In this review, we will be comparing L52 Classic and Denton 85, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Wharfedale.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L52 Classic and Wharfedale Denton 85 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
| Key Specs | JBL L52 Classic | Wharfedale Denton 85 |
|---|
| Brand | JBL
United States · founded 1946 | Wharfedale
United Kingdom · founded 1932 |
|---|
| Design | 2-way | 2-way |
|---|
| Tweeter | 0.75" Dome | 1" Soft-Dome |
|---|
| Woofer | 5.25" Pulp | 6.5" Woven Kevlar |
|---|
| Frequency response | 47-24k Hz | 45-20k Hz |
|---|
| Sensitivity | 85 dB | 88 dB |
|---|
| Impedance | 4 ohms | 4 ohms |
|---|
| Power range | 10-75 watts | 20-120 watts |
|---|
| Weight | 5.00kg / 11lbs | 9.00kg / 19.8lbs |
|---|
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 13-1/16" x 7-13/16" x 8-11/16"
332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm | 13-7/16" x 9-7/16" x 11-15/16"
342.0 x 240.0 x 304.0mm |
|---|
What size room are the JBL L52 Classic and Wharfedale Denton 85 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:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL L52 Classic |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
| Near-field |
Good |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Good |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Average |
Good |
| Large Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
No way |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
The sections below take each area in turn: drivers, frequency response, physical size and what you get in the box.
Drivers
Both L52 Classic and Denton 85 are 2-way speakers.
JBL L52 ClassicWharfedale Denton 85
TweeterWoofer
Front view, drawn to scale - cabinets and drivers share one scale, so sizes are directly comparable. Hover a driver for its size.
| Driver |
JBL L52 Classic |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
0.75-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 6.5-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 Denton 85 features a 1" woven textile Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Woven Kevlar Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3100Hz.
Frequency Response
L52 Classic has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz whereas Denton 85 has a frequency range of 45-20k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the Denton 85 can go slightly deeper then the L52 Classic's min frequency of 47Hz.
The graph below depicts how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average Low Frequency values of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Neither pair reaches down to 20Hz, the usual definition of full-range, which is normal for speakers of this size. If you want the bottom octave for movies or bass-heavy music, add a subwoofer to whichever you choose. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
L52 Classic and Denton 85 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 Denton 85's is at 88 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the Wharfedale Denton 85 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. Staying
within that range gives nominal performance; driving the speaker beyond its maximum wattage can damage it.
Denton 85 can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS, whereas L52 Classic has a max power handling value of 75 watts RMS, 45 watts less than the Denton 85.
Note that higher power handling does not make a speaker louder: that depends mainly on
sensitivity and impedance. The calculator below shows how loud each of these actually plays
on a real amplifier.
Which plays louder on your amplifier?
Starting with a popular amplifier - change it to the one you own, or any you are
considering, and watch both numbers move.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Denton 85 features Post 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
Wharfedale Denton 85's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
L52 Classic has a front firing port whereas Denton 85 has a rear firing ports. JBL L52 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Wharfedale Denton 85 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be 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 Wharfedale Denton 85'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 Wharfedale Denton 85 has external dimensions of 342.0 x 240.0 x 304.0mm (13-7/16 x 9-7/16 x 11-15/16inch).
Wharfedale Denton 85 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 41mm wider, 10mm taller and 83mm deeper than JBL L52 Classic.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L52 Classic and Wharfedale Denton 85 in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L52 Classic and Wharfedale Denton 85 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 Wharfedale Denton 85 is approximately 729.6cm2 / 113.1inch2. The L52 Classic requires 40% less surface area than the Denton 85 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of JBL L52 Classic and Wharfedale Denton 85 on a Media Console
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 Wharfedale Denton 85 weighs 9.00kg / 19.8lbs. This makes the Denton 85 80% heavier than the L52 Classic.
Here is a comparison of how L52 Classic and Denton 85'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 loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- Owners Manual
What's in the Box of Wharfedale Denton 85?
Here are the items that come with the Denton 85:
- 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
- 2 Grilles
- 4 Jumper-bars (pre-installed)
- 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
- Pair of white cloth gloves
- User Manual
 High Frequency Response |
24k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
 Height |
332mm
vs
342mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
439cm2
vs
729cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
75 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
88 dB
vs
85 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
6.5 inches
vs
5.25 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
47 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Price per pair* |
999USD
vs
1000USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL L52 Classic |
Wharfedale Denton 85 |
| Brand |
JBL |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
10-75 watts |
20-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
85 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
4 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Impedance |
n/a |
3.8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
47-24k Hz |
45-20k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5.25" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
Woven Kevlar |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
0.75" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Soft-Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
2800Hz |
3100Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
342.0mm (13.5") |
| Width |
199.0mm (7.8") |
240.0mm (9.4") |
| Depth |
221.0mm (8.7") |
304.0mm (12") |
| Weight |
5.00kg (11lbs) |
9.00kg (19.8lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood Veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut, Mahogany, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-26" |
24-28" |
| 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 |
No single best speaker here - they are built to different priorities, and the right one depends on your room, your amplifier and what you listen to.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | evenly matched | Much the same reach (47Hz vs 45Hz). |
| Amplifier needs | B | Wharfedale Denton 85 is more sensitive (88dB vs 85dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Headroom | B | Wharfedale Denton 85 takes more power (120W vs 75W) - more in hand in a big room. |
| Size | depends | JBL L52 Classic is easier to place; Wharfedale Denton 85 is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Expandability | B | Wharfedale Denton 85: bi-amping. |
| Price | evenly matched | Much the same money ($1,000 vs $999 a pair). |
A JBL L52 Classic B Wharfedale Denton 85
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Wharfedale Denton 85 has the edge on paper, though the margin is not large. The rows marked "depends" may matter more to you than the score does. Match it to your room: we rate JBL L52 Classic the better fit for near-field listening and a small room, and Wharfedale Denton 85 for a mid-size room and a large room. In a large or open-plan room, Wharfedale Denton 85 has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, JBL L52 Classic is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.