The JBL Classic Series announcement by Harman Luxury Audio Group will be previewed at CEDIA 2023 and combines the classic design with a host of JBL acoustic technologies and a variety of wired and wireless connectivity options in a single-cabinet system. The JBL L42ms Classic showcases the signature sound of a pair of JBL loudspeakers in a sleek, compact cabinet, while still delivering 200Wrms total system power and featuring a built-in 24-bit/96kHz capable DAC.
As an integrated music system the L42ms offers two sets of analog stereo inputs (RCA and 3.5mm) and HDMI-ARC for easy connection to televisions. For streaming audio, the L42ms provides both wired or wireless network connection via Ethernet, Apple Airplay2, and Google Chromecast built-in, or users can connect directly to their devices with Bluetooth 4.2. All audio signals are routed through an advanced DSP engine, where content is carefully contoured and output to the speakers via the integrated four-channel amplifier.
A bass contour switch on the rear panel allows listeners to tailor the bass response of the L42ms to account for placement and personal preference. In addition, a Sound-Field Expansion (SFX) mode can be accessed from the remote control to add a sense of increased spaciousness and a wider soundstage, especially useful when using the system with movies and games when connected to a television via the HDMI-ARC input. While the L42ms is quite capable of powerful dynamic bass on its own, it also includes a signal-sensing subwoofer output that implements an internal 80Hz high-pass filter, making for a perfect connection with the JBL L10cs Classic Series powered subwoofer. This makes the L42ms and L10cs combination an ideal upgrade solution for listeners stepping up from a traditional soundbar.
In addition to its acoustic performance, the L42ms integrates seamlessly into the home with advanced technologies including Roon Ready and Samsung's Works with Smart Things certifications. The L42ms features built-in access to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect streaming audio services, and the free JBL Premium Audio setup app provides a fast and easy first-time connection of the L42ms to a Wi-Fi network. The app makes additional streaming audio services available including Amazon Music and Qobuz, plus it provides access to Internet radio and podcasts.
Users can save favorites as presets for instant recall and can even access music on compatible UPnP network storage devices on their local network or a USB drive connected via the USB-A input on the back of the L42ms. In addition to the free downloadable JBL Premium Audio app, a Bluetooth hand-held remote control is included with the L42ms, along with input selection and volume controls on the top panel of the wood veneer cabinet.
"Following on the heels and success of the award-winning JBL L75ms, the new L42ms offers music lovers a choice of a more compact solution and a black wood finish option while retaining most of the same features and signature JBL sound found in the larger L75ms," explains Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio.
Harman Luxury Audio Group combines five prestigious brands — JBL, JBL Synthesis, Mark Levinson, Revel, and ARCAM — and is headquartered in Harman's global center of acoustic engineering in Northridge, California. Harman International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics.
www.harmanluxuryaudio.com
www.jbl.com/classic-series
