In 1970, JBL released the iconic L100 Loudspeaker. Over the years, the L100 became the bestselling loudspeaker in JBL’s history.JBL presents a modern take on a time-honored legend. The Classic features vintage styling, including a retro-inspired design and iconic Quadrex foam grille, along with newly developed acoustic technology and designs for elite performance.The 1-inch titanium dome tweeter is mated to a waveguide with an acoustic lens for optimum integration with the 5-inch pure-pulp cone midrange driver directly below it. Powerful bass is provided by a 12-inch cast-frame, white pure-pulp cone woofer in a bass-reflex enclosure, tuned via a single front-firing port tube.
At the time, bands like Zeppelin, Queen, Yes, AC/DC, and others were shredding concert halls and stadiums with dozens of Marshall amps stacked high and the holy grail for music lovers was any sound system that could do the same at home. This was where JBL’s L100s shined, and Maxell knew it. “Want to hear how awesome our cassette tapes really sound? Want to know what it’s like standing next to John Bonham’s kit or SRV’s Dumble amplifier? Then fire up a couple of L100s — and brace yourself.”This was not hype. JBL’s L100s went on to become both the best-selling speakers of the 1970s —worldwide — and a rock legend equal to Les Paul’s guitars or Robert Moog’s synthesizers. All of which makes JBL’s latest news very, very exciting.Even better than the originals? Oh yeah.That was the buzz at, and World Wide Stereo was there for the announcement:, they’ve been updated to include almost 50 years of acoustic advancements, both analog and digital, by way of JBL’s award-winning audio engineers. And to the question, 'Why bring the L100s back now?' — we say, 'Why not?'
The L100 Classics may lean heavily on retro appeal, but their unusual blend of sonic strengths make them a viable alternative to the very best of their modern rivals Retro is in, and that’s a fact not lost on JBL. Established in 1946, the company is one of the oldest hi-fi manufacturers around. The first ad uses speakers that could be the JBL-L100 except for one thing, the speaker terminals are at the bottom of the speaker, not the top and even if they were upside down, the position doesn't line up with the 'wires' they are using. The overall depth of the speaker is also out of proportion for a L100.
Customers long relegated to shopping eBay for the old 1970s originals have been asking for a re-issue for years. They should have never left in the first place.
JBL’s L100 Classic Tech Specs: Impressive.On the outside: The new L100 Classic speakers are identical to their famous grandparents, from walnut veneer cabinetry to iconic 1970s orange foam grille, which now comes in blue and black as well. (The new grille uses a superior poly Quadrex meant to last far longer than the original.) On the back: a pair of gold-plated terminals.Under the grille: The same three-way speaker configuration as the 1970s originals, but with the benefit of decades of industry-leading JBL expertise built-in.Inside: A 12” 1200FE woofer plus JBL’s newly developed 1” titaniumdome tweeter, paired with a waveguide to better blend with the 5” mid-range speaker below. (Full specs right.)Floor Stands: These are optional. If you’re puttingyour L100s on the floor, the stands give each speaker an upwards tilt.