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Recapturing the JBL L100 Century

Back in the day, teenager in the '70s, the speaker I really wanted but couldn't hope to afford was the JBL L100 Century. Is there a modern day speaker that captures what the JBL did? It would be fun to assemble a modern/retro system that did what say a Dual 1229 or Thorens table, Marantz receiver, and the JBLs did. It sure was a fun speaker to listen to.
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mapman's avatar
mapman
22,094 posts
 
I think Miller Sound is the other source out there that I hear can do a good job, but not sure about availability or willingness these days as i recall. Easy to find out, I'm sure.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
I would go with the JBL 1400 Array, S3900, or S4700. Punch that into Google. Or if you wanna get the best, go with the new M2 monitors.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,094 posts
 
Yes, some of the newer JBL horn designs have caught my eye, but have not heard.
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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
If you feel you can't live without the sound of vintage JBL L100 Centurys, take a look at Craigslist. You'll find everything from original condition to restored. My guess is that they will sound closer than anything else. But my best advice is to audition some of the newer designs at about the same price range as the JBLs. If you're still not satisfied, look around for used early JBL systems, like the 001 or S7s. The L100s will pale in comparison.
dave_72
1,399 posts
 
Mapman: I urge you to go and listen to them then. You just might be very satisfied with the results. You can't go wrong, imo. Out of the 3, it is said that the 1400 Array is the best bang for the buck. I didn't get those because of the assembly required. If you don't mind that, then check that one out first and go from there. There's good deals out there on the high end JBLs as well. I got one myself on the S4700s I currently use.
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