[zhalbro]

I'm looking for some opinions/advice for powering a recently inherited pair of JBL L-100's. I'm of the "powered speaker generation" and don't have too much experience with stand-alone amps. I'm thinking from 50-100 watts each channel? I'm working with a budget (ie don't want to spend over $400) and would love to hear input! Thanks!!

[WGH]

I use a pair of L100's daily in my shop. You need a high current amp with at least 125 watts/channel otherwise you don't get no bass, that 12" woof takes more power than you think to open up.

I use an Adcom 5400 in my shop but it may be a little rough for a true high end 2 channel system. I have an Anthem PVA-2 amp that will make those JBL's sing, the amp has plenty of low end oomph. PM me if interested, it is less than $400.

Wayne

[Wayner]

I use to bi-amp my L-100's. The woofer is naturally rolled off so it's easy to do. Just a thought for you. SS on the woofers, tube on the mid and tweeter.

Wayner  aa

[JoshK]

I'd also look at some of the crossover upgrades people have done for these vintage speakers.  That era of speakers used some components that modern speakers never would, like electrolytics for caps.  I've seen some crossover work done for these and that would be one thing on my agenda.

[WGH]

The crossovers are potted in a wax that is easily dug out, replace the caps with the Solen or Auricaps of the same value for better performance, that is what I did.

You will notice that there is no crossover on the woofer and it is run full range, there are plans for a modified crossover on the web or you can buy a replacement from Parts Express.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=260-896

At last, an upgrade kit is available for this magnificent loudspeaker. Through the use of optimized 2nd and 3rd order filters with quality components throughout—such as baked non-resonant inductors, polypropylene capacitors, and MOX resistors—this crossover upgrade is a major improvement over the original "two capacitors" setup. The LE5-2 midrange's 6.5 kHz peak is eliminated, the mid-section is compensated so that the common variation in driver impedance only produces minor deviation from target response, and both the tweeter and mid now produce a smooth roll-off below crossover points.