In this review, we will be comparing L82 Classic and L82 Classic MKII, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by JBL
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of JBL L82 Classic and JBL L82 Classic MKII first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
JBL L82 Classic Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 8" Pulp Woofer
- 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-125watts
- Weight:12.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 472.8" x 11.0" x 12.4"( 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm )
JBL L82 Classic MKII Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Dome Tweeter
- 8" Pulp Woofer
- 44-40k Hz Frequency Response
- 88 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-150watts
- Weight:12.80kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 472.8" x 11.0" x 12.4"( 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm )
L82 Classic and L82 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 L82 Classic and JBL L82 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:
| Listening Environment* |
JBL L82 Classic |
JBL L82 Classic MKII |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
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.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the JBL L82 Classic and JBL L82 Classic MKII compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both L82 Classic and L82 Classic MKII are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
JBL L82 Classic |
JBL L82 Classic MKII |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 8-inch
|
1 x 8-inch
|
L82 Classic features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz. On the other hand, the L82 Classic MKII features a 1" Titanium Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1700Hz.
Frequency Response
L82 Classic and L82 Classic MKII has exactly the same frequency range of 44-40k Hz.
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 and L82 Classic MKII have the same Impedance of 8 ohms and their sensitivity is also same at 88 dB.
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 can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas L82 Classic has a max power handling value of 125 watts RMS , 25 watts less than the L82 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
L82 Classic MKII features Five-way gold-plated binding posts 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 L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
JBL L82 Classic MKII's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both L82 Classic and L82 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 L82 Classic's and JBL L82 Classic MKII's external dimensions. JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) whereas JBL L82 Classic MKII has external dimensions of 472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ( 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch) .
In this case, we can see that JBL L82 Classic and JBL L82 Classic MKII have the exact same height, width and thickness.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L82 Classic and JBL L82 Classic MKII in scale.
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic and JBL L82 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 L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2 and base area of the JBL L82 Classic MKII is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2.
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 weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs and the JBL L82 Classic MKII weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs.
Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic and L82 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 L82 Classic?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of L82 Classic:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
What's in the Box of JBL L82 Classic MKII?
Here are the items that come with the L82 Classic MKII:
Bookshelf loudspeaker
Grille
Owner's Manual
 Price per pair* |
2750USD
vs
2900USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
125 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
| General |
JBL L82 Classic |
JBL L82 Classic MKII |
| Brand |
JBL |
JBL |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25-125 watts |
25-150 watts |
| Sensitivity |
88 dB |
88 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
44-40k Hz |
44-40k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
8" |
| Woofer Composition |
Pulp |
Pulp |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
1700Hz |
1700Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
472.8mm (18.6") |
472.8mm (18.6") |
| Width |
281.0mm (11.1") |
281.0mm (11.1") |
| Depth |
315.5mm (12.4") |
315.5mm (12.4") |
| Weight |
12.80kg (28.2lbs) |
12.80kg (28.2lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood veneer |
MDF/Wood veneer |
| Available Colors |
Walnut |
Walnut |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
15.5" |
15.5" |
| 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 |