I bought the JBL 250Ti's on 1985 and could have bought anything at that time (and did listen to many). They weren't perfect--but their (relatively) unrestricted dynamics, wide frequency response and excellent(for the time) lively Titanium tweeter made music - as opposed to other speakers whose crossovers ( and inferior drivers) killed natural dynamics in favor of a flatter (or tighter) frequency response.( I sold my Quad electrostatics (excellent) as soon as we heard the 250Ti's). The JBL's were the first speakers I knew of that could really deal with the dynamics of a full orchestra-- while staying very relaxed. I still own them; they still rock.
Does JBL get a bad rap?
For years, all one heard regarding almost any JBL product, especially vintage consumer grade products was that they were all boom(bass) and sizzle( highs). I feel this is an unfair generalization. Surprisingly, I find much of their budget minded gear(80s-90s) actually soft in the treble and very non-fatiguing(titanium laminate tweeters). I also have experienced the L100T and found them fairly well balanced and nuetral. The midrange does lack some realism magic especially on vocals but so do other highly touted speakers. In short, I am a little late to the game in regards to the JBL, but as a mainstream maker I am impressed. And that doesn't even take into account their 4xxx studio monitors which are highly regarded. Back me up jbl fans!