JBL Century L100 / L100A

[kaplang]

Can anyone please explain the differences between the JBL Century L100 and the L100A speakers? If you had the choice which would you want to own and why? :scratch2:

Cheers,

George

 

[Vintagear]

Most of the L100's you see out there are really actually L100A's. If the drivers are staggered it is an L100A even though the label says L100 (the label will never say L100A). There is usually an A at the end of the serial #.

There are two versions of the L100A early (black JBL logo & small push button speaker terminals) and the L100A late (orange JBL logo & plastic twist speaker terminals). They crossovers are different and drivers were changed accordingly.

The original L100's have all of the drivers in a straight line, the tweeter has an alnico magnet, the crossover is different, port-hole is smaller and the cabinet is wood not an MDF type. The original in-line L100 is the home version of the JBL 4310 and the L100A is the home version of the JBL 4311.

I own both the early in-line L100 and the early L100A (black label). I prefer the early in-line version. They have less "Boom-Tizz" as they say. I find vocals on them to be very clear.

These speakers were well built and have very solid drivers. You can find more info on the Lansing Heritage site.

 

[Karmices]

So what vintage are these?

http://http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-VINTAGE-JBL-L100-CENTURY-SPEAKERS-GREAT-CONDITION-/310697276851?pt=Vintage_Electronics_R2&hash=item48570035b3

 

[kaplang]

Most of the L100's you see out there are really actually L100A's. If the drivers are staggered it is an L100A even though the label says L100 (the label will never say L100A). There is usually an A at the end of the serial #.

There are two versions of the L100A early (black JBL logo & small push button speaker terminals) and the L100A late (orange JBL logo & plastic twist speaker terminals). They crossovers are different and drivers were changed accordingly.

The original L100's have all of the drivers in a straight line, the tweeter has an alnico magnet, the crossover is different, port-hole is smaller and the cabinet is wood not an MDF type. The original in-line L100 is the home version of the JBL 4310 and the L100A is the home version of the JBL 4311.

I own both the early in-line L100 and the early L100A (black label). I prefer the early in-line version. They have less "Boom-Tizz" as they say. I find vocals on them to be very clear.

These speakers were well built and have very solid drivers. You can find more info on the Lansing Heritage site.

Very helpful. Thanks!

 

[aaronmjr]

Most of the L100's you see out there are really actually L100A's. If the drivers are staggered it is an L100A even though the label says L100 (the label will never say L100A). There is usually an A at the end of the serial #.

There are two versions of the L100A early (black JBL logo & small push button speaker terminals) and the L100A late (orange JBL logo & plastic twist speaker terminals). They crossovers are different and drivers were changed accordingly.

The original L100's have all of the drivers in a straight line, the tweeter has an alnico magnet, the crossover is different, port-hole is smaller and the cabinet is wood not an MDF type. The original in-line L100 is the home version of the JBL 4310 and the L100A is the home version of the JBL 4311.

I own both the early in-line L100 and the early L100A (black label). I prefer the early in-line version. They have less "Boom-Tizz" as they say. I find vocals on them to be very clear.

These speakers were well built and have very solid drivers. You can find more info on the Lansing Heritage site.

You summed this up very neatly and filled in some gaps for me. Thanks!