Great review Ron. Always entertaining. Really appreciate the time you took to back your reviews with some measurements. Puts everything in perspective and makes it easier to compare between different speakers.👍

Thanks for the review Ron, and you’re right about Safe and Sound, I just bought a marantz amp, Denon turntable and cd player along with the jbl l52 (ultimately for my studio - speakers B), Mike and Aaron were extremely helpful and gave me a package discount that surprised me. Now, I have to decide between the jbl l82’s and the l100’s for the living room which is 10’ x 20’. Your video was very helpful.

I currently own pairs of 4311s, L100As, L100s, and am listening to this on a pair of 4312M II that I use as computer speakers. I haven't listened to the L82s but did hear the L100 Classic 75s at a store recently. What you're saying sounds a lot like what I heard from the classics - they sounded just like the L100 family speakers but with more refinement in the top end. Discovered the L100 family in college as a speaker which would absolutely melt your face with pure volume given the right amp. Rock, hiphop, and electronic sounds incredible on them. I have never heard a better speaker for hiphop. Since they were used in the studio for a lot of 70s rock albums, you'll also sometimes put on a recording from the era and just go "WHOA!!!". They'll sound better than you ever thought they had a right to sound. They are great speakers for what they are great at. They are OK speakers for what they aren't that great at.

This was a delightful review! I loved the combination of spec, graphs, and the verbal analysis. The humor also was quite enjoyable. I am a previous owner of the JBL 99 Athena speakers from the late '60s. The have a similar tweeter, but a 14" woofer, the famous LE14a. I wonder why JBL did not make a retro speaker with these larger woofers! I gave them to my son over 20 years ago, and he uses them in his home theater along with some small PSB bookshelf speakers to balance out the mid-range and the over all sound. But I also have to comment on the price for these two-way speakers, at $2,500 plus the costs of the stands. There are quite a few very good speakers that are in this price range, with some a bit more, and some a bit less. One example is the Legacy Audio Studio HD, which is also a two-way system, and with a lower end frequency response rating. It lists for $1,875-$2,400, depending on the finish. They all come with the stand. I am sure that there are lots of other speakers systems as well. I got the feeling from Ron's review that these JBL L82 speakers are really good for rock, pounding type of music, like you get went you go out to a club, or to a rock concert, with the heavy low end pounding at you. And perhaps that is the target market, versus full range, more accurate systems. But the review was excellent,and entertaining too! (05-11-2021)

Had mine for a year now which replaced the highly fatiguing LS50 metas. Coupled with my Lyngdorf amp and mainly old reggae,ska & Soul on vinyl the JBLs sound fantastic. Most of my stuff’s on 45 and you are totally correct about the warmth of these speakers. I do use them with a REL sub but you can get away without one if you desire. Probably the best review on YT. Well done.🤘🏻

Very nice review Ron - thank you! I listened to these last week at my chosen dealer, he just got them in. He carries Naim, Vinnie Rossi etc, other high end "stuff." For speakers he carries KEF, Dynaudio, Dali, Fyne Audio. He's only carrying the L100 and 82's. Did not have the 100's in yet. I listened to the Evoke 30's and L82's since those are where I am looking played through a Super Nait 3 (I have a Nait XS3). I'm also looking at Rubicon 5's but he did not have them in stock. Although much different in appearance, the Evoke 30's and L82's are both "Cookies and Cream." One is not Cookies and Cream and the other "Orange Sherbet" which would be appropriate with the grilles. Therefore, the two speakers were somewhat difficult to separate at least with 60 year old ears. One thing about the L82's, they take about three tracks to warm up. After that, wow! A bigger sound stage with smoother imaging than the Dynaudio. Ron is correct they do "smear things together more." Imaging is not as separated but the instruments are still there in their specific places. Very easy to listen too. They definitely do not sacrifice detail but it's a smoother more fill in the gaps detail. Base was tight for an 8" woofer. The room was large, roughly 20x30 placed on the long axis five feet from the wall listening in the middle of the room - with harder surfaces but I actually liked the Treble dial turned up very slightly past 0 regardless of Ron's measurements. This was with the grilles off and then on. I listened to them by myself going through at least 10 tracks of differing music from classical orchestral and piano, to rock, jazz, and Hanne Boel + Diana Krall. Most listening was done above 80DB except the 2nd Movement of Beethoven's 5th which begins very softly and at normal volume levels you don't hear anything at the beginning on lesser systems, a very good test. After that he and I discussed my thoughts and we both had the same assessment of the speakers. They sound much more like a modern floor stander than you expect albeit on the warmer side. We left it at I said, "I don't think the Evoke 30's are worth $750 more but I would have to make my decision based on which would give me the least 'buyers remorse.'" Ha ha... The only thing to do is really try them at home. "Ron, can I borrow your wife?"

Crazy detailed, especially considering the amount of reviews in the last month!

I can see myself owning these and listening to my favorite rock band of all time “BOSTON”. Yeah!!!

I am a big fan of these, I love them!

Good review Ron, saw both videos but just one thing to realize if you haven't is back in the 70's, both time domain and line array were just being understood so to tilt the speakers as they did was the way but until they understood more about how time delay works, not sure if the original L82's had the wave guide for the tweeters, but now that we know more about it, setting the tweeters back behind the front surface of the baffle with said wave guide helps probably with the time domain than when these were originally made. Before time domain was known, having the speakers upright with all drivers at the baffle surface, often the tweeter reached your ears before the woofer, which has a way of changing the sound to where it's colored. In the 80's with the Infinity IRS line of speakers, the line array came into use (the IRS V's for example by using multiple drivers for bass, mids and treble to achieve a rich listening experience). The one aspect of speaker design I'd love to see more of are the acoustic suspension design. It's too easy to build either a passive radiator design, or bass reflex, or open baffle, but not so much the sealed enclosure as to make it perform well, the cabinets need to be sized just right or you do lack the bass extension. ADS did it right in that by using 2 smaller sized woofers, they can achieve the deep, but tight bass extension, which is what I listen to music with, a pair of L810 large bookshelves (at 25" high, not so bookshelf friendly) But they are neutral and quite accurate for speakers that were designed in the late 70's. They do need to be tilted back like the JBL's and right now, I have them on milk crates with a piece of 1x 2 lumber to tilt them back a little. dynamic and punchy but without the fatigue from long listening sessions.

Ron, Now that you have reviewed both the L82 and the 4309, what is your perspective between the two? Without looking at the pricing and marketing issues, which do you prefer? Thanks so much for your ongoing work and contribution. Your comments and insight are most welcomed and it is always a treat to hear about new and interesting music...best wishes to you and your family going forward.

Hey Ron thanks for your video , please keep talking about audio for hours and hours its really makes me feel good , i am addict in buying used 90's high fi stereo components last week i bought a pioneer p270c i think its from early 90's but never repaired or opened , still in a showroom condition , i have a classic panasonic and technics each with original speakers , maybe in future i will try to find a clean aiwa rx series in good condition , i love bass reflex , i appreciate med range bass reflex speakers more than woofers because you taste music much better please correct me if i am wrong.

Based on your review, and a few others, I pulled the trigger on these. 30 days and I'm really pleased with the sound. Can listen for hours with no fatigue. Low volume they still sound full, yet crank them and the windows rattle! Crutchfield had them for $350 off list (open box) with free shipping, it looked like only 1 of the boxes was opened. So that sweetened the deal.

Great review! Watch out for flying breadcrumbs out of that front port hole! 😁😁

Great looking pair of JBLs!! There is just something special about their classic speakers both in their look and sound. For the money one may be better off hunting for a well cared for pair of L86s, L96s, L100s or 4411 speakers and having them restored. Kind of adds to the whole experience.... either way can’t go wrong !!!

Exelente video.Greetings from 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico.

$2,500.00 is where the new L-100 needs to be priced.

Glad to see they are mirror imaged pairs. Since the drivers are not lined up vertically, the lobe coming out between the drivers will be at a 90 degree angle to the line between the drivers. So make sure you get your listening geometry correct. Theoretically, if the speakers are below the level of your ears, the tweeters should be on the outside per the explanation above. Otherwise the lobe between drivers would be directed away from your ears Without the mirror imaged pair, imaging would be nearly impossible. The tilt of the stand is most likely designed to time align the tweeter with woofer. While the tweeter has a wave guide to push it back to better time align it with the depth of the woofer, it is not deep not enough for the drivers to be aligned. Kudos to JBL for using the stand to finalize the alignment.

Great video! Funny and really informative for response monitoring. I drooled over L100 back in 1972. I’m interested in a different sound now and wondering if you’ve reviewed Revel speakers?

I have the L100's and just love them. They seem pretty high end.

Nice review!

Nice review. It would have been nice to these speakers set up in your listening room, since they have such striking looks.

Enjoying the fact you add more humour to this one, you should do more, humour is very viral 😁

Hi Ron. Love your channel and since I subscribed I've watch every episode. Have you ever auditioned the Q Acoustics Concept 500 tower speakers? It's an amazing speaker, but would be very interested to hear what you have to say about them.

The only drawback that prevents me from owning the L 82's is the fact it does not have magnetic grilles.

Great reviewer

Thanks for this review. Now i am gonna buy this one. Amp is arcam sa20.

I have a pair of near mint akai SW-157ii speakers circa 1978. LOVE the sound of vintage hi-fi. Theres something about it that's warm and comforting without being too warm, wonderful detail and a kind of charm that I havent heard replicated in any other way. If these come close to that 1970's era sound I'm certain they'll win over a certain crowd. I'm not sure about 2.5k though... I guess we'll see. JBL did nail that esthetic though. The orange grills arent for everyone but I like them.

Theoretically, depending phase adjustments in the crossover, tweeters out should yield better time arrival between drivers. Which is why you probably preferred tweeters out.

Ups. I developed a significant desire for a set of those

They're so beautiful.

It’s comforting to know that the West Coast Sound still lives - JBL, Cerwin Vega, Infinity. Now, someone please resurrect the East Coast Sound - AR, Advent, Rectilnear, NEAR. I prefer it. Until someone does, buy Buchardt.

That is why they have their own dedicated stands

I hope those sound as good as they look. To die for good looks. Brings back memories. Honest Q: for 2500/pr there is heavy competition sound-wise. Can these punch with Focal, Dyn and other premium brands?

Amazing review Ron. As Always. My favourite HIFI channel by far!!! Greetings from Argentina!. Take Care!

Aye! Love your reviews generally, and agree here that you having a bit of a laugh with this one is much warmer and easier to connect with. You’re a fun guy so I reckon you shouldn’t be afraid to show it. On another numerous note, as someone from Scotland, and I’m sure you’re accent is probably far different, but your voice to me sounds to me sounds almost identical to KERMIT THE FROG. Funny though that is, I’m not even joking. The penny dropped this morning, and now I can’t unhear it. I’ll be enjoying New Record Day in a whole new way from now on! Haha

Any chance of a teardown video of these guys? Would love to see what they are made of😁

The part about the WAF rating was very funny. I wonder what she would say about a pair of Sonus Faber Electa Amator III, those things are otherworldly pretty.

Love this! What subwoofer would you recommend to round these out? Trying to decide between these and the KEF LS50metas

You Silly Billy! The answer is "Yes, of course, Darling.". Always!

Laughed so hard at the wife part dude 🤣 I love the look of these speakers! One day!

I know exactly what you mean by that type of sound. It is comforting and maybe a bit old school. But for the money maybe the JBL MODEL 5 is better. Excellent review again. Thank you. That is KLH MODEL 5.

Your laugh is infectious. I absolutely love it

Let's hear your thoughts on the even SMALLER L52!

Ron, just a suggestion if we have a chance. When I was at home in the philippines I have noticed that really hi end av recievers can do stereo sound quality really good. But ofcourse I am talking about expensive av recievers. I hope we can test some for some real live audio people living in this world🙂 always good job👍

Nice review, but ALL THOSE ADS! hard to follow what you are saying with all the breaks. Had at least four.

Considering upgrading my Sansui PM-C 100IIs for these over the L100 Classics.

Please do more retro reviews

Why is the tweeter offset from the center line? Great review!

I remember hearing the original JBL speakers in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. They sounded OK, but not as accurate as the Advent and Acoustic Research speakers of the day. JBL was the loud rock and roll brand. When ADS speakers came out, they blew away anything I ever heard before. I loved everything about ADS speakers except for the sticky fluid they put on their dome tweeters. They collected lint and all kinds of floating crud like a magnet. I bought Bose speakers, which was a huge mistake, then Acoustat X electrostatics, which was another huge mistake. Then after that I bought only ADS and Magnepans. Then I started to build my own speakers, which were time aligned, minimum diffraction, and used polypropylene capacitors in the crossover. They were better than anything I ever purchased in a store. Today everything is made in China and you can buy loudspeakers for less than the cost of their parts sold separately.

I was wondering why they'd gone from $4000 to $2500 but then realised these are the L82s, not the L100s. Oh and my wife would love these too. Btw Ron, what's the deal with the tongue clicks that've started a few vids back now?

Thank you ❤

Thanks Ron. I Enjoyed the review. ;-)

Not so unusual - You just ain't old enough - JBL = Rock + weed = Bread, Doritos, or anything else that satisfies the extreme munchies

I heard a older par of jbl they where incredible but I wouldn't give them up for my cerwin-vega sl-15

still hoping for cartridge, phono amp and turntable reviews.

As pointed out elsewhere; Rock + Weed = Bread too funny! Speaking of 70's JBL drug references... Reminds me of the GLASS TOP JBL L300, a phenomenal product. (Nelson Pass' fave of the era, even pointing out the irony of the glass top disco era offering!) Hey, just as resort/casinos such as the Venetian utilize very subtle scents that they gently introduce into the Casino floor environment ... perhaps the mighty JBL has harnessed a characteristic to generate subtle appealing scents into our listening rooms ... hey, just sayin' ... nobody performs more psycho-acoustic research than the folks in Northridge.

Did you hint that they are not a left and right speaker? Each has the tweeter on the same side?

I wonder if it is worth replacing my Monitor Audio RX6 speakers with these beauties 🙂 £1,999 a pair here in the UK.

NRD What is the background music playing in the beginning??

And from what have heard, if you like soul, few speakers present the essence of the genre better.

Is that acoustic electronic song in the intro porcupine tree?

4312G please please please. It would be good to hear from somebody who's not in the tank for those

Why not list what amp/s you used?

How would you compare the midrange sound with let's say Harbeth P3s?

Do you think they are really worth that pricetag?

The first link isn’t working.

Ron, did you end up keeping these?

How does this compare to wharfdale linton also don’t think you mentioned what electronics and sources you used - so mostly not helpful

I see this and think I should have never sold my JBL LX55's. They had their weaknesses but nothing offensive. Good overall sound. The titanium tweeter was clear without too great of emphasis. The L82's are part of that era of very good rock speakers. Dust off your ELO, Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mack, or Rolling Stones. Sit back and enjoy.

They seem overpriced. I'd look at the Wharfedale Linton Heritage. $1000 cheaper, three-way and have plenty of old-school vibe.

Your comment "The way it reproduced electric guitars," is a strong a comment on your opinion.

Why Is it more than 2k?

Those orange grills might clash with my hot pink listening room.... :/

More bass than thinner sounding L100 classics that had like none? I prefer T6 grade aircraft aluminum drovers that were 3D CNC Machined into a driver to paper pulp. YG Acoustics makes them sound natural as the real thing live.

Q. Why did JBL choose a 8" woofer here, and not a 10"?🤔

i'd love to listen to these, but i fear that they are a bit to expensive compared to what you get.

L82 vs 4309 - ???

JBL MADE IN INDONESIA

Paper woofer 😞

Sorry TOO MUCH Breaks..👎