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JBL 100, worth holding onto?

poorbastards

poorbastards

Active Member
These were the first speakers that I enjoyed and didn't see myself getting rid of. I recently finished a pair of NLA econowaves and I just don't see myself listening to the JBLs any time soon.
Usually I don't mind hoarding audio gear, but speakers just take up too much space. I'm on the fence about getting rid of them though, have you guys been in a similar situation?
For a bit more info, my two amps I own are both tube driven. I'm wondering if I shouldn't hold onto them for a SS rig
 
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L-100's are kinda like a gateway drug.
If they sound good, especially with tubes! My preference,
only reason to use High power SS is if they don't play Loud enough,
Or Duplicate a Live performance on a tube amp.
Just know as you move up the JBL Ladder Most times it gets better.
not always. I'm not talking about another Jbl Bookshelf either.
weather vintage or newer floor standers.
Many times they can be Bi amped keep the tube sweetness for the mids and highs
and use the Powerhouse SS amp on the Power hungry Woofers.
 
I think my L100s sounded their best with a tube preamp in the chain.I've had a few Large Advents and while they were good sounding they are long gone.I guess its a matter of preference.If you are thinking the L100s are in your past,now is the time to sell.
 
I sold L100's back in the mid 70's. I didn't like them because I thought they were lacking in deep bass and, being in my early 20's, was into the new tech type tweeters. I owned a pair of ADS L810's and loved domes. But I then replaced them with a bi-amped pair of Ess AMT 1B monitors with the Hiel tweeters. But fast forward a few decades and I'm so into that vintage stuff that I'd be happy with a pair of L100's (orange) through a nice 70's separates system and a subwoofer. I'd be golden for the rest of my life.

I think of them a bit like a Porsche Spyder. My current Scion FR-S would blow that car away, but I'd be happy with it as my only sports car for the rest of my life. Just as a sports car is more than raw handling and power, a stereo is more than just raw sound quality and specs. Otherwise, I'd sell all my vinyl. :)
 
I'd keep them for now.

Also enjoy them on tube amps. In fact listening to a pair right now juiced supplied from el34's.

Once they are gone ...........


Foot note..... I also have much love for the OLA's on tube gear. Have a pair so know as fact.
Never wanted to cut up my bought new NLA's and make some econowaves out of them So have little knowledge of just how they sound.
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I think I'll sell, but I'm not in a hurry so tire kickers be gone :rflmao:

I like to switch between amps but I've never been a fan of switching out speakers. Once I find something that's better than what I was using I just stick to what's better. Maybe that's crazy, but if the market is hot right now I may as well try to offload them.

Thanks again
 
Oerets said:
I'd keep them for now.

Also enjoy them on tube amps. In fact listening to a pair right now juiced supplied from el34's.

Once they are gone ...........


Foot note..... I also have much love for the OLA's on tube gear. Have a pair so know as fact.
Never wanted to cut up my bought new NLA's and make some econowaves out of them So have little knowledge of just how they sound.
Click to expand...
I was nervous about cutting mine up but I'm so glad I did. I too liked them in their original state with tubes but they weren't quite as detailed as the l100s.

The crossover/horn absolutely blew me away. They blew past the JBLs in every way, HF and LF is incredible.

I agree with you though, this stuff is getting harder to find and the JBLs are such an iconic speaker. The joys of a small house, 2 young children and a hobby that makes me spend more than I should!
 
The studio monitor which begat the L100, the 4311, was more likely to be paired in the studio with something like a solid-state Crown amp at that time. Use what sounds best to you. Tube front-end may soften some of the irritating highs produced by some source material, but you can do that with tone controls, too. Or throw a blanket over the pulp tweeter. Many more knowledgeable than me have dubbed the L100 "Fake but fun". I now own the first pair I ever heard back in 1971, courtesy of the original owner. I didn't get them for their sound quality, but simply because they are an icon in the speaker biz. Sort of like the original Apple McIntosh 128i computer I still have—it isn't good for much, but I still own it!
 
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