You know...It's kind of funny reading all the different opinions on the JBL-L100s. I guess in the wake of today's technology, the L100s are considered old-school and there are much "better" speakers out there. But this debate reminds me of another issue that I keep bumping into, which I'll try to explain in a second.
I think one of the reasons why L100s keep on being mentioned is because they have a very distinctive sound that was all the rage in the 70s. Back then, JBL was the acoustic monster in the room. If JBLs generally, and the L100s specifically, were a part of your stereo, then you were considered smart, intelligent and part of the audio "in" crowd. Put another way...if you didn't have the L100s...you were nothing!!!
I do have a lot of respect for the L100s and what they achieved historically. If you listen to any CDs that were originally recorded in the 70's, there is a 80% chance (don't quote me) that they were mixed with JBL-L100 "reference monitors." I believe that the most common power amp pushing the L100s was the Crown XXX. Crown guys, please fill in the blank here or tell me if have this wrong.
So the funny part is, I hear so many people say that they want their stereo sound to be pure...and sound the way that the recording sounded when it was first mixed. Well, if that's the goal, then they need to buy and own a Crown amp and JBL-L100 speakers. That's it. It's just that simple. Yet, I hear these same folks say that the L100 is definitely not their favorite speaker and they don't own a Crown amp! This comment is not in response to anyone in this thread. It's just that the debate in this thread reminds me of the many conversations that I've had where this apparent contradiction keeps on coming up.
I don't own them, but I like the sound of the L100s. But, I agree with JoeESP9 that the tweeters can be a little harsh. Fortunately there is a control that allows you to turn them down so that the harshness is better contained. The only thing about the L100s that I'm not crazy about is their performance at very high volume levels. I mean, they still sound great but it seems to me that the bass response does not keep up with the increased volume of the mid-range and tweeter drivers. Other than that, I like them and would keep them if I owned them! I guess I still would like to be a member of the old-school "in" crowd!!!