Fisher XP-55B (1960s)

A compact two-way bookshelf speaker from Fisher's mid-century lineup, noted for its acoustic suspension design and extended bass response.

Overview

The Fisher XP-55B is a passive, two-way bookshelf speaker made in the 1960s. Fisher marketed it as a "Compact Free-Piston Speaker System," meant to give full-range sound from a small enclosure. The 6-inch bass driver has a free air resonance of 40 Hz, which is unusually low for its size. A 12 dB-per-octave inductive-capacitive crossover handles the handoff between drivers. The cabinet works either horizontally or vertically. It was manufactured in Japan during the Mid-Century Modern era, and it was praised for natural sound reproduction and compact efficiency.

Specifications

Product type	2-way speaker system, bookshelf, passive, acoustic suspension
Frequency Response	37 - 20,000 Hz
Maximum Power Rating	30 W
Impedance	8 ohm
Height	51 cm
Weight	15 pounds (each)
Driver configuration	Bass: 1 x 6-inch
Free air resonance	40 Hz
Crossover frequency	1000 Hz
Crossover type	12 dB-per-octave inductive-capacitive network

Design

The XP-55B is an acoustic suspension design with long-throw woofers, which gets deep bass out of a compact cabinet. The low-loss crossover sends frequencies above 1000 Hz to the tweeter and everything below to the 6-inch woofer. It sits happily in either horizontal or vertical orientation.

Context

Fisher positioned the XP-55B as an advanced model in its line of two-way speaker systems. It was promoted for fine bass reproduction in a small enclosure, and for natural sound across the audible spectrum. That fit the company's focus on high-fidelity performance in the 1960s.

Market

A pair of Fisher XP-55B speakers was recently acquired for $30 through a Facebook marketplace listing, which points to modest current value among collectors. Some owners have restored theirs, including recapping the crossover components. There is at least one documented Bluetooth conversion project based on this model.