JBL L82 Classic is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by JBL. It features a 1" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 8" Pulp Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 44-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. JBL L82 Classic has an MSRP of 2750$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the JBL L82 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-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
JBL later replaced L82 Classic with L82 Classic MKII. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare JBL L82 Classic vs JBL L82 Classic MKII
JBL's L Classic Series of Loudspeakers
L82 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
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Frequency Response of the JBL L82 Classic Speaker
JBL L82 Classic has a Frequency response range of 44-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-125 watts. With a minimum frequency of 44 Hz, L82 Classic delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with JBL L82 Classic, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $3000. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how L82 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
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Crossover frequency of the JBL L82 Classic?
The Crossover frequency of the L82 Classic is set to 1700Hz. 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 L82 Classic's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
88 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so JBL L82 Classic is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
88dB of the JBL L82 Classic is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the JBL L82 Classic:
Input Type
L82 Classic features Five-way gold-plated binding posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
JBL L82 Classic Back View
JBL L82 Classic's Five-way gold-plated binding posts terminals
On Speaker Controls & Adjustments
The L82 Classic has front-panel adjustments that let you balance
the levels of the tweeter (HF) relative to
the woofer.
You can use these controls to adjust the speaker's sound according
to your room's acoustics, or your personal taste..
JBL L82 Classic External Dimensions and Weight
JBL L82 Classic has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 18.6 x 11.0 x 12.4inch (472.8 x 281.0 x 315.5mm ).
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 L82 Classic is approximately 886.6cm2 / 137.4inch2.
To get a better perspective on the real life size of JBL L82 Classic, let's compare it with a standard size Compact Disc which has a diameter of 4.7inch (120mm).
JBL L82 Classic Speaker Size Compared to a Compact Disc
Here we place the JBL L82 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 L82 Classic Speaker next to an amplifier and turntable
WeightThe JBL L82 Classic weighs 12.80kg / 28.2lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how L82 Classic's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $3000
JBL L82 Classic on a Stand
How does the JBL L82 Classic compare to the JBL L100 Classic MKII?
One of the natural alternative to the JBL L82 Classic is the L100 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:
Comparison image of JBL L82 Classic and JBL L100 Classic MKII Size and External Dimensions
Check the Detailed Comparison of JBL L82 Classic vs L100 Classic MKII for more details.
Cabinet type and Materials
JBL L82 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 L82 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 L82 Classic is available in Walnut.
Wall Mounting
L82 Classic doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Speaker Stands
JBL sells a dedicated speaker stand for the L82 Classic with a model name
JBL J80. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at
B&H PHOTO and
Amazon.
JBL J80 Speaker Stands for JBL L82 Classic
Does the JBL L82 Classic come with a Grille?
L82 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.
JBL L82 Classic with Grille
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
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the JBL L82 Classic.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- 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.
User's Manual
For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the JBL L82 Classic, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for JBL L82 Classic
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the JBL L82 Classic speaker:
Official Brochure for JBL L82 Classic
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.