JBL Classic Series Loudspeakers Are Now Back In Black: CEDIA 2022

Black is the New Orange

The JBL Classic Series are about to experience more than just a new coat of paint. During a recent visit at Harman’s headquarters in Northridge, CA, we were given a sneak peek at the forthcoming JBL Classic Series Loudspeakers in a brand new limited edition finish.

The retro look that has been very popular with consumers is about to experience a modern facelift.

The anchor of the Classic series is the L100. Some may recall the original JBL L100 loudspeaker was released in 1970, itself a consumer version of the popular JBL 4310 Pro Studio Monitor. In 2018, JBL reintroduced the L100 as the L100 Classic with performance upgrades while keeping the same retro styling. Then in 2021, JBL introduced a 75th Anniversary model called the L100 Classic 75.

Today the JBL Classic Series consists of four loudspeakers; the L100, L82, L52, and the powered streaming L75ms music system. Each is available in walnut finish with orange, blue or black grilles. The limited-edition black models all include the Black Edition Appearance package for a stylish and sophisticated new look, while the L100 and L82 also feature the Black Edition Performance Package for improvements over the standard Classic models.

JBL Classic Series with Grilles. There is a new metal stand option for JBL L52 Classic (far right).

Black is Back

With the Black Edition Appearance package, the enclosures of the L100, L82, L52, and L75ms are treated to a multi-step, labor-intensive painting process that starts with a black base coat and ends with a luxurious high-gloss finish, resulting in a mirror-like exterior that reflects its surroundings.

The high-gloss process also provides a subtle radius to the edges of the cabinet, giving it a softer look overall. To compliment the black cabinets, the passive hi-fi models feature special gold labels on the front around the attenuator level controls and on the rear above the input terminal cup. Black Quadrex foam grilles are accented with unique gold JBL badges to visually identify these models as special-edition products.

“While the acoustic performance of our popular Classic Series loudspeakers is the stuff of legend, their retro design — with a walnut wood veneer and brightly colored grilles — may not be a good fit for every décor. The Black Edition Appearance package for these models transforms their look with a modern feel that’s at home in any space” Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio

Improvements

For the larger L100 and L82 passive loudspeakers, the Black Edition Performance Package includes an upgraded woofer design that benefits from improvements to its linearity, which helps reduce distortion. The tweeter and midrange drivers have also been treated to refinements that deliver higher levels of performance.

Additional upgrades include a change to the crossover design to provide dual inputs for use in bi-wiring applications, while a new input terminal cup includes dual sets of premium gold-plated binding post terminals for a secure connection to a variety of loudspeaker cable and connector types.

“The Black Edition Performance Package of the L100 and L82 take sound to an entirely new level. These unique versions will only be available for a limited time.” Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio