JBL has (once again) released a new version of its iconic L100 loudspeaker, this time to mark the company’s 80th anniversary.
“Time flies…”—a saying from days gone by that actually fits an 80th anniversary rather well. It certainly puts things into perspective. But enough melancholy. The simple fact is that, to celebrate its 80th birthday, JBL has introduced a new version of the L100. The model was already reissued some time ago (and a few years later followed by a MkII version), but now there is this special anniversary edition.
Its look is instantly recognizable, with an oak veneer finish and dark brown Quadrex foam grilles. This time no flashy orange, but a more subdued brown color scheme throughout. Under the hood, the three-way loudspeaker features a 30.4 cm paper-pulp cone woofer, a 13.3 cm midrange driver with a polymer-coated paper-pulp cone, and a 60 mm titanium dome tweeter. On the rear panel, two sets of gold-plated binding posts are provided, allowing for both bi-wiring and bi-amping.
Limited edition
Quick action is required, as only 800 pairs will be produced. A pair of the JBL L100 Classic 80’s (as they are officially called) costs $7,499. In return, buyers receive a numbered plaque with the signature of chief engineer Chris Hagen. Matching speaker stands are included as well, all delivered in a commemorative wooden crate. At the time of writing, the model is not yet listed on JBL’s own website, but we did find it—at a slightly lower price—in this US webshop (see screenshot above). Pre-orders are possible now, with delivery expected sometime in February this year.