If you’ve loved the retro designs of the revived JBL Classic range of speakers, you’re in luck: you can grab the JBL L52 Classic speakers for just £499 from Richer Sounds (opens in new tab) – that’s a whopping £500 off the original price.
It’s one of the biggest hi-fi savings we’ve come across over Boxing Day, and it’s worth considering. This Classic range is built on the foundations laid by the huge success of the retro-themed L100 Classic, with subsequent launches echoing the attractive 1970s style, but packaged in smaller, increasingly affordable portions. The smallest of the bunch, the L52, are entertaining four-star performers: each speaker is barely bigger than a shoebox, but the presentation is full and enthusiastic, with plenty of punch and attack – if not the last word in refinement.
But with £500 off, they’re worth considering at this new £499 price point (opens in new tab) (from £999) – a deal specific to the finish with the blue foam grilles.
If you prefer the more eye-catching orange grilles you can still save on the retail price – they’re also available for £589 from Richer Sounds (that’s a saving of £419).
The JBL L52 Classic is a two-way design with a 20mm titanium dome tweeter mated to a 13cm paper pulp mid/bass unit. These are small, standing only 33 cm high. The walnut veneer-lined box is neatly made and solid, though it lacks the aesthetic class and outright quality of class leaders.
These speakers sound best when given a little breathing room, and there’s a good amount of attack and punch when needed. The sound is fun and can even be exciting when the music calls for it. Even the bass performance is pleasing. The overall presentation is much fuller and more muscular than we’d expect from something barely bigger than a shoe box. Rhythmically things are accurate enough to convey the momentum of the music, but not in a leading edge way.
They may not be the most detailed or nuanced performer, but the speakers convey the essence of songs well. And they’re fun to listen to, with plenty of appeal and a retro vibe. If you’re looking for small speakers with a big impact and want to grab a bargain, these JBL L52 Classic speakers are worth a listen.
LAKE:
JBL’s chief engineer talks compression drivers, speaker design and the L100 Classic
Read the JBL L52 Classic Review
And the five stars JBL L100 Classic Review
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