In this review, we will be comparing L52 Classic and L100 Classic MKII, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L52 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
L52 Classic and L100 Classic MKII are members of JBL's L Classic series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
JBL L Classic Series History
What size room are the JBL L52 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII 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 L52 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII 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
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that L52 Classic is a 2-way design whereas the L100 Classic MKII is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
JBL L52 Classic |
JBL L100 Classic MKII |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5.25-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 12-inch
|
L52 Classic features a 0.75" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz. On the other hand, the L100 Classic MKII features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter , a 5.25" Midrange and 1 x 12" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 450Hz and 3500Hz.
Frequency Response
L52 Classic has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz whereas L100 Classic MKII has a frequency range of 40-40k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40Hz, the L100 Classic MKII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L52 Classic's min frequency of 47Hz.
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
L52 Classic and L100 Classic MKII have the same Impedance of 4 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. L52 Classic sensitivity is rated at 85 dB and the L100 Classic MKII's is at 90 dB. This 5 dB difference makes the JBL L100 Classic MKII a more sensitive speaker compared to JBL L52 Classic, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
One thing to keep in mind that the lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit comared to higher impedance speakers especially at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the L52 Classic and the L52 Classic can provide this impedance level.
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.
L52 Classic can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L52 Classic has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS , 125 watts less than the L100 Classic MKII.
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
L100 Classic MKII features Five-way gold-plated binding posts posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. L52 Classic has a Five-way gold-plated binding posts which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
JBL L52 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
JBL L100 Classic MKII's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both L52 Classic and L100 Classic MKII have front firing ports. front ported speakers offers more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls&surfaces compared to rear ported speakers.
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 L52 Classic's and JBL L100 Classic MKII's external dimensions. JBL L52 Classic has external dimensions of 332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm ( 13-1/16 x 7-13/16 x 8-11/16inch) whereas JBL L100 Classic MKII has external dimensions of 636.5 x 389.6 x 371.5mm ( 25.0 x 15.3 x 14.6inch) .
JBL L100 Classic MKII is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 190.6mm wider, 304.5mm taller and 150.5mm deeper than JBL L52 Classic.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L52 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L52 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII 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 L52 Classic is approximately 439.8cm2 / 68.2inch2 and base area of the JBL L100 Classic MKII is approximately 1447.4cm2 / 224.3inch2. The L52 Classic requires 70% less surface area than the L100 Classic MKII 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 L52 Classic weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs and the JBL L100 Classic MKII weighs 28.60kg / 62.9lbs. This makes the L100 Classic MKII 472% heavier than the L52 Classic.
Here is a comparison of how L52 Classic and L100 Classic MKII'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 L52 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L52 Classic:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers2 GrillesOwners Manual
What's in the Box of JBL L100 Classic MKII?
Here are the items that come with the L100 Classic MKII:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
 Height |
332mm
vs
636mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
439cm2 (199x221mm)
vs
1447cm2 (389x371mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1000USD
vs
4800USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Driver Setup |
3-way
vs
2-way
|
Have a dedicated mid-range driver |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
40 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
40k Hz
vs
24k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
JBL L52 Classic |
JBL L100 Classic MKII |
| Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-75 watts |
25-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-24k Hz |
40-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
Pulp |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
5.25" |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
450Hz and 3500Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
636.5mm (25.1") |
| Width |
199.0mm (7.8") |
389.6mm (15.3") |
| Depth |
221.0mm (8.7") |
371.5mm (14.6") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
28.60kg (62.9lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
Genuine walnut veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
18" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
Yes |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |