I have two pairs: L-100's and more utilitarian Studio Monitors. They have performed flawlessly for more than 50 years. Classic.

I've owned the JBL L100 mkii speakers for a few months now and think they're great. I was once into hardcore two-channel hi-fi, but I found that enjoying music solo wasn't fulfilling. So, I decided to design an audio system tailored to my living space—one that creates a shared experience for me and my partner or when guests come over. The JBL L100 speakers are a fantastic centerpiece for that vision.

They're truly beautiful and work perfectly within my mid-century modern home. Despite being easy to drive, they handle a lot of power and naturally draw the eye in any room.

As far as sound goes, I once heard them described as a "turbo-fun mid-fi speaker" and I think that's accurate. They're not the most focused speaker in terms of soundstage, but are far from being a slouch. They're are also a bit fatiguing at times, but you can adjust them. To that end, I appreciate the built-in adjustable crossovers—a nod to the classic 1970s era—that allow fine tuning even in a less-than-ideal acoustic space. Setting the crossover points to their highest value approaches a flat response, while using the stated zero-dB gain adds a nostalgic, colored tone reminiscent of vintage JBL L100s. Mine fall somewhere in the middle and are tuned slightly different on the left and right channels due to the differing room interactions I get (carpet near the right, hardwood floors on the left). I like that flexibility.

Despite the 12-inch woofer and robust motor, the bass feels weak when the speakers are used alone. I wasn't expecting bass domination, but I did want a full-range experience, which the L100s do not provide by themselves. Adding a REL Classic 99 subwoofer transformed the experience, improving the sound quality dramatically. I would not recommend or consider these speakers unless you budget for a subwoofer. Their matching JBL subwoofer will likely work well, but the REL Classic is fabulous. Although the complete setup—with speakers, stands and a subwoofer, is a bit steep, I've yet to encounter a system that combines such striking aesthetics, versatility, and seamless integration within a space.

Ultimately, it's that multisensory experience - hot looks and a fun sound (even if slightly shy of high end) that made me pull the trigger. I'm happy I did.

Read More Show Less

I had a friend who had a pair of these 40 years ago. It's interesting that they still make these. I wonder if they still have the 1 inch titanium tweater? They are the best speakers I ever heard!