{"id":193238,"date":"2020-01-07T03:45:24","date_gmt":"2020-01-07T00:45:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ww-vb.mine.nu\/w108\/jbls-retro-l82-speaker-shrinks-the-l100-classic-into-a-cheaper-package\/"},"modified":"2020-01-07T03:45:24","modified_gmt":"2020-01-07T00:45:24","slug":"jbls-retro-l82-speaker-shrinks-the-l100-classic-into-a-cheaper-package","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hameed.nwar.uk\/sa\/jbls-retro-l82-speaker-shrinks-the-l100-classic-into-a-cheaper-package\/","title":{"rendered":"JBL\u2019s retro L82 speaker shrinks the L100 Classic into a cheaper package"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The JBL L100 is one of the most iconic speakers of all time, and the\u00a0L100 Classic I reviewed last year is a standout revision built to modern standards. But the speaker is massive and expensive.\u00a0<\/em>In an age when people are used to small bookshelf speakers and slim towers, the L100\u2019s blocky shape and $4,000 price tag ruled them out for many audio enthusiasts. Enter the new L82 Classic, announced today at CES.<\/p>\n

The L82 uses the same tweeter in the L100 Classic,\u00a0 but gets rid of the midwoofer and shrinks the bass driver from 12 inches to a more practical 8-inches. That still makes it much bigger than most bookshelf speakers \u2013 it measures roughly 19 x 11 x 12 inches \u2013 it but there\u2019s a chance this one might actually fit on a bookshelf. Maybe.<\/p>\n

Just kidding, please don\u2019t put a pair of 28-pound speakers on a bookshelf.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Like its larger sibling, the L82 comes in blue, black, and orange grilles. Switching grilles will set you back $200.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It comes in at $2,500, which is still expensive, but also not outlandish for audiophiles. In fact, the circa $2000 price bracket is probably the most competitive in high-end audio. It includes including standout options like the KEF R3, Buchardt S400, Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX, and the M106 from sister company Revel (JBL and Revel are both part of the Harman group, which in turn is owned by Samsung).<\/p>\n

The L82 will likely appeal to some buyers simply for its retro looks, but it\u2019ll also have to stand out acoustically. JBL claims the speaker can reach down to 44 Hz (-6dB), just a little bit less extension than the 40Hz of its larger sibling. It should be enough bass to suffice for most acoustic music without a subwoofer.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>Unlike the L100 Classic, the L82 comes as a mirrored pair. That doesn\u2019t necessarily mean an acoustic improvement, but it will assuage the OCD of those bothered by the L100\u2019s asymmetry.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It\u2019s not very often you see an 8-inch woofer paired with a 1-inch tweeter on a passive speaker \u2013 it can be difficult to make the drivers transition smoothly with such a size disparity \u2013 but if done well, it should mean punchy bass that\u2019s hard to achieve from a typical bookshelf speaker. As a neat touch, JBL has kept one the tuning knobs present on the L100, this one allowing you to turn the high frequencies up or down to your liking.<\/p>\n

If it\u2019s anything like its larger sibling, the L82 could be a great speaker with a unique aesthetic that\u2019ll appeal to those who appreciate a retro look. Of course, the proof is in the pudding, so we\u2019ll have to see how the L82 Classic sounds once we get our hands on it. \u00a0It\u2019ll be a while though; availability is currently pegged for April.<\/p>\n

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\n Published January 7, 2020 \u2014 00:26 UTC\n <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n