JBL is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and the company is bringing back two refreshed classics to celebrate this milestone. The iconic JBL L100 loudspeaker first released in 1970 and then in 2018 will be getting another life this year as a limited-edition model, the JBL L100 Classic 75. Alongside this speaker will be the release of the JBL SA750 integrated amplifier modeled after the classic JBL SA600 and SA660.
Those familiar with the classic look of the JBL L100 won’t be surprised by the design of its 2021 counterpart. The company stays loyal to the original’s design aesthetic using teak wood veneer paired with Quadrex foam grille, accented by a gold and black JBL logo. Being a special edition device, a commemorative plaque bearing the signature of principal system engineer Chris Hagen can be found on the front and rear of the speakers. The device’s individual pair number will also be indicated stating its unique number out of the 750 speakers to be produced.
“We thought there was no better way to honor the 75th anniversary of the JBL brand than with a limited edition version of what is perhaps our most iconic loudspeaker of all time,” says Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Luxury Audio, Harman, Jim Garret, “This one-of-a-kind loudspeaker is destined to become a highly sought-after model by music lovers around the world.”
Additionally, the L100 Classic 75 will include a pair of JS-120 floor stands and will be shipped in a special wooden crate adorned with limited artwork on its panels.
While the design stayed faithful, a number of improvements and upgrades can be found on the inside. The L100 Classic 75 will be housing a 25mm JT025Ti2-4 tweeter and a 125 mm JM125PC-8 midrange driver. Its woofer is powered by a 300mm JW300SW-8.
The JBL L100 Classic 75 will arrive in April 2021 with a retail price of $5500. A total of just 750 units will be available with no mention of additional units to be produced.
As mentioned earlier, JBL will also be releasing the SA750 integrated amplifier. It’s designed to keep its retro look with large knobs and switches but features innovative and modern technology on the inside.
The device delivers sound using state-of-the-art high-output Class G amplification technology and carries modern conveniences like Google Chromecast and Apple Airplay 2 compatibility. It’s also capable of ethernet and Wi-Fi connections, optical and digital inputs, as well as RCA input. Additionally, it carries a 3.5mm headphone output, 3.5mm auxiliary input, and one stereo RCA preamp output.
One wouldn’t be able to guess all the technology hiding behind the device’s retro look. Paying its respect to the original design, the SA750 features an aluminum face panel with classic dials, knobs, and switches to control volume, power, and more. The screen is a 2-line orange display screen very reminiscent of electronic devices of before. Matching the L100 Classic 75, the SA750 also features teak wood veneer side panels.
The JBL SA750 will also release in April with a retail price of $3,000.