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JBL L82 Classic vs KEF LS50 Comparison

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JBL L82 Classic

Passive Bookshelf | 44-40k Hz

JBL L82 Classic
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KEF LS50

Passive Bookshelf | 79-28k Hz

KEF LS50
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JBL L82 Classic JBL L82 Classic
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KEF LS50 KEF LS50
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JBL L82 Classic
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KEF LS50
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JBL L82 Classic vs KEF LS50 Speaker Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing L82 Classic and LS50, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from JBL and KEF.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL L82 Classic and KEF LS50 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 )

KEF LS50 Key Specs

  • 2-way Design
  • 11th Generation Uni-Q Driver
  • 1" Vented dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer
  • 79-28k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range:25-100watts
  • Weight:7.20kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 302.0" x 7.8" x 10.9"( 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm )

What size room are the JBL L82 Classic and KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

(* 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 KEF LS50 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 LS50 are 2-way speakers.

Driver JBL L82 Classic KEF LS50
Driver Setup 2-way 2-way
Tweeter 1-inch 1-inch
Midrange - -
Woofer 1 x 8-inch 1 x 5.25-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 LS50 features a 1" Aluminum Vented dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Magnesium/aluminum alloy Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz.

Frequency Response

L82 Classic has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz whereas LS50 has a frequency range of 79-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 44Hz, the L82 Classic can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the LS50's min frequency of 79Hz.

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

L82 Classic
LS50
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency

Bookshelf Speakers

JBL L82 Classic
KEF LS50
Min
Average
Max

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 LS50 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. L82 Classic sensitivity is rated at 88 dB and the LS50's is at 85 dB. This 3 dB difference makes the JBL L82 Classic a more sensitive speaker compared to KEF LS50, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.

Sensitivity

Bookshelf Speakers

L82 Classic
LS50
Min
Average
Max

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 125 watts RMS from the amp the whereas LS50 has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 25 watts less than the L82 Classic.

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 features Post type posts and LS50 has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.

JBL L82 Classic Terminals
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals

KEF LS50Post Terminals
KEF LS50's Post terminals

Cabinet Type and Port Position

L82 Classic has a front firing port whereas LS50 has a rear firing ports. JBL L82 Classic's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to KEF LS50 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 L82 Classic's and KEF LS50'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 KEF LS50 has external dimensions of 302.0 x 200.0 x 278.0mm ( 11.8 x 7.8 x 10.9inch) .

JBL L82 Classic is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 81mm wider, 170.8mm taller and 37.5mm deeper than KEF LS50.

Below you can see the front view size comparison of JBL L82 Classic and KEF LS50 in scale.

JBL L82 Classic vs KEF LS50 Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic and KEF LS50 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 KEF LS50 is approximately 556.0cm2 / 86.2inch2. The L82 Classic requires 59% more surface area than the LS50 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 weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs and the KEF LS50 weighs 7.20kg / 15.8lbs. This makes the L82 Classic 78% heavier than the LS50.

Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic and LS50's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L82 Classic
KEF LS50
Min
Average
Max

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 KEF LS50?

    Here are the items that come with the LS50:
  • 2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
  • 2 Foam port plugs
  • 8 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owner's Manual
  • Warranty Registration Card

  • Reasons to choose JBL L82 Classic over KEF LS50
    Max Input Power 125 watts vs 100 watts Handle more power from your amplifier
    Sensitivity 88 dB vs 85 dB Play louder with same amount of amplification power
    Woofer Size 8 inches vs 5.25 inches Larger woofer
    Low Frequency Response 44 Hz vs 79 Hz Generates deeper bass
    High Frequency Response 40k Hz vs 28k Hz Generates higher frequency
    Port Position Front vs Rear Gives more flexibility placing close to walls

    Reasons to choose KEF LS50 over JBL L82 Classic

    Height 302mm vs 472mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces
    Base Surface Area 556cm2 vs 886cm2 Takes less floor space
    JBL L82 Classic vs KEF LS50 Specs Table
    Detailed comparison of specifications
    General JBL L82 Classic KEF LS50
    Brand JBL KEF
    Speaker Type Bookshelf speakers Bookshelf speakers
    Power Range 25-125 watts 25-100 watts
    Sensitivity 88 dB 85 dB
    Impedance 8 ohms 8 ohms
    Impedance n/a 3.2 ohms
    Frequency Response 44-40k Hz 79-28k Hz
    Drivers
    Woofer Quantity 1 1
    Woofer Size 8" 5.25"
    Woofer Composition Pulp Magnesium/aluminum alloy
    Woofer Surround Material Rubber Rubber
    Tweeter Size 1" 1"
    Tweeter Type Dome Vented dome
    Aimable Tweeter No No
    Midrange Driver No No
    Crossover Frequency 1700Hz 2200Hz
    Firing Direction front rear
    Physical Specs
    Height 472.8mm (18.6") 302.0mm (11.9")
    Width 281.0mm (11.1") 200.0mm (7.9")
    Depth 315.5mm (12.4") 278.0mm (10.9")
    Weight 12.80kg (28.2lbs) 7.20kg (15.8lbs)
    Enclosure Bass Reflex Bass Reflex
    Finish MDF/Wood veneer Polymer/Lacquer
    Available Colors Walnut Black, High Gloss Piano Black, High Gloss Piano White
    Mounting Bracket No No
    Recommended Stand Height 15.5" 18-28"
    Grille Yes n/a
    Moisture Resistancy No No
    Connections
    Biamp Inputs No No
    Other
    Parts Warranty 5 Years 5 Years
    Labor Warranty 5 Years 5 Years

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