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JBL L52 Classic Review
JBL L52 Classic

Main Features

  • 0.75" Dome Tweeter
  • 5.25" Pulp Woofer
  • 47-24k Hz Frequency Response
  • 85 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 4ohms
  • Power Range: 10-75watts
  • Weight:11.00 lbs / 5.00 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 13-1/16"x7-13/16"x8-11/16" / 332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm
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JBL L52 Classic Review
JBL L52 Classic JBL L52 Classic
See at AMAZON

JBL L52 Classic is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by JBL. It features a 0.75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Pulp Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 47-24k Hz and a sensitivity of 85 dB. JBL L52 Classic has an MSRP of 1000$ per pair but can often be found around 700$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL L52 Classic is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

(* 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.)

JBL's L Classic Series of Loudspeakers

L52 Classic is a member of JBL's L Classic series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

JBL L Classic Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
JBL L100 Classic MKII
Compare
40-40k Hz 90 dB4Ω 1 x 12"
JBL L100 Classic
Compare
40-40k Hz 90 dB4Ω 1 x 12"
JBL L82 Classic MKII
Compare
44-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
JBL L82 Classic
Compare
44-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 8"
JBL L52 Classic
47-24k Hz 85 dB4Ω 1 x 5.25"


**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.

Frequency Response of the JBL L52 Classic Speaker

JBL L52 Classic has a Frequency response range of 47-24k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 10-75 watts. With a minimum frequency of 47 Hz, L52 Classic delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL L52 Classic, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $1000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how L52 Classic's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L52 Classic
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L52 Classic
Min
Average
Max

Crossover frequency of the JBL L52 Classic?

The Crossover frequency of the L52 Classic is set to 2800Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

JBL L52 Classic's nominal impedance level is 4 ohms and has a sensitivity of 85 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L52 Classic
Min
Average
Max

Nominal Impedance of the 4 Ohms means that the JBL L52 Classic is a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective, make sure that you choose an amplifier than can provide 4 Ohms for this speaker.
Many AVRs (audio/video receiver) in the market may have difficulty when the speakers dip below the 4 Ohms levels (this may cause clipping or even physical damage), so we recommend to not pair the JBL L52 Classic with an AVR but use an Integrated Amplifier instead.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 85 dB, JBL L52 Classic is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL L52 Classic:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

L52 Classic features Five-way gold-plated binding posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
JBL L52 Classic Back View
JBL L52 Classic Back View

JBL L52 Classic Terminals
JBL L52 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals

JBL L52 Classic External Dimensions and Weight

JBL L52 Classic has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 13-1/16 x 7-13/16 x 8-11/16inch (332.0 x 199.0 x 221.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of JBL L52 Classic is approximately 439.8cm2 / 68.2inch2.

To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL L52 Classic, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).

JBL L52 Classic Real Life Body Size Comparison
JBL L52 Classic Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc

Here we place the JBL L52 Classic virtually next to a standard width amplifier and turntable on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet to get a better idea about the size.

JBL L52 Classic placed next to an amplifier and turntable
JBL L52 Classic Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable

Weight

The JBL L52 Classic weighs 5.00kg / 11lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how L52 Classic's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
JBL L52 Classic
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
JBL L52 Classic
Min
Average
Max

How does the JBL L52 Classic compare to the JBL L82 Classic MKII?

One of the natural alternative to the JBL L52 Classic is the L82 Classic MKII which is located one step higher in JBL's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Here is a scaled size comparison of these two speakers to give you an idea how their external dimensions compare:

JBL L52 Classic vs JBL L82 Classic MKII Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of JBL L52 Classic and JBL L82 Classic MKII Size and External Dimensions

Check the Detailed Comparison of JBL L52 Classic vs L82 Classic MKII for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

JBL L52 Classic has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Wood veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Port Position

JBL L52 Classic is a front-firing port speaker , which gives you more flexibility compared to rear firing speakers when you need to place it close against a wall or other surfaces.

Available colors

JBL L52 Classic is available in Walnut.

JBL L52 Classic  Colors
JBL L52 Classic Colors

Wall Mounting

L52 Classic doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the JBL L52 Classic come with a Grille?

L52 Classic comes with Vintage Quadrex foam grilles in Black,Orange,Blue color choices. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.

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
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL L52 Classic.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the JBL L52 Classic speaker:
    Official Brochure for JBL L52 Classic

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the JBL L52 Classic speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for JBL L52 Classic

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    JBL L52 Classic Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    JBL L82 Classic
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 44-40k Hz
    JBL L100 Classic
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 4 ohms 40-40k Hz
    Wharfedale Denton 85
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 45-20k Hz
    Wharfedale LINTON
    Compare
    3-way 90 dB 6 ohms 40-20k Hz
    KEF LS50
    Compare
    2-way 85 dB 8 ohms 79-28k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600M
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    B&W 606
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 52-28k Hz
    ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
    Compare
    2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about JBL L52 Classic
    What is the External Dimensions of JBL L52 Classic
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of JBL L52 Classic
    is the JBL L52 Classic an easy to drive speaker?

    JBL L52 Classic Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandJBL
    Full Model NameJBL L52 Classic
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range10-75 watts
    Sensitivity85 dB
    Impedance4 ohms
    Frequency Response47-24k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.25-inch
    Woofer CompositionPulp
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size0.75-inch
    Tweeter TypeDome
    Crossover freq2800Hz
    Port Positionfront

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeFive-way gold-plated binding posts
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionfront
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height332.0mm ( 13-1/16-inch)
    Width199.0mm ( 7-13/16-inch)
    Depth221.0mm ( 8-11/16-inch)
    Height332.0mm ( 13-1/16-inch)
    Weight5.00kg ( 11.00 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMDF/Wood veneer
    Available ColorsWalnut
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height22-26
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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