JBL L52 Classic

JBL L52 Classic: 2-way stand-mount loudspeakers with 130 mm woofer

The L52 Classic is a two-way loudspeaker for a stand or a shelf that takes up the retro look of the larger Classic series models: a walnut-veneered cabinet and a Quadrex foam grille. JBL developed it in Northridge, California, and behind the period appearance it relies on modern acoustic components. Sold as a pair, with the two loudspeakers mirror-imaged: the weight and dimensions given below refer to one loudspeaker.

The 130 mm woofer has a cast frame and a white Pure Pulp cone and is bass-reflex loaded, with one tuned port opening on the front baffle. The tweeter is a 20 mm titanium dome, combined with a waveguide that includes an acoustic lens. An attenuator lets the listener adjust the level of the high frequencies.

Key features

• Two-way layout: 130 mm woofer plus a 20 mm titanium dome tweeter
• Crossover point at 2.8 kHz
• Response at -6 dB: 47 Hz - 24 kHz
• Sensitivity of 85 dB (2.83 V) with a 4 ohm impedance
• Suggested amplification: 10 to 75 W RMS
• Gold-plated input terminals

Installation

With its grille, each loudspeaker measures 330.2 x 196.6 x 216.2 mm (height x width x depth) and weighs 5.0 kg. For stand use the suggested height is 609 mm. On the back, two M6 x 1.0 threaded inserts set 67 mm apart, centre to centre, allow wall mounting with brackets from other makers; screws must not be longer than 12 mm.

Finishes

The cabinet always comes in genuine satin walnut veneer. Three versions are on sale, told apart by the colour of the Quadrex grille: Black, Blue and Orange.