Our 5 Favorite Vintage JBL Speakers! (in no particular order)

[@scootb7400]

I saw & heard a Paragon once! Before I had kids, I went to Sapporo Japan to visit a friend for a couple weeks. Right down the block from his house was the only record shop in the area. I killed a lot of time there, but the owner didn’t (or wouldn’t) speak much English And I know no Japanese. But he was super friendly and loved showing off his set of vintage Altecs. One day we ventured to the countryside to go to a natural hot springs. Along the way, we stopped at a place for curry rice. As soon as I walked inside I saw a gorgeous paragon! I didn’t know a lot about vintage audio then, but the owner was so proud of it. He had framed all the schematics and technical information on the wall. I complimented It to him Through my friend who spoke Japanese. The owner was beaming and played us so many records! I asked if he knew the record shop owner in town. Apparently they’re buddies and he excitedly pulled out his cell phone and called the record shop owner on the spot! A few days later, I went back to the record shop. The owner pulled out all kinds of photos from his family trip to Seattle (where I live) several years prior. We drank tea together and talked records (he secretly spoke great English). He followed me all over the store and any record I held up he would mark with a 50% off discount sticker! I was honored, but also spent like $250 on records. Probably a once in a lifetime experience, but a total blast!

[@skylabsaudio]

Great story. Thanks for sharing that!

[@bertroost1675]

That's a cool story. Would you like to hear about my trip to Tokyo and meeting a Yakuza while Led Zeppelin bootleg CD shopping in Shinjuku?

[@AstroHunter5280]

@@skylabsaudio Could you do a review video on the JBL L88s?

[@AstroHunter5280]

@@skylabsaudio How are the L88s?

[@donjaksa4071]

My neighbor was remodeling his house and as he was showing me the progress, I saw a pair of big JBL speakers out back on his patio, covered with dust. I mentioned my interest in vintage audio equipment, and he said that his wife didn't like them and that, what-the-heck, I can HAVE them. That's how I got my pair of JBL 4343a speakers

[@Lindsay-t2e]

Wow. Killer.

[@timmymorg392]

I was sitting here staring at my L26's as I watched this, totally expecting them to be overlooked again in another review. I have been really impressed with these speakers that hide in the shadows of the more popular JBL's. I even have the original receipt for them. Thanks for the great content.

[@ripmcmanus]

The first JBL's I heard were a pair of L26's my brother picked up when he was in the army. I loved the sound but ended up with the L100's when I went out to buy my own. I don't regret buying the L100's, but the L26's are definitely still high on my last of all-time faves.

[@JimFab54]

I am the original owner of a pair of JBL L166 speakers purchased right after I graduated college in 1977 and I still love them. No matter what genre of music I play through them they sound great. I bought the L166 over the L100 because of the tweeter, the L166 is a little brighter than the L100 which makes the cymbals really crisp and ring. They sound great at low volume and of course great cranked. Yes, that Maxell poster is the feeling you get when they are cranked. I still drive them with my Sansui 8080 receiver also purchased in 1977. Only down side of owning them is that I have had to have the woofers reconed two times over the 47 years of ownership because the foam ring around the woofer cone dries out, cracks, and falls apart. The JBL L166 is my benchmark when listening to speakers. Kevin, love your videos of vintage stereo equipment. Keep them coming.

[@garyfain7235]

Wow, am I glad I found your channel! Huge JBL fan. Long story short, worked in a stereo store back in the mid 70’s and was able to sample a lot of speakers and electronics. I fell in love with the L100 Century. No matter what component I matches them with they sounded amazing. Matched with a decent receiver, the L100’s produced this amazing wall of sound. Fast forward 40 years, a divorce and I lost my L100’s and my lust for listening. Fast forward another 10 years and back into listening, bought a couple different speakers most significantly the Klipsch Heresy IVs. Really good speaker, but I kept going back to the wall of sound with the L100 Centuries. Finally pulled the plug and bought a pair of vintage Centuries and am back in JBL heaven. Thank you for your channel where our JBL community can gather and share their stories and love for the brand

[@brunoespinosa5907]

Nice listing. Purchased my JBL L65s in 1978 at Clark AFB PHILLIPINES while I was in the Navy. Paid 700 dollars for the pair. They moved with me everywhere I lived. Your right I put them on some handmade stands a friend of mine made for me. The sound was incredible. Refoamed the woofer one time. But them for almost 50 years. Passed to a nephew who just loved and I knew would treat them right. He is rockin with them. Feels good to pass on great gear to one who appreciates them.

[@bshingledecker]

Navy at Clark? What assignment did you luck out with? I was at Subic/Cubi close to the same time frame. (message center 15mos) Its a wonder we got out in one piece. LOL

[@brunoespinosa5907]

@@bshingledecker yes at Clark. I was a cryptology technician at the 6922nd Security Service while assigned to P3VQ1. So Navy but on a AFB. Sometimes we flew into Cubi.😎 Great times...

[@empire7179]

I was in the Army at the time in Darmstadt Germany.. I brought my l150 and I still have them to this day.. I remember that time,, Cuba was acting up. But other than that it was peacetime, I had the best time of my life.

[@donsmith8614]

I was there with a buddy who worked there, i used to call it the elephant cage@@brunoespinosa5907

[@donsmith8614]

I was there @ the same time 77-79, took a shuttle to subic bay to bring the stereo back, bose 301's 501's Marantz receiver, Technics turntable, Pioneer cassette deck, still use the Technics & 301's

[@djavoizkrsaful]

LX44 i have them 10 years and they are daily working! Amazing speakers, i love them!

[@MixiMera]

Great list, just didn’t know much of the speakers before 1977. I visited the JBL factory in 1978 as I had bought a pair of L36 (brown) and then brought them back home to Sweden. I still got them and they sound great after new foam lining for the base and several of movements around different countries in Europe.

[@pault151]

My gal still has (boxed away) her L36 pair. I found them not quite as solid in the low end as I prefer but with really great mid & high. I have refoamed them once, when I get them out again I'll see if they need it the second time. I definitely prefer them to the L26.

[@tomrugger677]

First speakers that I still own are the L100T bought in 1987. Listed to them in the high end room at American TV in Madison WI. Also have pairs of L80T and L60T and L26.

[@LouT-e9w]

Totally agree thot vintage JBL is one of the best. Bought a pair of Flair L45’s in 1974 (still have them) and outfitted them with 136A 15 inch woofers and L85 compression driver (10 lbs), horn, and lens assemblies. You’re right, back then you could’ve put whatever drivers in there you could afford. These were $667 each in 1974. So smooth sounding which is why I kept them for so long.

[@johnsurguy3845]

Just watched your top 5 marantz video and I had 1974 ST 2020 and then in 1976 put a pair JBL L36's with it was all I could afford at the time but I was very pleased with the music they put out. Still have the L 36's, but in 1979 I bought all Technics SU8088 amp, with matching ST8077 receiver, SL1700 turntable, and M44 cassette player/recorder. Still have them today, my kids will probably throw every thing out when I'm gone, Thanks for the memories

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

Hello - I just discovered your channel and subscribed. I bought my first sound system in the late 60s. The man who sold it to me gave me a good suggestion. He told me to be a little conservative with the electronics and splurge on the speakers. The speakers I bought were JBL, don't remember the model. Over the years I upgraded a few times but I stayed with different models of JBL speakers. I am long since retired and all my equipment is gone and so are collections of vinyl and CDs. Watching your videos is bringing back a lot of memories and I could easily become addicted again. Thanks for the videos and information.

[@paulwasik509]

The first boxes (speaker cabinets) I built was in 1974. Each had one JBL D123 with one piezoelectric tweeter. I'm still using them in 2023.

[@stephenbarr2735]

I just picked up a pair of overly-loved 4311A recently and they have VASTLY improved the sound of my humble system! Especially streaming...believe it or not. They are the first "legit" speaker I have ever owned so, even though they are a little beat up and have mismatched tweeters and need a foam ring on one of the tweeters, I am really enjoying them. Thanks for another great video. Can't wait to make it back into the shop. Cheers.

[@GenrelessB]

Bought my first set of L100’s around 1975. Been a JBL lover since. Being a studio rat I’d go for the 4312’s as they have left and right cabinets for better imaging. Their big brothers are beasts! For the last seven years been using JBL 6328’s, in my studio. Incredible! They keep my Large Advents and Auratones good company. Great video!!! Thanks!!!

[@randyclere7756]

You have great taste! Got mine in 1975 while I was in the Navy… like doofus… I sold them:(

[@edd2771]

Said it before will say it again…best audio channel on KZbin. I have the addiction but I saved and waited as a kid and got what I wanted then. Been listening to my ADS L710s for 40:years. I want for nothing but I do like to look. I hope work takes me to Des Moines some day.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thank you, Ed! Have a pair of ADS speakers myself- not for sale :)

[@mdgdm]

I got to hear a Paragon once, at a Detroit area stereo store around 1974. I don’t remembe what they had powering it. Playing a drum solo, it totally blew us away, really loud, and really clear.

[@123whf]

I purchased a pair of LX55's (the bigger brother to the LX44's reviewed in the video) new in 1991 and still have them. The LX55's have the same tweeter, midrange and crossovers, as the LX44's, but have a 10-ince woofer instead of 8-inch. I love the tight bass and sparkling highs. I also have a pair of LX22's. The LX22's have the same tweeter and a 6.5-inch woofer.

[@jjinglenuts]

I have been in this hobby since 1979. Did refoam and voice coil change on many drivers plus made many DIY speakers, thanks for the video.

[@zonker92]

Great video; thanks! As a fellow enthusiast, I've had many of those models. There are no wrong choices, and I really enjoyed your selections and unique insights; I think this make a great introduction to JBL for newbies and I'll definitely share it with others. (I'm currently restoring some 4425s, 4401s, 4301Bs and Altec Model 14s, and I have some L212s to recap as well, to run with a B380 sub.)

[@PaulHaussler-bs1qi]

I stumbled onto this video by accident. I'm an old JBL fan. Great video! LX44, well never heard them. L65 Jubals, a friend had them. They were wonderful. The tweeter fascinated me with the crystal slot. At the time I had no idea how they worked (I do now). JBL C38.... Oh Holy cow!!! I have a pair. They were my dad's. The vintage is around 1954 or 1955. They came to me more than 20 years ago. They are completely original with original diaphragms! This was long before the Baron name, but it is the same cabinet. Inside are D131 woofers (actually extended range speakers), 075 bullet tweeters, and N2400 crossovers. They still sound great. I think the 075 gets a bad rap for being shrill, harsh, and beamy. If the source is shrill or harsh, the 075 will reproduce it. If the recording is well made, 075 tweeters are fantastic. The D131's are flatbacks, pre-1955. I had to pull out the crossovers to tighten some loose connections inside. I shined a light through the opening and it was like what kind of JBL is that??? The Lansing Heritage explains all of it. As far as 075 being beamy, perhaps, but I never notice it. The tension on the strings of a violin, the sound of bells or chimes, they are there in the room, sometimes beyond the placement of the speakers. I suspect Barl Locanthi may have been responsible for the design of the 075 ring radiator and I see that JBL is still using it for some of the Synthesis flagship speakers. Sadly they are no longer made in America. Paul H. Huntington Beach, CA

[@alexw890]

While the 075 does have well known directivity issues as it has only a 40 degree dispersion, I believe most of the harshness/beaminess issues are actually the result of a peak around 12k hz. If you design a custom crossover for those old drivers and correct for stuff like that, the performance becomes much, much better. A notch filter at 12k hz will drastically improve the sound of the 075 for instance.

[@JuanGarcia-kv7yv]

Man keep up the good work!! So many of those speakers are now getting harder and harder to find especially in small markets.. Awesome speakers especially once they are fully refurbished. Currently jamming out to a pair of L80t speakers in the office. Great sounding speakers for all throes of music…. Very good selection!

[@TorchyBurns1]

I was soooooo happy when you mentioned the Decade L-26! I have reconed (complete) voice coil. Spider, cone 3 pair and connected them to a Pioneer SC-91 Surround Home Theater system. 130 W a channel driving these 35W speakers, they sound so incredibly good!

[@ptownmusicroom580]

Love the video - I sold my L26 and got L100 ;-) I loved the L26 a lot - you are right, there is something special about them . I replaced the beat up cloth with the burnt orange colored jbl cloth. . I sold a Marantz 2220 receiver and the guy asked if I had speakers for sale. I wasn't really gonna sell the L26 but he gave me a lot of money for them. I miss them but I love the L100 Century as well and the look is unbeatable.

[@stevevogelman3360]

I have a beautiful set of L100s

[@ChefPHD]

My Father had the Paragon in the den. It was massive and when he would play the 1812 overture the sound would go through you from, all directions.

[@incredifunk]

Whatever became of said Paragon?

[@ChefPHD]

My father was a JBL , Altec Lansing ,Gauss and Crown distributor. I remember he sold the Paragon to a man in Saratoga. Next I knew we had these huge Voice of Theaters in our den. The equipment he had was amazing.

[@marnav9205]

I had 4312 and L112 among others. Loved em all and kept em long as I could. Using 306P/310 combo, love it as well.

[@larryfisher7056]

Bought my Marantz 2220 in 73 along with a pair of L26. Great combination. Unfortunately I got rid of the JBLs years ago and now I want them back.

[@davidwell686]

I got lucky on CL one night and bought a set of JBL L15 speakers. Walnut, only one "ding", but other than that, perfect. I love the look, sound and matched with my Sansui 4000 it's a great system.

[@DA-ou7hv]

Another JBL that was interesting was the Decade 26. I had a pair of those. If I remember an 8" woofer and the same paper tweeter as shown on the L100. I wish I still had them. I do enjoy my L5 floor standing speakers. I agree - JBL always sounds richer, fuller and overall great speaker

[@TAzure-kf2li]

Crazy, I just picked up a set of L26 today, saw the title of this one and had to check it out. I knew the reputations of several of the JBLs. But of course it was great to hear your comments on the L26 at the end.

[@kensimpson941]

Bought a pair of JBL L45 Flairs back in 1974. I had to have those 15" woofers. Still have them today.

[@collenfisher3635]

As a young student I bought my 1st hi-fi....NAD 3020 with AR 18s speakers. The universe smiled upon me and I now have a Tim de Paravichini EAR 518 amplifier with JBL TL260 speakers. My life is complete.

[@rogermartinville5369]

I’ve had a pair of lx 44 since 1989 they have treated me very well. I did have to replace the woofers but not bad for 35 years old !

[@tonyidle7813]

from 1977 until 1993 I was manager of a audio store in Portland Oregon, we sold new and used stereo equipment . I sold 2 used paragons plus about 25 or 30 pair of L100 century and every other model you talked about , and some that you did not. they made a 3- piece with a subwoofer and probably my favorite is the L220, sold about 4 or 5 pair of those. just a fyi they also made a 60 watt mono power amp, sold a pair of those. we sold Sansui new and I hade the chance to hear the g22000 , what a beast. at the time I was there I was known as Mr. Hi-Fi .

[@Johnny-ov7qe]

Still have any old gear you’d sell? I’m also in Portland. Love old JBL, Marantz, and McIntosh (also all of the other big brands but that’s just what I have in my collection)

[@lechiffre2617]

Fell in love with jbl by reading the manual of a L80mk2 series, which points out under amp connection : " choose the amp you can afford" 😍

[@dennisdunkel6731]

Kevin, I enjoy all of your vlogs. I bought the t-shirt with the Maxell poster. Also, I own 2 pairs of JBL L100 originals. The bass, mid, and tweeters are all inline. Also, the tweeters have a metal plate around them covered in black plastic like electricians tape. Tbey still sound great. Thank you for all of your talks.

[@jackallen6261]

I have to say the Coke reference was hilarious! I grew up in the 70's and 80's and yeah...Coke was EVERYWHERE! lol. I always said if I have to shoot it or snort it I don't need it, so I never tried it but yeah, I knew a lot of people who did. That's really funny. New sub here and I must say I'm suprised you don't have more subs...Peace and good luck with the channel!

[@ericpeacock6438]

Cuttently I have two pairs of JBL speakers. I have a pair of 4410a, and a pair of L56. They were missing the sub woofers when I picked them up. I'm having fun sourcing replacement subs. Can't wait to get them finished.

[@PerfDayToday]

Had a pair of 4401b same as the L26. Bucket list includes L200 (w sculptured foam grills), L65, and L100. Nice review.

[@sheldonhambrick7317]

1. Happy to know that my 4311s are the "same" as the iconic L-100s! I got a free one from my best friend's mom, and the other - a beater off of eBay. They are WAY down on the project list, but I'll get to them. 2. I saw a Paragon in a classical used record store in LA about 18 months ago (the owner showed me), but at the time I had NO idea what it was! Now, I will revisit and ask for an audition.

[@yuriwalter385]

What a great addiction, for sure! Thanks for the video and the insight. Cheers from Brazil!

[@slantstreetrecords3274]

Just picked up a very crisp pair of C38 with 001 package. One of the most beautiful pair of speakers I've ever owned and a very unique sound. Super cool to see them mentioned here! Now I own L100's, 4312a's, and the C38's!

[@peterracer1]

Wow, I’ve never heard the Barons, or your speakers behind you, but I definitely listened to L100 quite a bit, beautiful looking and sounding incredible! Another one I really liked is the L200 with a 15 inch and compression horn with lens!….. Big sound, super efficient!!

[@kirkliebscher3299]

I think my old, refoamed LX600’s sound awesome! Powered with a new Denon receiver, they have rejuvenated my audio love! Thanks for the video!

[@dginia]

As a kid in college in the early 70’s, I auditioned speakers almost as a hobby. I really wanted a pair of L-100, but did not want to spend that much. I settled on a pair of L-26’s and have been quite satisfied over all these years. They have been re-foamed. Sor ages I used them with a Crown preamp and a D-40. Now I have a Yamaha surround receiver. They still sound great. One thing I picked up on when auditioning speakers as that when you finally went to really loud levels, the differences between speakers mostly vanish. At least, they did for me. Enjoyed your video, obviously (!) from Ames.

[@sabrowenie]

I’ve got a pair of LX22’s in storage. Were the speakers in my home office during the pandemic. Got replaced with Triangle Titus ES my SIL gave me. The 22’s were a pretty competent speaker, but I preferred the front bass port on the Triangle.

[@alm5693]

I watched this just to see if the L-100s made the list or if you had a bunch that you liked a lot better. I'm glad I watched because now I'm going to buy a pair of your wood stands for my 100s and get them out of the closet of my new downsized digs. I replaced the disintegrating blue foam fronts with blue fabric fronts that are made specifically for the 100s because I never want to deal with foam fronts again (iconic shmiconic). I'm just up 35 in St. Paul and thinking I need to make a day trip to your shop. Last time I drove to West Des Moines (to have my Dual 1229 rehabbed) there had been freezing rain across the MN/IA border and the trip down turned into a real white-knuckler.

[@skylabsaudio]

Been there! Lol

[@alm5693]

@@skylabsaudio For driving on ice or getting sick of foam speaker grilles? 🙂

[@sosonic12000]

I’m a uk audio nut. .. great channel. Thank you 🙏

[@dontcare563]

One of my favorites was the JBL L-212. Heard this when I was a teenager many years ago and was impressed!

[@craigellsworth3952]

@dontcare563 The 212 was the best. I chose the L300 over them when I was a kid because I wanted to crank tunes. The 212 was more refined, and imaged nicely.

[@supersportimpalass]

I’ve had a pair of 4312a’s for a long time. Hooked them up last month to a Pioneer A-77x which I recently purchased and man what a perfect match! I had forgotten how sweet they sounded!

[@kirkliebscher3299]

Nice channel and great list! I bought my LX600’s back in the mid 90’s (have never had a big audio budget ☹️). You mentioned the LX series, I really like the sound of my LX600’s and recently recapped them with some better components. After refoaming a couple years ago, don’t know if I’ll need anything new! The tweeters are great. Thanks again for your channel!

[@sfrench63]

I still use a pair of LX-66s that I bought in 1988. Still sound great. Need to repair some foam, though.

[@TheParot161]

Super enjoyed your video! I have four (soon to have 6) vintage JBL L20t speakers. Just absolutely love the way they sound! Also, at 8 ohms I can connect 4 of them to my new Marantz receiver without fear of overheating it.

[@timburns379]

L166 Horizon ( not L66) were my first JBL. I bought a pair in 1977 they were stolen in 1983 along with my Kenwood 55w integrated amp and my Thorens TD160 turntable. In 1985 I bought the L112 ‘s to replace them along with Carver C-1 pre amp and M-500t power amp and DTL-200 CD player, Denon DP-62L turntable, TEAC X2000R R to R TEAC V-900X cassette. I still have them all

[@robertyoung1777]

Thank you for this excellent talk on JBL! My main speakers are 1980 JBL L100a - the a is important as earlier versions of the L100 aren’t as good sounding to my ears. Some earlier L100s used a different tweeter. I like the old JBLs because of there nice full spectrum sound with all kinds of music when paired with a good source and amp. I’m driving them with a Beautiful Vinnie Rossi LIO. Older speakers like the L100s have simple crossovers and paper drivers that make them easy to drive with low power amplifiers. They sound good with cheaper moving magnet phone cartridges too. I use a Nagaoka 110 cartridge that cost about $150 US dollars.

[@GovernmentGlen]

Picked up a set of JBL L5 speakers this week. Not exactly vintage, built in 1992. The sound is fantastic! I almost passed but glad I didn't. Thanks for the great videos.

[@mikecampbell5856]

I have a pair of LX22 speakers and they sound great. My son has four S99 Lancers that he bought for 80 bucks for all four. He had two woofers refoamed and two tweeters replaced and they are awesome. They sound cleaner at super high volumes than any speaker I have ever heard.

[@nicholasjames3721]

I really like the L 36’s. They have cool grills and I prefer the sound of them over the L 100’s. Unfortunately, I sold them. I agree that the LX series are overlooked. The LX 44 is very versatile speaker and sounds good with a lot of different music genres.

[@rz1_1221]

Can vouch for the LX44. I use a pair on my main stereo system, and they are definitely quite versatile. I have my pair hooked up to a Sansui 7070 and they give off a clear, fairly warm, pretty well balanced, punchy sound with tight bass. Overall very fun to listen to.

[@johneveridge3714]

My Father was at Altec, JBL , and Bolivar Speaker works. You might know him for his designs. Aquarius Q and L150. Pete Townsend said in his book he didn't realize how good they sounded until they got JBL drivers in their studio. My Dads design. Had a pair of them in our living room in the 70's.

[@wesmiddaugh230]

nice i had many JBL in my system that were either found at thrift stores or traded for and the ones i kept are the L150s. still have all original drivers. my others are Audio Concepts Orchid, dynaudio drivers, and Norman Labs Model 7. the 7s got me to get rid of all the other JBLs.

[@aroyici]

I got two 21:05 C40 built with plans available from JBL in the sixties. At this time components where costly and I bought only one 12 inches with electro voice tweeter. I used a 15 inches Altec lansing 604e? In the other enclosure. Good sound from both of them. I stiil use them in home cinema. Folded horn is a very efficient speaker system but a little big. They had many professional use in large space.

[@davidsmalley221]

I have L65's elevated 20 inches. originally i used a 100 watt receiver and later bought a 800 watt amp and preamp setup the base is now super tight sounded good with the receiver and great with the big amp.

[@gregorysullivan7913]

Have had a pair of LX 500 since 1993 and still love them. Granted, I know they are not best by far, but I still really enjoy them.

[@cjg6364]

My first pair of speakers were L19s paired up with a Kenwood KR8050, a Dual turntable and Micro Acoustics cartridge - a system I was able to hobble together new from mowing lawns while in junior high school back around 1980. About 15 years later, I was able to get my second set of JBLs - somewhat of a step up to 250TI Limited Edition, and still driven with the old reliable Kenwood receiver. The Kenwood eventually died but I still have the 250TIs (I'll be 59 in January!!). I used to run them with a Crown MA 2400 and PSL-2 but eventually switched over to a Perreaux 3150 because of cooling fan noise. From the very beginning at age 14, it was obvious to me that JBL was in a league of its own when it came to build quality and performance. A lot of speaker companies have come and gone over the past 55 years but JBL still remains, and still is in a league of its own.

[@ConcreteKid54]

Another superior review. Thanks!

[@FeedScrn]

Thanks for this video. JBL.. what a line of speakers. Amazing. - I was looking for some surround speakers and ran across a pair of JBL Loft 50s used. They are not your classic booming speakers, but having a slim profile and being elevated, they are perfect for where they are connected in the system.

[@kirkp_nextguitar]

I acquired a pair of L100 Century speakers from a relative a few years ago. I like them and they are my main speakers. I replaced the rotted foam with grill cloth. The vintage L100s are often criticized for their rudimentary crossover consisting of two capacitors and a couple of pads for midrange and tweeter. The woofer isn’t crossed over so gets the full range. A lot of folks have designed true 3-way crossover upgrades including inductors, both DIY and kits. They aren’t cheap. I’m happy enough with my original crossover to stick with it. I’ve read that the recent product labeled as L100 has little in common with the vintage Century model. I think the drivers and crossover are all different. Have you done any videos on Dynaco speakers? I still have a pair of A10s bought new around 1972. The 6.5” woofers limit their power, but for small rooms or moderate volumes they sound great. I think they have the same tweeter as the more popular A25.

[@vintageaudioreview]

Nicely done video! If you ever make it out to Tucson for some reason or another, I can set you up to listen to a Paragon, as well as a pair of 4350's, at the same place. The Paragon's have a nice, "smooth" sound, and they are just gorgeous to look at. Their sound reminds me a bit of Model 19's in a small way.

[@skylabsaudio]

Thanks! Will do!

[@flyfisher1649]

Great review...I agree...I have the L46 & love them, maybe will try the L26 or 4311 but really don't need any more ...less is more....

[@bniwa]

addiction...hilarious there's a lot of weird cuts and speed-ups in this one. . But it's coming through...we all get you, and know you need to polish it for the utoob alg. Otherwise. Great episode man. I don't know much, and I didn't know much about JBL, so thanks for the intel. Q: did JBL make their own speakers? And if so, did they ever make anyone else's?

[@DeereX748]

We sold tons of the 4311 speakers, it was our top selling JBL speaker. It was partly because the store owner discounted them a little when they were sold as part of a complete system. They would howl with as little as 20-25 watts, but really came alive around 50-75 watts and would handle a couple hundred if you were judicious with the volume control. The bass was rock solid, you could snuff a candle held in front of the woofer with some good disco or hard rock. They worked well with anybody's receiver or amplifier. Can you do a review of the L300 and L220? Those were the biggest JBL's we sold and they usually went to someone running big power, like a 2325 Marantz or a STR-V7 Sony. I think you'd be able to hear music vocals clearly out of them from a mile away. The L300 was another speaker that had a glass top, but you didn't have to worry about tilting them because the speaker front was tilted about 5-7 degrees or so. In a room with good acoustics you'd think the band was there with you. The L220 was great for rock, and if you could drag them out on the patio the neighbors could fully enjoy them too. I wanted a set of the 220's, just didn't have a place to put them. I did sell four of them to a guy once. He had them on a 2325 in a room about half the size of a basketball court and he wasn't afraid of the loud knob.

[@mattspokane]

I came here to share this mostly because you were the only people who might appreciate it. TLDR version. I just scored a pair of the L100s at the Goodwill bins for $40. Got them to work by spraying some electronic cleaner by the knobs on the pots. What are other people doing for a grill covers? I'm not sure I want original style contoured foam at this point. The novel version: I've been on a quest to get some nicer speakers (but at a ridiculously low price) and accumulated a bunch of OK speakers. I might need to open up my own shop now to get rid of them 🤣 Yesterday, I stopped by the Goodwill bins mostly because I needed to take a pee break and it's a business where I know I can run in and do that. While I was there I browsed the furniture section and, low and behold, they had a pair of JBL L100's for sale for $40. Best pit stop ever. They must've just put them out because I saw other guys walking around with speakers in their shopping carts. I knew, from this video (and probably other videos on this channel) that JBL's were one of the best speaker brands. I didn't remember which one the 100s were until I looked up the reviews and then it clicked that these were the ones you talked about being in the Maxell ad, etc. Some of the drivers weren't working or were working intermittently when I plugged them in. This speaker has two pots on each one to control tone, I sprayed a little electronic cleaner on the edge of of the knobs hoping it would seep in and clean things up without even opening it up. After cycling the knobs a few times the speakers started working perfectly! I'm guessing somebody got rid of these because they got tired of speakers that were broken. Even the cases are in very good shape. One of them has a pretty good ding in one corner but I should be able to fix that with a little putty and wood stain. One of the speakers was on display upside down on a cement floor so I'm lucky there isn't more damage. They don't have the original contour foam covers. Somebody did do a nice job recovering them with normal cloth. I typically enjoy restoring things to their original state. However, as unique as those grill covers are, I'm not sure I really want them in my house at this point with a shedding dog and rambunctious kids. Curious what other people have done with their grill covers. Buy the aftermarket replacement covers or, if not, what kind of cool cloth have people used or would would recommend? Was considering maybe looking for a grill cloth in one of the original colors. This is especially true I have a lot of orange accents in my living room already

[@williamsharp5973]

I bought four L100's in 1974 for the then fair-trade list price of $235.00 each. I just checked a couple of 'dollar inflation' converters, and the current price look pretty good comparitively. Anyway, I needed four for a quad system. I used a Marantz 4140 'integrated amp/pre-amp' that was 25 watts per channel in quad mode, though you could plug two stereo power amps into it for more. I had wanted AR3a's but the additional power they would have needed was more than I wanted to go for at the time. The L100's were at or near the top of the heap in popularity, and of those among the least power hungry options. It turned out they ran great with the Marantz, and though I could easily have added power later, and having gotten married, I never did. The other components of that system included the original Technics SL1200, Stanton 681E cartridge, TEAC 2340R four channel open-reel deck, and two stereo Dolby C units, and DBX117 Dynamic Range Enhancer/Compressor.

[@edjackson4389]

Those 10" woofers in the L26 are my favorite. I scoop up vintage speakers that are trashed and salvage the usable drivers for building custom bluetooth speakers. The vintage drivers always look cooler than the new stuff. Anyway those 10s in the L-26 and L-36 are really great after they are refoamed. Aluminum basket, concave dust cap, and sound great sealed or ported, but they're getting hard to find

[@davidwald2938]

Darn, I threw out a pair my fathers old 2 way JBLs from the 70s without really even looking at the model because the foam had rotted away. I didn't consider that they could be refoamed and they just sat unused in an air-conditioned house so I'll bet they were otherwise perfect. Was just getting back into audio and putting together a surround sound system with big money KEF's that sound bright, mid-rangey, and metallic in retrospect. Bet they were L26's. Now I have big Forte IVs which are great but only with the right amplification (class A + tubes). My second biggest regret now after giving away all my vinyl in the early nineties.

[@edjackson4389]

@@davidwald2938 Yeah, I never would have imagined that vintage audio equipment would be desirable back when I was younger. Now Im glad my mom held onto my stuff from the 70s and 80s after I told her to junk it

[@orpiv]

Fellow addict here and long time JBL lover with obviously a great wife! Currently L19, L40 2 pair one Alnico 127A one 127H , L166 Horizon, original L100, 830T, L86, Walnut 4410, 4312G, Studio 590, 4313B.. With last two being my favorites..

[@SurnaturalM]

4312 seems excellent speakers. A bit pricy but they surely worth it.

[@jc.cantrell]

I have a set of JBL L200s, JBLL212s, and JBLL20Ts. I'm the original owner - purchased the L212s in 1980, the L200s in mid-1980s and the L20Ts in the 90s. I've always loved my JBLs. I remember audio-testing the L212s againts the Bose901s and picking the JBLs for better sound

[@roguesquatch1]

My gf bought me a pair of L-110s for Christmas about 5 years ago and they are still my favorite speakers. I have since had Technics SB-7000As, HPM-100s, NLA Advents, Polk Monitor 7s and 10s, Marantz Imperial 6s, Mach 1 and 2, some giant RTRs and the magnificent ADS L-810s, but the JBLs are it.

[@roguesquatch1]

@@patfrederick7327 Rare indeed! She actually likes Rush, my favorite band!

[@Lindsay-t2e]

L110 is a goody.

[@todd1771]

So hilarious that I wondered if my old LX44's could possibly get a mention and they were the first named! They only made them for 5 years so there can't be that many around. I had them re-foamed after 20 years but then one stopped working at 28 yr. mark so replaced with JBL A180's. Still storing the LX44's for future repair.

[@lllllREDACTEDlllll]

Picking up some C37s tomorrow and I'm stoked

[@alexw890]

The Dorian cab with the Le14 and LE-175 is actually called the Lancer 101. Phenomenal speakers.

[@lorieandpatrickdavies7483]

Interesting list for sure, and not what was expecting. I've been a dedicated JBL fan since my first pair (L60T) back in 1987. My personal list is the PT800/PS1400 (Synthesis Performance Series), L100, L100T, L100 Classic and L890. All of these I own, and love. I would, one day, really like to hear the Everest, K2, and Paragon.

[@therevted]

I bought my JBL L36s as part of a stereo system back in 1978, and still have them and the system. Loved them from the first listen. I had the chance to buy the L100s at the time, but they were out of my price range back then and the L36s were supposed to be the "poor mans version" of the. So, Kevin, I have this question for you- Have you heard the L36s and if so how do they compare with the L100s of today? And should I consider looking at the modern version? Thanks

[@joemiller8371]

Ive had 36's since1976

[@cosmicdebris2223]

I've got a pair of L112s... foam surrounds replaced with rubber ones, so they'll see me off the planet! But in many of the speakers you show and I recall back in the day I was always amazed that JBL used simple fairly large paper cone tweeters. Paper just has such a rough time trying to oscillate at high frequencies. Most other makers used mylar or similar materials for the HFs...

[@euroshark1]

In the 70's my roomate had a pair of L26 Decades. They were so nice.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

I bought a pair of JBL LX55 speakers from a Goodwill store about 10 years ago. Refoamed the 10" woofer and they sounded great. I sold them. Then a couple more of years later, remembering how good the titanium dome sounded, I bought a pair. They stayed on the shelf until about two weeks ago. I bought a pair of Infinity bookshelf speakers which required both drivers to be replaced. In went the JBL tweeters. Then I installed Altec Lansing woofers. It's a perfect match and much better than the original drivers.

[@chrisydarg1268]

Love your videos keep up the great work! I love my Altec 7 series II, L150, L200 and I just picked up 4315s : )

[@13gobat]

I was almost completely new to vintage audio when I bought a Marantz 2245 and a pair JBL L56's two and a half years ago, and I love them. I have never seen mention of them in any of these kind of videos/forums. I have also never been out to demo any other JBL models. Just curios if you (or any other viewers) have any experience with or opinions on the L56 in comparison the models mentioned in this video.

[@parksmitchell]

Still have and use daily my L100s (bought circa 1972). Only thing I have done to them is replace the foam covers (which disintegrated) with cloth. I would love to go back to the original foam, but my wife doesn't like it. 😢

[@Babord10]

You should mention that during the 50s, 60s and 70s, JBL Standard Equipment as Studio Monitors. When I even want to hear an Fender precision bass or Paul's Hofner bass, I want to listen to the corresponding utility acid that was used, ex. The JBL elements in the amp Fender Bassman, which all the studios had in their equipment, including Abbey Road Studio. And yes, I hear the difference, but there are astonishing many guests who do not know what I am talking about, then I have to tell the story of JBL ,, The Best Speaker for Me !!! Frank in Norway

[@Mainbusfail]

After watching a couple of your videos, I have to say first off...thank you for your content and I'd kick it with you over a beer or two any day. liked and subbed

[@skylabsaudio]

I appreciate that!

[@edgewound]

The L65 Jubal is also one of my very favorites...along with it's big brother, L300 Summit, also with a glass top. These consumer home models were designed as "lifestyle" audio furniture. The L65 was designed as an end table that happened to have a killer speaker system installed...hence the glass top. I don't think blow was in the architectural specs for the glass top, but lamps, candles, coffee cups, wine glasses, and cocktail glassware were...lol. I see so many arguments about how to set them up for "proper listening". Proper listening to me, is their original intent. On the floor... as a piece of fine audio furniture...as the designer intended. And of course...the L100/4311 variants. Good stuff!

[@richardelliott8352]

I bought my L65's from a guy who used then as his studio monitors and sold JBL speakers on the side. Most of the west coast recording studios used JBL on the classic 60's and seventies albums, so JBL reproduction is not a bad way to go when listening to those albums.

[@wtrail17]

I have a pair of 4311b 's from the early 80's and love them, they are solid

[@rp9035]

I own a pair of L-166's which I won't part with but they are not in use. My main system has JBL XPL-200'S and my second system has the XPL 140's. These are incredible sounding speakers.

[@davecheatham9665]

Have had my 4311wxa’s since 1978. Still awesome sound.

[@jerryarm4160]

I have a pair of LX66 I bought in Europe in 1988. Still one of my favorite speakers.

[@edwardgonczy3170]

I'll add my 2 cents. Bang for the buck: L50's from around 1978. They were a 3 way that per my speaker repair guy in Sarasota, FL, actually had a "notch filter" on the mid-range. They are of the same vintage as the Horizon or L166 you speak highly of. And that mid-range was what always led me to sell the 4 pairs of L100's I owned in the last 50 years. And here is a "strange" secret. I was speaking to someone at Harman International 30 years ago up in NY. This fellow was very knowledgeable about the older JBL speakers. I told him how the mid-range driver often bothered me in the L100's. He then floored me. "Remove the midrange drivers, put electrician's tape on the wires so they would not touch and short out the speaker. Then cover the exposed holes in the cabinet. What you are left with is a Nova L88". This is essentially how the 4310 Studio Monitor evolved. Altec Lansing was beating the crap out of JBL in the Studio Monitor market with their gargantuan monitors but when studios went to 8 tracks, the need arose for a smaller monitor. An engineer who worked for JBL suggested they put that mid-range driver they had just developed in a Nova 88 and viola, a great, compact studio monitor in the form of the 4310 was born. And I agree with you about the Decade or L26.

[@larrytate50]

I grew up in a home where my father had a Paragon framed with a pair of Hartsfields. 2001 Space Odyssey, was something to behold

[@Scott-hr7bn]

My favorite JBL LOUD SPEAKER.....The L110's!!....we purchased a pair new in 1979 at Crazy TV Lenny's on the Beltline in Madison, Wisconsin in 1979 after we cranked some Pink Floyd in the special listening room

[@jamesgerboc]

I still have a pair of the L65's and a pair of L36's. I just wanted to mention that I purchased the L36's instead of the L100's back in the day, inpart because they were less expensive, but also because I thought the bass was tighter with the slightly smaller woofers. Thoughts?

[@chdjhns]

My Jbl' L65 Jubals, 4312's, Control 10's, Control 29AV's, Control 25AV's. Ive also owned but sold L40, L55 Lancers, and L166 Horizons. L65's are my favorites. Also have a near perfect pair of Pioneer Hpm 100's ( 100 watt version) was thinking of selling them. Havent played them in quite awhile.

[@redoorn]

Thanks for the information. Great video