JBL L100 Century (1970)

 

The JBL L100 Century is an iconic, vintage 3-way "bookshelf" (mid-sized floorstanding) loudspeaker that became the largest-selling speaker model of any company in the 1970s. It is renowned for its dynamic, "West Coast" sound and distinctive Quadrex foam grille. Key Features and Specifications: The L100 was designed as a consumer version of the popular JBL 4310 and 4311 professional studio monitors. There were several versions of the L100 Century, featuring slightly different drivers and crossovers over its production run from approximately 1970 to 1978. Design: 3-way system with a 30cm woofer, a 13cm midrange driver, and a 3,6cm cone tweeter. Enclosure: Oiled American walnut veneer cabinet with a matte black front baffle. Aesthetics: Best known for its iconic, pyramid-shaped open-cell foam grilles, originally available in burnt orange, blue, or black (these often deteriorate over time and need replacement on vintage models). Controls: Front-panel attenuators for adjusting the midrange and high-frequency output to suit the room and personal taste. Power Handling: Rated for 50 watts continuous program. Impedance: 8 ohms. Sensitivity: Approximately 91 dB (1W/1m). Dimensions: Approximately 36.2 x 59.7 x 34.6 cm. Weight: Approximately 25 kg per speaker. 

Reviewers and users often describe the JBL L100 Century as having a lively, bold, and unapologetically physical sound. Praised for its natural and realistic reproduction of voices and drums, punchy bass, and ability to play loudly without distortion. Many found it ideal for classic rock, pop, jazz, funk, and soul music. Some users and experts noted a potential lack of balance compared to more linear modern speakers, sometimes finding the treble a bit "hot" or fatiguing during long listening sessions. The original crossover network was considered relatively crude and a potential weak point. Proper positioning, often elevated on stands, is recommended for the best performance. Despite some sonic quirks by modern audiophile standards, the L100 is celebrated for its engaging musicality and significant place in audio history.

Modern Reincarnation. JBL released a modern, acoustically advanced version called the JBL L100 Classic, which features updated drivers (Pure Pulp cone woofer, titanium dome tweeter), a revised crossover, improved bracing, and bi-wiring capabilities, while retaining the iconic vintage look. A second generation of the reissue, the JBL L100 Classic MkII, was later introduced with further enhancements. 

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Bang & Olufsen Beosound 9000 (1996) | A Timeless Design Icon

 

Originally launched in 1996, at the peak of the CD era, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound 9000 revolutionized home audio with its striking vertical display of compact discs. Breaking away from traditional “black box” audio systems, its sculptural form quickly secured its status as a time-transcending design icon. The visual identity of the CD itself played a pivotal role in shaping the Beosound 9000’s design. Renowned industrial designer David Lewis is said to have found his inspiration while passing a London record shop displaying six CDs in a perfectly aligned row. That simple yet powerful image evolved into the Beosound 9000’s signature linear arrangement of six discs—an aesthetic and functional innovation that defined the system. Paired with active loudspeakers such as the Beolab 8000, the Beosound 9000 delivered both exceptional sound and unmatched visual appeal. The system’s engineering was as impressive as its appearance. Featuring a motorized glass lid, touch-sensitive controls, and advanced mechanics that allowed lightning-fast switching between discs, the Beosound 9000 offered a seamless and highly engaging listening experience. Hidden behind a discreet flip-up panel, Bang & Olufsen also included a dedicated remote control, completing the premium feel of the system.

A Pop-Culture Icon

Beyond audio performance, the Beosound 9000 became a staple of pop culture and a symbol of sophistication. It appeared in numerous films and TV shows, reinforcing its image as a coveted object of modern luxury. From Miranda’s stylish apartment in Sex and The City, to Matthew McConaughey’s bachelor pad in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, to Pete’s apartment in Friends, the Beosound 9000 continuously captivated viewers and audiophiles alike. In 1997, it received the esteemed iF Design Award, further cementing its cultural and design legacy.

Recreated. Replayed. Reborn.

In 2024, Bang & Olufsen announced the revival of the Beosound 9000 through a limited run of factory-refurbished and updated models. As part of the brand’s Recreated Classics Programme, original units are being repurchased and meticulously restored at Factory 3 in Struer, Denmark. Using the same tools, workstations, and craftsmanship techniques developed decades ago, B&O’s master technicians bring these iconic systems back to life—preserving the heritage of the original while preparing them for many more years of enjoyment.

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Bang & Olufsen Beovox MS150 (1981) – Uni-Phase High-Fidelity Loudspeakers

 

The Beovox MS150 loudspeakers were designed with Bang & Olufsen’s Uni-Phase technology, ensuring linear phase and amplitude response for exceptionally accurate, distortion-free sound. Built to deliver true high-fidelity performance, the MS150 reproduces every detail of your music exactly as intended. With a 150W RMS power rating and an advanced overload protection circuit, these speakers confidently handle high listening levels. Their performance is the result of B&O’s integrated loudspeaker design approach, combining Fourier analysis, computer-aided simulation, and laser holography to refine cabinet resonance control, crossover precision, and driver integration. The MS150 features a monitor-grade subwoofer, an 8-inch bass driver, and a 64-litre cabinet, producing deep, clean, and powerful low frequencies. A 3-inch dome midrange—aperiodically tuned for optimal accuracy—delivers lifelike vocals, while the dedicated super tweeter ensures outstanding high-frequency clarity. Perfectly balanced across the full audio spectrum, the Beovox MS150 excels with all music genres, from delicate acoustic passages to dynamic, high-energy recordings. These speakers pair beautifully with the Beolab 8000 system and other premium hi-fi setups.

Specifications:

RMS power handling: 150W

Impedance: 8ohm

Subwoofer: 25cm

Woofer: 21cm

Phase-link unit: 7,5 cm dome

Tweeter: 2,5cm dome

Dimensions: 36 × 83.5 × 34 cm

Weight: 30kg

Original sale price in Germany: 1400 DM per piece

Finish: Rosewood, White

Designer: Jakob Jensen

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