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new L100?

Anyone get a chance to take a listen to the (new) JBL L100 speakers?  If so, what are your thoughts?
rpeluso
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
kosst_amojan wrote
I’ve never heard them. I doubt I ever will. I think $4000 is a ridiculous price for rehashed nostalgia. I run across these and the 431X models a few times a year around town at record stores. They never made much impression on me.

Running $4000 through my favorite inflation calculator, you will find that $4,000 in 2019 is equivalent to $615.72 in 1970, the original year of release. The new L100 Classic features "improvements made to the transducers, enclosure tuning, and crossover network design."

So you could say they spent more money on design development and materials this time around, which could easily account for the small adjusted increase ($55) in the 2018 price over the original 1970 edition.
rpeluso OP
1,116 posts
 
Well I took the plunge and bought a pair for a third system, and no regrets.  Bass is full (of course) but biggest surprise to me is the quality of the mid and tweeter sounds, plus the ability to image.  Running them with a 40/50 watt tubed amp, a nice pre with a vintage (1990) Proceed CD player, the original one.  Was in the closet for so very long, but still functions and sounds, well, pretty great to me.  Brings me much pleasure.  Similar reaction as mike_f above.  Not harsh, full.  Still breaking in, but I love them.  
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Great for the Allman Brothers at the Fillmore.Lets rock and roll dudes!!!!!
wolf_garcia
6,795 posts
 
I’m willing to bet they don’t sound anything like the originals, which had a response curve like a big smile, but were everywhere back in the day...I think all of the foam grills melted off at the same time worldwide, but that might be a rumor I just started. Those suckers could destroy a Lava Lamp at 30 feet and melt the hash pipes and your eardrums in the recording studio...get yer Sansui or Phase Linear mojo on! The "nostalgia" bet JBL made by making new versions was brilliant and like somebody said...4 grand these days? meh...my Klipsch Heresy IIIs nearly identical looking ancestors came from 1957...who knew? You go JBL!
michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

Glad to see JBL being talked about again more. The JBL big boys have certainly been making headlines for a few years and now the return of the L100 is pretty exciting. I think L-ers are going to be pretty pleased with the new design. Some of the peaks and valleys are supposed to be smoothed out. I hope not too much cause that was part of the charm, the adjustments will help.

But if I can slide a hair off topic (not too far) I'd also like to remind people that once in a while there is a JBL that pops up for sale that JBL onlookers might want to think about. While JBL has always done a marvelous job with these 3 ways there was a 2 way that somehow slid under the radar. In 1982 JBL came out with the L46 2 way 8" woofer 1" tweeter. I believe it retailed for $400.00 maybe less. The first time I heard it the midrange spoke to me and I quickly realized this was the JBL midrange I had always listened for, at any price. With the right speaker stand design the L46 does incredible music. I don't use my pair standing up and down like most do but sideways with the tweeters to the outside. I use them with my SW15 Subwoofers. I wouldn't be surprised if this particular model becomes a premium priced collectable in a short time now that JBL is back in the notice. Not that they were ever out of notice, but this JBL 2 way does a cure for those wanting possibly the best of JBLs midrange sound, maybe.

JBL collectables are always going to be in fashion and the L46 is definitely one to add to yours if you understand this speaker.

That's not $4000.00 but it's my 2 cents worth. Enjoy your L100s guys. Let me know if you need speaker wire, I make a wire spin specifically for JBL.

Michael


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