JBL L82 Classic bookshelf speakers with stands

The JBL L82 Classic bookshelf speaker, like its counterpart the L52 Classic, is designed and manufactured at JBL's acoustic engineering facility in Northridge, California. The L82 Classic combines JBL's latest acoustic technologies with a vintage-inspired style characteristic of the brand.

JBL L82 CLASSIC: CONSTRUCTION

The JBL L82 Classic is a medium-sized monitor speaker that remains elegant and easy to place due to its dimensions.

It features a walnut cabinet with a genuine satin finish, complemented by a Quadrex foam grille in a very vintage look. This grille comes in three finishes: Dark Blue, Burnt Orange, and Black.

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

The cabinet is rigid and impeccably assembled, designed to sit on dedicated stands (JBL JS-80) provided with the speakers. Alternatively, they can be placed on a sturdy furniture surface.

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

JBL L82 CLASSIC: SPEAKERS

The L82 Classic is a 2-way bookshelf speaker with a specially designed 203 mm pure pulp cellulose cone woofer. It operates in a Bass-Reflex configuration with a front-facing port.

Handling the high frequencies is a 25 mm titanium dome tweeter placed in a patented waveguide that resembles a gentle horn mouth. At its center is an acoustic lens that aids in dispersion. The tweeter includes a potentiometer on the baffle for adjusting its acoustic level based on room acoustics and upstream electronics balance. This combination provides a frequency response ranging from 44 Hz to 40,000 Hz at -6 dB.

JBL L82 CLASSIC: INSTALLATION

Connection is via a simple yet high-quality terminal.

Since the port is located at the front of the speaker, the balance of sound reproduction is less affected by the speaker's positioning and its proximity to the rear wall. However, its placement still influences performance; closer placement to the wall enhances bass response but can impact soundstage openness. The JBL L82 Classic performs best on their provided rigid stands, which elevate them to the correct height and offer a specific tilt.

Technical specifications indicate these speakers require an amplifier with current drive. With a low sensitivity (88 dB/W/m) and a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, they benefit from robust amplification.

JBL L82 CLASSIC: REVIEW AND LISTENING

Placing the L82 on stands approximately 50 cm from the wall and nearly parallel to it, we found they did not need precise toe-in towards the listening area.

The JBL L82 Classic speakers are dynamic and lively, reflecting JBL's characteristic enthusiasm.

They sacrifice some neutrality and sonic refinement in favor of a lively and impactful presentation of music.

The bass reproduction is surprisingly deep and punchy for their size.

The JBL tweeter is precise and lively, with adjustable levels to integrate seamlessly with other frequency ranges depending on room acoustics or system balance.

Vocals are rendered in a compelling and direct manner, delivering a percussive and effective performance without becoming exaggerated. The L82 Classic offers a somewhat flattering balance that leans towards musical enjoyment.

While not the most neutral speakers, they shine when driven by an amplifier with ample current, delivering a demonstrative and engaging musical experience with plenty of swing.

In conclusion, the JBL L82 Classic speakers stand out for their vintage-inspired design and modern acoustic technology, offering a vibrant and dynamic sound that captures the essence of JBL's legacy.