In this review, we will be comparing HDI-1600 and L82 Classic, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL HDI-1600 and JBL L82 Classic first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL HDI-1600 and JBL L82 Classic speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL HDI-1600 and JBL L82 Classic compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both HDI-1600 and L82 Classic are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL HDI-1600 |
JBL L82 Classic |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
HDI-1600 features a 1" Horn-Loaded Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Aluminum Woofer . On the other hand, the L82 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz.
Frequency Response
HDI-1600 has a frequency range of 40-30k Hz whereas L82 Classic has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the HDI-1600 can go slightly deeper then the L82 Classic's min frequency of 44Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
HDI-1600 is a 4 ohms speaker compared to the L82 Classic which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the HDI-1600 can provide this impedance level.
These two speakers also have different sensitivity levels. HDI-1600 sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the L82 Classic's is rated at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the JBL L82 Classic a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL HDI-1600, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
HDI-1600 can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L82 Classic has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS, 75 watts less than the HDI-1600.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
HDI-1600 features 5-way post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L82 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL HDI-1600's 5-way post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
HDI-1600 has a rear firing port whereas L82 Classic has a front firing ports. JBL L82 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to JBL HDI-1600 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare JBL HDI-1600's and JBL L82 Classic's external dimensions. JBL HDI-1600 has external dimensions of 383.0 x 232.0 x 289.0mm ( 15-1/16 x 9-1/8 x 11-3/8inch) whereas JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) .
JBL L82 Classic is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 49mm wider, 89.8mm taller and 26.5mm deeper than JBL HDI-1600.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL HDI-1600 and JBL L82 Classic in scale.
Comparison image of JBL HDI-1600 and JBL L82 Classic Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the JBL HDI-1600 is approximately 670.5cm2 / 103.9inch2 and base area of the JBL L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2. The HDI-1600 requires 24% less surface area than the L82 Classic which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The JBL HDI-1600 weighs 9.98kg / 22lbs and the JBL L82 Classic weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs. This makes the L82 Classic 28% heavier than the HDI-1600.
Here is a comparison of how HDI-1600 and L82 Classic's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of JBL HDI-1600?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of HDI-1600:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
2 Jumper-straps (pre-installed)
4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
Owner's Manual
What's in the Box of JBL L82 Classic?
Here are the items that come with the L82 Classic:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Height |
383mm
vs
472mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
670cm2 (232x289mm)
vs
886cm2 (281x315mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1980USD
vs
2750USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
| Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
30k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
| General |
JBL HDI-1600 |
JBL L82 Classic |
| Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
15-200 watts |
25-125 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
40-30k Hz |
44-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Aluminum |
Pulp |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Horn-Loaded |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
383.0mm (15.1") |
472.8mm (18.6") |
| Width |
232.0mm (9.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Depth |
289.0mm (11.4") |
315.5mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
9.98kg (22lbs) |
12.80kg (28.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut,Black,Oak |
Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
15.5" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |