JBL L52 Classic bookshelf speakers

The JBL L52 Classic bookshelf speakers are designed and manufactured at the American manufacturer's acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California. The L52 Classic speakers feature JBL's latest acoustic technologies, combined with a vintage-inspired style characteristic of the brand.

JBL L52 CLASSIC: CONSTRUCTION

The JBL L52 Classic bookshelf speakers come in the form of elegant, relatively compact monitors (330 x 197 x 216 mm).

They are housed in walnut cabinets with a genuine satin finish, complemented by a vintage Quadrex foam grille. The grille is available in three finishes: Dark Blue, Burnt Orange, and Black.

Behind this retro exterior lies a speaker equipped with 21st-century technologies!

The cabinet is rigid and perfectly assembled, designed to sit on stands or small rubber pads if placed on a surface.

Connection is via a simple, high-quality terminal that accepts bare wires, banana plugs, or spade connectors.

JBL L52 CLASSIC: SPEAKERS

The L52 Classic speakers are 2-way bookshelf speakers with a specially designed 133mm woofer/midrange driver. The driver features a pure cellulose pulp cone and is Bass-Reflex loaded with a front-firing port. Handling high frequencies is a 20mm titanium dome tweeter mounted in a patented waveguide that resembles a slight horn initiation. A central acoustic lens enhances dispersion. The tweeter includes a baffle-mounted potentiometer for adjusting its acoustic level according to room acoustics and upstream electronics balance.

JBL L52 CLASSIC: INSTALLATION

Connection is straightforward with the high-quality terminal.

With the front-firing port, speaker placement is less dependent on proximity to the rear wall for balanced sound reproduction, though placement still influences performance.

Placing the speakers closer to the wall enhances bass output but may compromise soundstage and openness. For optimal performance, place the JBL L52 Classic speakers on rigid supports at a height of 60cm and at least 30cm from the rear wall.

Technical specifications indicate these speakers benefit from a slightly more powerful amplifier. They have a low sensitivity (85 dB/W/m) and a nominal impedance of 4 Ohms, typical for compact speakers aiming for decent bass output.

JBL L52 CLASSIC: REVIEW AND LISTENING

We positioned the L52 Classic on 60cm stands, 50cm from the wall, nearly parallel to it, without focusing them towards the listening area's center.

The JBL L52 Classic speakers exhibit a lively and enthusiastic character, typical of JBL's production. They sacrifice some refinement for a lively and impactful sound.

Bass reproduction is surprisingly deep and powerful given the speaker's size.

The tweeter is precise and dynamic, adjustable to integrate seamlessly with other frequencies depending on room acoustics.

Vocals are rendered in a direct and engaging manner, with a percussive and effective presentation. The L52 Classic bookshelf speakers offer a flattering balance that enhances musical enjoyment.

While not the most neutral speakers, when well-driven, they deliver demonstrative and communicative sound. Their "Rock" sound signature excels with modern and dynamic music.

Our favorite!