JBL L100 Classic is a 3-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by JBL. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter, 1 x 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Pulp Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. JBL L100 Classic has an MSRP of 4400$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL L100 Classic is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2, Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: > 400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening position, speaker locations, etc.)
JBL later replaced L100 Classic with L100 Classic MKII. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare JBL L100 Classic vs JBL L100 Classic MKII
JBL's L Classic Series of Loudspeakers
L100 Classic is a member of JBL's L Classic series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
JBL L Classic Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the JBL L100 Classic Speaker
JBL L100 Classic has a Frequency response range of 40-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-200 watts. With a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, L100 Classic delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL L100 Classic, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $5000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how L100 Classic's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L100 Classic's Pulp Woofer
Crossover frequency of the JBL L100 Classic?
L100 Classic is a 3-way speaker and its crossover frequency between the woofer and the midrange set to 450Hz and the Crossover frequency between the midrange and the tweeter is set to 3500Hz.
Impedance and Sensitivity
JBL L100 Classic's nominal impedance level is
4 ohms and has a sensitivity of
90 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the JBL L100 Classic is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the JBL L100 Classic with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.
Sensitivity
90dB of the JBL L100 Classic is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL L100 Classic:
Input Type
L100 Classic features Five-way gold-plated binding posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
JBL L100 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
On Speaker Controls & Adjustments
The L100 Classic has front-panel adjustments that let you balance
the levels of the midrange driver (MF) and tweeter (HF) relative to
the woofer.
You can use these controls to adjust the speaker's sound according
to your room's acoustics, or your personal taste..
JBL L100 Classic External Dimensions and Weight
JBL L100 Classic has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 25.0 x 15.3 x 14.6inch (636.5 x 389.6 x 371.5mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of JBL L100 Classic is approximately 1447.4cm2 / 224.3inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL L100 Classic, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
JBL L100 Classic Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the JBL L100 Classic virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.
JBL L100 Classic Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe JBL L100 Classic weighs 26.70kg / 58.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how L100 Classic's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $5000
JBL L100 Classic on a Stand
Cabinet type and Materials
JBL L100 Classic has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Genuine walnut veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Port Position
JBL L100 Classic is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.
Available colors
JBL L100 Classic is available in Walnut.
Wall Mounting
L100 Classic doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Speaker Stands
JBL sells a dedicated speaker stand for the L100 Classic with a model name
JBL JS-120. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at
B&H PHOTO and
Amazon.
JBL JS-120 Speaker Stands for JBL L100 Classic
Does the JBL L100 Classic come with a Grille?
L100 Classic comes with VintageQuadrex foam grilles in Black,Orange,Blue color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
JBL L100 Classic with Grille
What's in the Box of JBL L100 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L100 Classic:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL L100 Classic.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the JBL L100 Classic, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for JBL L100 Classic
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the JBL L100 Classic speaker:
Official Brochure for JBL L100 Classic
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.