In this review, we will be comparing L82 Classic MKII and S400 MKII, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and Buchardt. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L82 Classic MKII and Buchardt S400 MKII first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the JBL L82 Classic MKII and Buchardt S400 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 L82 Classic MKII and Buchardt S400 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
Both L82 Classic MKII and S400 MKII are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL L82 Classic MKII |
Buchardt S400 MKII |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
0.74-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 6-inch
|
L82 Classic MKII features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz. On the other hand, the S400 MKII features a 0.74" fine weave soft fabric textile aluminum waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 6" paper Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1800Hz.
Frequency Response
L82 Classic MKII has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz whereas S400 MKII has a frequency range of 33-40k HZ. With a minimum frequency of 33Hz, the S400 MKII can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the L82 Classic MKII'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
L82 Classic MKII is a 8 ohms speaker compared to the S400 MKII which has a nominal impedance of 4 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 S400 MKII can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 88 dBdB.
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.
L82 Classic MKII can handle a max power of 200 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L82 Classic MKII has a max power handling value of 150 watts RMS , 50 watts less than the S400 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.
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 L82 Classic MKII's and Buchardt S400 MKII's external dimensions. JBL L82 Classic MKII has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) whereas Buchardt S400 MKII has external dimensions of 365.0 x 180.0 x 280.0mm ( 14.4 x 7 x 11inch) .
JBL L82 Classic MKII is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 101mm wider, 107.8mm taller and 35.5mm deeper than Buchardt S400 MKII.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L82 Classic MKII and Buchardt S400 MKII in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic MKII and Buchardt S400 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 L82 Classic MKII is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2 and base area of the Buchardt S400 MKII is approximately 504.0cm2 / 78.1inch2. The L82 Classic MKII requires 76% more surface area than the S400 MKII which gives it a small disadvantage 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 L82 Classic MKII weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs and the Buchardt S400 MKII weighs 7.50kg / 16.5lbs. This makes the L82 Classic MKII 71% heavier than the S400 MKII.
Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic MKII and S400 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 L82 Classic MKII?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L82 Classic MKII:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
 Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
6 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Max Input Power |
200 watts
vs
150 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
| Low Frequency Response |
33 Hz
vs
44 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Passive Radiator |
one 5x8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
365mm
vs
472mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
504cm2 (180x280mm)
vs
886cm2 (281x315mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
2200USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
JBL L82 Classic MKII |
Buchardt S400 MKII |
| Brand |
JBL |
Buchardt |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-150 watts |
40-200 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-40k Hz |
33-40k HZ |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
6" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
paper |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
n/a |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
0.74" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
aluminum waveguide |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1700Hz |
1800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
472.8mm (18.6") |
365.0mm (14.4") |
| Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
180.0mm (7.1") |
| Depth |
315.5mm (12.4") |
280.0mm (11") |
| Weight |
12.80kg (28.2lbs) |
7.50kg (16.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
n/a |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Black, White, Walnut, Rosewood, Light Oak |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
15.5" |
n/a |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
n/a |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
10 years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
10 years |