About the JBL L100 Classic
JBL renews a best-selling classic
The JBL L100 Classic boasts the same iconic 3-way design as its predecessor from the 1970s, with updated driver technology for a more dynamic sound.
JBL renews a best-selling classic
The original L100, introduced in 1970, is JBL's best-selling speaker of all time. They revisited that winning formula in the new L100 Classic, keeping the older speaker's classic 3-way design, and updating the drivers for a more lively, accurate soundstage.
The speaker still looks as great as it ever did, with a walnut cabinet and classic Quadrex foam grille that's sure to bring back memories for music-loving Baby Boomers.
Now, fair warning: this is not a small speaker, and a pair must have JBL's matching JS120 speaker stands for proper placement and an optimal listening experience. But the resulting sound is so worth it.
What's under the grille
The L100's drivers and how they're positioned in the cabinet are a big part of what gives this speaker its bold, exciting sound. A white, 12" pure pulp woofer provides plenty of bass, with the help of a front-firing port. A pair of attenuator knobs — one for high frequencies, one for mids — let you fine-tune the performance of the dedicated 5-1/4" midrange and 1" titanium dome tweeter.
My hands-on experience with the JBL L100 Classics
We set up frequent on-site demonstrations at our Charlottesville HQ, so we can experience real-world performance from the gear we sell. Recently, we indulged in a retro-styled setup that allowed us to switch between these JBL L100 Classics and a pair of Wharfedale LINTON Heritage speakers — both driven by a powerful, vintage-look JBL SA750 integrated amplifier. We only listened to music recorded on physical media — specifically CDs and vinyl.
One thing I learned right away: these speakers can really fill a room. The three-driver array does a nice job of delivering rich, full sound, with a wide, engaging soundstage. The overall sound is very musical and accurate. And the front-firing port really elevates bass response from the impressive 12-inch woofer — I could really feel it when we listened to tracks with solid low-end. I preferred to leave the attenuator knobs at zero for a flat response, but it's nice to know they're there if you need to make adjustments for different tracks.
The orginal L100 speakers were hugely popular back in the day, and I can understand why JBL revisited them in this updated form. They brought back vivid memories when we spun classic tunes like Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky", "Oooh Child" from the Five Stairsteps, and the rebellious anthem "Cherry Bomb" by The Runaways. Not that you have to listen to older music to appreciate them — they're agile enough to handle everything from jazz to contemporary hip-hop, and sound great doing it.
For me, the combination of cool looks, a time-tested design, and rock-solid performance makes these speakers a personal favorite.
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Product highlights:
- Featured in our article: Best stereo speakers for 2023
- iconic 3-way design
- 12" pure pulp cone woofer
- 5-1/4" polymer-coated pure pulp cone midrange
- 1" titanium dome tweeter
- high-frequency and mid-frequency attenuators on front baffle
- walnut veneer enclosure with famous Quadrex foam grille
- bass-reflex enclosure with front-firing port
- frequency response: 40-40,000 Hz (-6 dB)
- sensitivity: 90 dB
- power handling: 25 - 200 watts
- impedance: 4 ohms
- matching JS120 speaker stands required for proper placement and optimal listening experience
Dimensions and warranty:
- 15-3/8"W x 25-1/16"H x 14-5/8"D
- weight: 58.5 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- Our 60-day money-back guarantee
- MFR # JBLL100CLASSICBLU
What's in the box:
- Bookshelf loudspeaker
- Grille
- Owner's Manual
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More details on the JBL L100 Classic
Features & specs
| Enclosure | Ported | |
| Finish | MDF/Wood veneer | |
| Color | Walnut | |
| Tweeter Type | Hard-Dome | |
| Tweeter Size (inches) | 1 | |
| Midrange Size (inches) | 5.25 | |
| Woofer Size (inches) | 12 | |
| Woofer Composition | Pulp | |
| Woofer Surround | Rubber | |
| Power Range | 25-200 | |
| Sensitivity | 90 dB | |
| Impedance (Ohms) | 4 | |
| Frequency Response | 40-40k Hz | |
| Connector Type | Binding post | |
| Bi-amp Inputs | No | |
| Height (inches) | 25-1/16 | |
| Width (inches) | 15-3/8 | |
| Depth (inches) | 14-5/8 | |
| Weight (pounds) | 58.5 | |
| Wall-mountable | No | |
| Bracket Included | No | |
| Recommended Stand Height (inches) | 9.3125 | |
| Parts Warranty | 5 Years | |
| Labor Warranty | 5 Years | |
Product Research
Features
3-Way Driver Design: The JBL L100 Classic loudspeaker utilizes a 3-way driver configuration with a 1" titanium dome tweeter, 5.25" polymer-coated pure-pule cone midrange driver, and a 12" pure-pulp cone bass woofer. The L100 Classic Loudspeaker delivers room-filling, full-range sound with exceptional dynamic range and detail, clean and effortless high output, and precise deep bass with low distortion.
Controls & Adjustments: The L100 Classic has front-panel adjustments that let you balance the levels of the midrange driver (MF) and tweeter (HF) relative to the woofer. You can use these controls to adjust the speaker's sound according to your room's acoustics, or your personal taste. The "0dB" default position is a good place to start. Whatever sounds best to you in your room is the right setting. As with most speakers, after you start playing the L100 Classic it will take the drivers' suspensions several weeks to "break in" and achieve optimum performance. During this period, the balance between the woofer, midrange, and tweeter may change, so JBL recommends that you adjust the midrange and tweeter controls again after the break-in period.
Note: The front-panel control adjustments are located behind the Quadrex foam grille. There is also a protective plastic film on the front control panel label that needs to be removed.
Bass Reflex Enclosure: The JBL L100 Classic loudspeaker employs a bass reflex enclosure with a front-firing port for higher efficiency and bigger bass response. The enclosure is finished in walnut veneer and is available with a black, blue, or orange Quadrex foam grille.
Binding Post Terminals: The L100 Classic loudspeaker features gold-plated, binding-post speaker terminals that will accept a variety of connector types - including bare wire (up to 10AWG) spade-connectors, pin-connectors, and banana connectors (single only).
Mounting & Placement Options: The L100 Classic may be stand mounted with the optional JBL metal stand (JS-120, sold separately) that angle the speaker upward. If not using the optional stands with built-in angle, then JBL recommends you to position each speaker so that its tweeter is approximately at ear level. The L100 Classic weighs 58.5 lbs. Before placing the speaker on a shelf or platform, be sure that it is sturdy enough to support the speaker's weight.
- For best results, place the speakers 6' to 8' apart. If you set the speakers farther apart than this, angle them toward the listening position.
- The speakers will produce the most accurate stereo soundstage when the angle between the listener and the speakers is between 40 and 60 degrees.
- Generally, bass output will increase as the speaker is moved closer to a wall or corner. For best performance, JBL recommends that you place the speakers at least 20" away from the sidewalls.
Note: This speaker does not offer any bracket, keyhole, or threaded insert for wall-mounting.
The JBL L100 Classic replaces these items
- 12" pure pulp cone woofer
- 5-1/4" polymer-coated pure pulp cone midrange
- 1" titanium dome tweeter
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Customer Q&A
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Great delivery, packaged well, no issues with the 85 pound speakers Wonderful customer service and wonderful sound!
Michael from Shorewood, IL