JBL L42ms Integrated Music System Review
The retro trend is so successful for JBL that they’re launching a complete system in the Classic design. We’ve taken a thorough listen to the L42ms. Tested at nearly 1,000 euros.
by Tom Frantzen
The name JBL has been synonymous with film enthusiasts, musicians, and countless audiophiles for decades. The brand is also well-known among younger generations thanks to its strong presence in market segments like Bluetooth speakers and headphones.
However, die-hard fans might remember the gigantic Paragon cinema speaker. The network-capable complete system L42ms does indeed bear a slight resemblance to it with its unusual design. At first glance, it looks like a pure speaker system, but the rear side reveals “the heart of the matter.” And it’s quite impressive.
JBL’s ability to extract vibrant and impressive sound from even smaller volumes has been proven, especially with the Control One, a speaker that hangs in almost every good pub. This acoustic gem is legendary, with numerous product generations and millions of units sold, likely making it the best-selling speaker ever. Its success lies in being affordable, extremely robust, and sonically appealing. That’s the simple secret behind its success.
The design of this complete system, conceived, developed, and meticulously tuned through extensive listening tests in Northridge, California, is more in line with the recently reissued Classic line, the retro models L52, L82, and L100. And indeed, the drivers used here resemble those of the smallest Classic L52, which costs exactly the same as the JBL L42ms, nearly 1,000 euros.
The Californians have used a slightly smaller 100mm long-throw cone driver with a white paper cone and a 20mm aluminum dome tweeter instead of titanium, crossed over at around 5 kHz.
LET’S GET LOUD
This setup is said to achieve up to 102 decibels of maximum output, which is quite respectable for what is essentially a soundbar, which is what the JBL system ultimately is. We didn’t measure it, but the JBL power bar can easily play loud enough to get to know your neighbors better. The arch-shaped enclosure, measuring over 60 centimeters in width with the tweeters placed externally, is designed to provide as wide a sound panorama as possible. And it does so quite well.
The L42ms, weighing around 8.5 kilograms and solidly built with a “vintage” touch, also benefits from bass reflex support, executed as a “twin exhaust” in this stereo application.
FOUR-CHANNEL ACTIVE IN STEREO
The integrated Class-D amplifier unit in the JBL system delivers a total of 200 watts of power, working together with a meticulously tuned digital signal processor (DSP) to create a lively sound, albeit more punchy than deep.
In the four-channel configuration, 75 watts are allocated to each bass driver, and 25 watts to each tweeter. Of course, the characteristic vintage sound tuning is also present, with JBL typically prioritizing emotionality and musical flow over subtle detail reproduction. Don’t get us wrong; we find this sound perfect for this setting.
The factory settings can be adjusted using the “Soundfield Expander” and “Bass Contour” — a kind of bass boost of +3 dB — to suit the location or personal preferences. The aim to compete with traditional HiFi systems, despite the emphasis on design, is understandable.
Naturally, the JBL system, with its curved front panel, offers access to all major streaming services, including Spotify as well as more sophisticated ones like Tidal and Qobuz. The latter can be accessed via app, along with Amazon HD, podcasts, and internet radio. While the hardware is limited to 24-bit and 96kHz, this is well above CD quality and more than sufficient for all situations this system might encounter.
More than that, it actually sounds really good. An HDMI socket for the almost obligatory TV connection in the living room is not always standard, even on much more expensive systems, but here, in a 1,000-euro complete system, it’s included. There’s also a USB socket for music-filled sticks. We find both to be crucial features that add to the comfort and convenience. With RCA and 3.5mm jacks, as well as LAN and a subwoofer socket, the wired connection options are good.
Some may sorely miss a CD drive and FM radio, as well as digital inputs. On the plus side, there’s wireless support for Apple’s AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in, and the latest Bluetooth technology, allowing music libraries from phones and tablets to be heard instantly.
DIGITAL SOUL
All input signals are routed to the JBL’s DSP, so they’re digitally processed. The device is also Roon-ready, meaning it’s prepared to work with Roon and, according to JBL, is compatible with certified smart/multiroom products and standards. A fairly simple but attractive remote control is included, and the system can also be controlled with the still-new JBL Premium Audio app — at the time of testing, there was only one review in the German Apple App Store. This might bridge the gap between generations.
The JBL system is available at the same price in either “Walnut Black” or “Walnut Natural,” with the front panel featuring JBL’s typical “Quadrex” foam grilles, curved to match the front panel’s shape. We think it’s a shame that this grille isn’t available in blue or orange, as it is in the L series, even as an optional accessory for an extra charge. That would have been a real eye-catcher, though it likely would have affected the unit cost if offered as standard.
Still, the JBL lineup is unquestionably stylish, sounds great — even a little cheeky — is well-equipped, and at a price just under 1,000 euros, it’s likely to find some fans. Despite a few shortcomings in features that lead to a “satisfactory” rating, the appeal is still quite high.
Specifications
Info: www.jbl.com
Dimensions: 16.2 x 61.7 x 23.4 cm
Features: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast Built-in, Bluetooth, two analog inputs, USB, LAN, Sub-Out
What we listened to: Joe Jackson “Steppin’ Out,” Tina Turner “Private Dancer,” Pink Floyd “The Wall”
Verdict
We like the JBL power bar from California! It delivers what you’d expect from a legendary manufacturer like JBL: solid, no-frills technology with a certain design appeal and even a bit of a “vintage touch,” along with punchy, lively sound. And all of this for under 1,000 euros. Despite the absence of a CD/FM radio, we think that’s pretty good! The entire soundbar and dock market should brace itself because here comes, with minor weaknesses, a potential new star!
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JBL L42ms Integrated Music System is Here for Under $1000 - A less expensive version of the L75ms
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