of JBL product all through the 1950s and 1960s, and even attempted to purchase JBL in the mid 1950s. Their need for some products outstripped JBL's ability to supply, and Ampex set up a factory in North Hollywood to produce those items. A royalty was paid to JBL for items produced.

My guess is that this speaker was built in the Ampex facility under license from JBL. Does it have a 2" voice coil and aluminum center dome?

[Mirrophonic Sound System]

Come to think of it, I think I have heard rare words connecting these beefy Ampex speakers
with JBL.
I think I have seen some out of VTRs with the metal dome but these have a standard black pulp
dome and a 2" voice coil.

Mine are from the model 620 monitors with built in tube amp (push pull 6V6s)
that went with the Ampex PR-10 ATR.

Ironically I have installed them in Altec 620 enclosures with sealed port.
They give a very strong mid bass (running from 80 to 300 Hz.)

[Steve Schell]

It may be fitting in a way that you have put these Ampexes in Altec cabinets. Hal Cox told me that Jim Lansing produced the 208 driver in response to the success of the Altec 400, another 8" full ranger that created quite a sensation in the late 1940s.