JBL L100 MKII Classic Loudspeaker Review
JBL has been a fixture in the audio world since 1946 and is known for creating some of the most memorable speakers out there. One of their most iconic models, the L100, made its debut in 1970 and quickly became a best-seller. It didn’t just sound great—it became a cultural icon, even starring in that famous Maxell ad where the speaker’s sound felt powerful enough to blow everything in the room backward.
Fast forward fifty years, and JBL brought the L100 back with the 2019 release of the reborn L100 Classic, staying true to the original while adding some modern touches. Now, JBL is taking things a step further with the latest version by updating the crossover and drivers, but keeping the heart and soul of what made the L100 a legend in the first place.
Specifications
The L100 Classic MkII carries forward the legacy with its familiar three-way driver layout, closely mirroring the original design but with updated components. At the heart of this setup is a 12-inch Pure Pulp woofer, now with an upgraded motor structure with dual spiders, all housed in a durable cast aluminum basket.
The midrange is handled by a 5.25-inch polymer-coated Pure Pulp driver that covers frequencies from 450Hz to 3.5kHz. It’s also had its build tolerances tightened up to improve performance and consistency. High frequencies above 3.5kHz are delivered by a 1-inch titanium dome tweeter that features a custom acoustic lens and waveguide.
In the new L100 Classic MkII, JBL has also revised the crossover to support Bi-amping via a terminal cup with dual sets of gold-plated binding posts. With a sensitivity of 90dB and a 4-ohm load, the L100 Classic MkII can be powered by an amp anywhere from 25 to 200 watts.
Design
There's no denying that the L100 Classic MkII is an old-school-looking speaker with a modern twist. Its retro aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, but I found myself appreciating the unique design. The first thing that grabs your attention is the Quadrex foam grille, which adds a distinct personality to the speaker. Available in Black, Blue, or Orange, this grille is both a nod to the past and a bold statement in any room.
The shape and size of the speaker are also worth mentioning. Measuring 15.4- inches wide x 25.4-inches tall x 14.6-inches deep and weighing in at 58.5 lbs, JBL refers to these as "bookshelf speakers," a term that reflects the larger bookshelves common in the 1970s. However, they resemble almost like a monitor speaker more than anything else. Since they’re not tall enough to stand on their own, JBL offers angled stands at an additional cost. These stands lift the speakers 7.5” off the floor and tilt them back at an angle to time-align the drivers.
The L100 MK II Classics feature real wood walnut veneer side panels, with a matte black finish on the front and back. Looking at the front panel, two uncommon features stand out. First, there’s a front-firing bass port, which offers more flexibility in room placement compared to a rear-firing port.
The second is a throwback to the 70s—midrange and tweeter attenuators. While these controls are rare in modern speakers due to concerns about signal integrity, JBL has improved the components to minimize any negative impact. These attenuators allow you to fine-tune the speaker’s output to match your personal taste or adjust for hearing sensitivities. They also help optimize the speakers' performance in different rooms, compensating for natural boosts or cuts in the treble and midrange frequencies.
Setup
For room placement, I positioned the speakers about 18 inches from the wall, with a slight toe-in, to utilize their front-ported design. My listening room measures 20 feet deep by 16 feet wide. During testing, I used both a Hegel H95 and a McIntosh MA252. I found that pairing these speakers with the warmth of tubes really brought out the best in these speakers. I kept the attenuators in the middle position, as this setting provided the most balanced and satisfying sound to my ears.
Performance
Right off the bat, I put the L100 Classic MkII to the test with one of my favorite tracks, "Drive" by The Cars, a track known for its recording and production quality. In this track, I'm paying close attention to the clarity and separation of the instruments. The keyboard intro should sound crisp yet smooth, with each note clearly defined. The bass line needs to be tight and controlled, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the other elements. The percussion, especially the snare and hi-hat, should have a natural snap, cutting through the mix with precision.
On the L100 Classic MkII, every element of the track stood out distinctly, with the speakers handling the complexities of the mix effortlessly. The midrange and treble were especially clear, allowing Ric Ocasek’s vocals to come through with a sense of intimacy and detail. The separation between instruments was impressive, making it easy to pick out individual details while still maintaining the overall cohesion of the sound.
Moving on to a track with a bit more energy, I tested the L100 Classic MkII with Dire Straits' "Money For Nothing," a song that demands both punch and precision. This track is a great test for low-end performance, as well as clarity in the vocals and overall balance. From the opening riff, I'm listening for the guitar to have that distinctive bite that cuts through the mix with authority.
Mark Knopfler's vocals, which are a bit gritty and forward in this mix, need to come through clearly, with all the texture and detail preserved. On the L100 Classic MkII, the speakers delivered a lively sound that never crossed the line into being overly bright. The midrange and treble were well-balanced, allowing the guitars and vocals to shine without becoming fatiguing. I was particularly impressed with how the 12-inch woofers handled the low end. Despite their size, I didn’t find the bass to be overwhelming or heavy; instead, it was punchy and well-balanced, seamlessly integrated into the track.
With Daft Punk's "Giorgio by Moroder," the L100 Classic MkII truly shows what it’s capable of. These speakers excel in delivering a vast soundstage, effortlessly projecting a wall of sound that’s both dynamic and energetic. I was particularly listening for how well the speakers could handle the interplay between the deep bass lines and the intricate synths, and they didn’t disappoint. Even at higher volumes, the L100s stay composed, with plenty of headroom to handle the track's shifting dynamics.
The timing is spot-on, allowing the speakers to confidently convey the evolving momentum of the music. If you're looking for punch and precision, these speakers deliver in spades. What’s more, they remain engaging even at lower volumes, where other options might start to sound dull or lifeless.
Conclusion
The JBL L100 Classic MkII speakers strike a remarkable balance between high-fidelity sound and sheer listening enjoyment. Unlike many speakers that lean heavily on boosted bass and treble to create an exciting sound, the L100 MkII delivers a dynamic and engaging performance without sacrificing accuracy or realism. Their appeal goes beyond their iconic retro design; it’s about the way they handle everything you throw at them with confidence and precision. Whether you’re listening to rock, electronic, or something more subdued, these speakers have the versatility to handle it all with ease.
At $4,800 for the pair, the L100 Classic MkII offers a blend of style, performance, and build quality that justifies its place in any serious audio setup. It’s not just about nostalgia—JBL has crafted a speaker that lives up to its legendary name while embracing modern audio expectations.
FAQ
Who manufactures JBL speakers?
JBL is a brand under Harman International, which is a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics. The company was founded by James Bullough Lansing (1902–1949), an American audio engineer and loudspeaker designer. The name JBL is derived from his initials.
What year did the original JBL L100 come out?
Debuting at CES in 1970, the L-100 was developed based on the success of JBL's popular 4310 studio monitors.
What are the key upgrades in the JBL L100 Classic MkII compared to the previous version?
The L100 Classic MkII includes upgraded components, such as an improved woofer, midrange, and tweeter. It also features a redesigned crossover network that allows for bi-wiring and bi-amping, providing listeners with enhanced sound clarity and depth.
