Overview
JBL’s L52 Classic bookshelf speakers are the entry-level model in the company’s three-tier Classic speaker range. They have produced a beautiful recreation of its 1970s design with the L100 Classic, an improved version of their all-time best-selling speaker, and have carried that same design into the L52. Measuring at just over 13 inches tall and 7 inches wide, the L52 Classic works well for those with a smaller living space or those who just want big sound without the bulky speakers. The cabinet is finished in a gloss black color, paying tribute to the classic look of the 1970s. The iconic grilles are available in black color. While there are no concealed magnets to keep the grilles in place, they snap into place very easily.
The L52 Classic is a two-way design featuring a 3/4″ titanium dome tweeter with waveguide and a 5-1/4″ pure pulp cone woofer. They have an impedance of 4 ohms and a sensitivity of 85 dB with a single binding post in the rear. On the front panel, there is a control dial for adjusting high frequencies to your personal preference. For the purpose of this review, I left this on the default setting, however, it may come in handy if your space isn’t perfectly balanced. I adjusted this feature a few times and still found the default to give you the most detail without sounding too aggressive. The port is also positioned on the front which gives you more options for room placement. The sweet spot for my setup was around 22 inches from the wall. With these speakers having such a big sound stage and great bass, they sound best with some room to breathe.
