JBL L82 Classic MkII Speakers (Pair)

JBL L82 Classic MkII speakers are an updated version of the prior L82 Classic speakers, which were themselves a well loved update on an original design and this MkII version has been re-issued with many improvements.

This MkII version maintains a classic look, combined with updates to improve the sound quality without changing the inherent character of the speakers. These are fitted with the new ‘Performance Package’ that provides a step up over the previous version – this includes upgraded drivers and a bi-wirable crossover.

The cabinets feature real wood walnut veneers and the Quadrex grill comes in three colours. Stands are available that tilt the speaker back slightly.

The performance package

The performance package includes improvements to the L82’s drivers. The 20 cm woofer/midrange unit has an upgraded design while the titanium dome tweeter had been ‘tweaked’ for better performance. The new woofer has a knurled fibre membrane with a rubber suspension at the front. The knurled cone is in a contrasting colour.

Additionally, there is a large voice coil in a powerful magnet system. The woofer also has a cast chassis that is mounted with no less than eight screws. The tweeter now has a titanium diaphragm that has a small scattering lens in front. This improves the dispersion of high frequencies.

Build quality

The JBL Classic MKII cabinets are covered in real walnut, wood veneer, and a pair of stands are available separately that tilt the speakers back slightly. There is also a treble control for the crossover. The Quadrex grill is durable and available in black, blue or orange. The sound is dynamic with a full and warm ambience. Speaker cabinets are usually designed with rigid bracing, to reduce resonances, and provide a solid mounting for the drivers. Powerful computers can model how a particular box design will react. Wadding is also used to dampen any vibration.

Bass ported design

Smaller speakers are usually bass ported to improve the bass response. The port consists of a tube that vents the enclosure to the air. It can be placed either to the front or rear. Subwoofers usually have a port that fires at the floor. The L52s have a front-firing port, which makes it easier to place them close to a wall without ‘boominess’. Bass ported speakers are more efficient and can produce more bass for a given driver size.

Loudspeaker crossovers

The L82 MkIIs have an improved crossover design that allows for bi-wiring. Bi-wiring involves using two amplifiers, one for the woofer and one for the tweeter. These have to be designed for the job, with the correct output frequency range. Normally passive speakers use a crossover network, that filters the input, sending bass frequencies to the woofer and high frequencies to the tweeter. Gold-plated terminals are fitted to the L82s for bi-wiring.

Speaker positioning

Ideally, speakers should be positioned at least three feet from a wall. This will reduce any ‘boominess’, if there is a rear firing bass port. Additionally, bookshelf speakers should be at least four feet apart for proper stereo separation. Toe the speakers in slightly, so that the sound is focused behind the listener. Additionally, high frequency sound is directional. Therefore, try to get the tweeters at the same height as your ears. Finally, make sure there are no objects between the speakers and your ears

Who is JBL?

JBL are now a subsidiary of Harman. Originally the company was founded in 1946, by James B Lancing, hence the initials. The first product was a 15” loudspeaker that used the D175 high-frequency driver. This was so good that it remained in production well into the 1970s. Another long-lasting product was the D130 a 15” speaker that remained in production for 55 years. Today JBL produce a wide range of speakers including portable speakers and headphones.