Summary
Highlights
The reviewer introduces the concept of retro-chic speakers that offer a nostalgic feel with modern technology. He highlights brands like Klipsch, Tannoy, Elipson, Wharfedale, KLH, Magnat, and JBL, which have revisited classic designs. The focus of the review is the JBL L52 Classic, the smallest in the updated L-series, described as a modern speaker in a vintage aesthetic.
The JBL L52 Classic retails for £999 in the UK and features iconic Quadrex grilles available in various colors. The cabinet has a real walnut wood veneer, measuring 330x197x216mm and weighing 5kg. It features a 133mm pure paper pulp mid-woofer, a front port, and a 20mm titanium dome tweeter in a shallow waveguide. The speaker has an adjustable high-frequency control, 85 dB sensitivity, and 4-ohm impedance.
The reviewer explains the purposeful design of the offset tweeter, which addresses edge diffraction. This phenomenon, well-understood since before the 1970s, causes sound to reflect off the baffle edges, creating time smearing that affects stereo imaging and transient response. Offset tweeters, especially on wider baffles common in older designs, mitigate this by spreading the diffraction effect and making the time smearing less noticeable.
The JBL L52 Classic offers a dynamic and engaging sound. The bass is strong and punchy, extending to 47Hz, giving the impression of a larger speaker. The mid-range, while not neutral, provides an engaging personality with a slight uplift in the presence region (2-4 kHz) for energy. The lower mid-range is full, enhancing male vocals, though occasionally exhibiting slight boxy resonance. The high frequencies are well-judged, balancing extension and detail without harshness. The speaker provides decent instrument separation and a wide soundstage.
The reviewer compares the L52 Classic to the Amphion Argon ones for detail retrieval and the Sound Artist LS3/5a for its natural mid-range. For setup, the high-frequency adjustment can be tailored to room acoustics, partnering equipment, and personal taste. The reviewer preferred the neutral setting. With offset tweeters, he found that having them facing outwards smoothed out a slight graininess in the upper mid-range. The front-ported design requires placement away from walls (around 90 cm or 3 feet from the front of the speaker) to maintain bass definition, or port bungs can be used for closer placement.
The L52 Classics showed excellent synergy with the Atoll IN80 Signature amplifier, which balanced out the speaker's upper mid-range. It also paired well with the Hegel H-160, whose leaner lower mid-range complemented the L52's full sound. However, higher-end amplifiers like the Exposure 21 pre and 18 super monoblocks exposed minor weaknesses in refinement. The reviewer recommends pairing the L52 Classics with price-appropriate amplifiers that are neutral or warm. He concludes that the JBL L52 Classics are recommended for those seeking a dynamic, engaging sound with classic styling, especially to liven up a dull-sounding system, without being overly bright or aggressive.