Refurbish and Repair Cambridge R50s
The Legendary Cambridge Audio R50: A Masterclass in Transmission Line Engineering
Experience the scale and depth of one of British audio’s most iconic designs. Launched in 1971, the Cambridge Audio R50 remains a benchmark for audiophiles who demand effortless, natural bass and a transparent soundstage. Created by the legendary B. J. Webb and using drive units were designed by Falcon's own Malcolm Jones these beautiful speakers utilize a meticulously damped tapered labyrinth construction—traditionally filled with natural lambswool—to deliver a frequency response that reaches as low as 25Hz.The R50 is more than just a speaker; it is a landmark of high-fidelity history, renowned for its "stunning clarity" and the kind of deep, visceral bass that modern compact cabinets simply cannot replicate.
Restore the Original Majesty with Falcon Acoustics
The secret to the R50’s enduring performance lies in its prestigious driver complement. At Falcon Acoustics, we don’t just understand these classic components—we are their stewards. If your vintage R50s are showing their age, or if you are embarking on a restoration project, we provide the authentic, British-made drive units required to return them to their original factory specification. The R50 was famously designed by Bert Webb as the Webb TL, and then put intro commercial production by Cambridge Audio.
Built around the KEF "Concerto" driver grouping together with the Coles 4001G Super Tweeter, we are proud to offer the exact replacements designed by Malcolm Jones, the original designer of these legendary units: B139 Bass Driver: The world-renowned "racetrack" woofer. Our replacements ensure that the R50’s signature "transmission line" bass remains tight, authoritative, and warm without distortion. B110 Midrange Unit: The heart of the speaker’s legendary imaging. Our B110 units (8 ohm) provide the midrange openness and vocal realism that made the R50 a favorite for classical and jazz enthusiasts alike. T27 Tweeter: Essential for the R50’s high-frequency detail. These 19mm Melinex dome tweeters deliver a smooth, extended response that integrates perfectly with the mid and bass sections. The Coles 4001G Super Tweeter is specially manufactured for Falcon Acoustics by Coles, and provides the finishing touch to this outstanding speaker.
Why Choose Falcon for Your R50 Refurbishment?
As the primary source for authentic replacement drivers, Falcon Acoustics ensures that your refurbishment isn't just a repair—it's a restoration. Our units are hand-built and tested in Great Britain to the highest standards, ensuring your Cambridge Audio R50s continue to "move a lot of air" for decades to come.
Top Tip for Owners
Tip 1: To maintain optimal performance, turn your speakers upside down for two to three days every six months. This helps to redistribute the natural lamb's wool lining inside the transmission line.
Tip 2: To preserve the cabinet and components (as with all speakers) keep the speakers out of direct sunlight. Specifically with the R50s prolonged exposure can cause the grill veins to warp.
Replacement Components
The Cambridge Audio R50 is a legendary vintage monitor loudspeaker from the early 1970s
Cambridge Audio R50 Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Type | 4-way Passive Monitor |
| Enclosure Type | Transmission Line |
| Frequency Response | 25 Hz – 25,000 Hz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8 Ohms |
| Crossover Frequencies | 400 Hz, 3,000 Hz, 10,000 Hz |
| Bass Driver | KEF B139 (Oval) |
| Midrange Driver | KEF B110 |
| Tweeter | KEF T27 |
| Super Tweeter | Coles 4001 |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 44.8 cm x 141.4 cm x 33.1 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 44 kg (97 lbs) per unit |
