Stereonet
reports that the JBL L100 Classic MkII is an evolution of the legendary 1970s model, with improved drivers and a revised crossover network. It retains the retro design while offering modern acoustic performance. The speaker features a 12-inch woofer, a 5.25-inch midrange driver and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter, resulting in a frequency response of 40Hz to 40kHz. The addition of bi-wire/bi-amp capabilities and gold-plated binding posts provide enhanced connectivity and sound quality.
AVS Forum
emphasizes that the L100 Classic MkII, priced at $4,800 per pair, offers a combination of style, performance and build quality that justifies its place in any serious audio setup. It's not just nostalgia; JBL has created a speaker that lives up to its legendary name while meeting modern audio expectations. For these reasons, the JBL L100 Classic MkII deserves the AVS Top Choice award for 2024.
ecoustics
notes that the L100 Classic MkII offers a warmer tone pleasing to listeners looking for a great classical sound for their living room or gameroom. Compared to the original version, this new iteration offers improved detail and clarity while retaining the beloved features of the original.
Sound & Vision
states that the JBL L100 Classic MkII delivers a seamless blend of vintage aesthetics and modern acoustic performance, with powerful and refined sound reproduction in both stereo and home theater setups.
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity
emphasizes that the L100 Classic MkII is ideal for retro-style enthusiasts looking for modern technology, powerful dynamics and clear sound.
Testberichte.de
emphasizes that the JBL L100 Classic MkII stays true to its retro design, but with optimized technology. The addition of a bi-wiring terminal and a shared crossover network offers more possibilities for sound optimization. The speaker impresses with pressure, fullness, emotion, balance, authenticity and excellent timing. It is recommended to remove the foam grille during listening for significantly improved sound quality.
HiFiReport
emphasizes that the L100 Classic MkII effortlessly creates the ambience of a jazz club, with a smooth and mellow high frequency and rich, concentrated warmth in the midrange. This results in a relaxed and comfortable listening experience, especially for jazz recordings.
Musicoff
emphasizes that the JBL L100 MKII, a reissue of the historic speakers, offers a listening experience that is both enjoyable and immersive, even at low volume levels and with a variety of music genres. With an efficiency of 90 dB and power output of up to 200W, they retain the classic design with the iconic Quadrex foam grille in orange, blue or black.
TechRadar
reports that JBL has introduced a limited edition of its iconic L100 stereo speakers with the release of the L100 Classic 80, celebrating 80 years of JBL speaker innovation. This new version retains the distinctive 1970s design and features modern components, including a 12-inch pulp cone woofer, a 5.25-inch midrange driver and a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter. Only 800 pairs of this anniversary edition will be produced, each bearing a special badge and numbered plaque, priced at $7,499.
What Hi-Fi?
reports that to mark its 80th anniversary, JBL has released the limited-edition L100 Classic 80 speakers, a modern homage to the iconic L100 line from the 1970s. Combining the classic retro design with updated internal components, these commemorative speakers offer vibrant, emotionally rich sound with the clarity and scale expected of modern high-performance systems. Only 800 pairs will be produced, each priced at $7,499 and featuring extras such as a commemorative plaque and special speaker stands.
Awards:
The JBL L100 Classic MkII received the AVS Top Choice award for 2024, highlighting the combination of style, performance and build quality that this speaker offers.
