As ProSource confirms, JBL is introducing its L75ms Music System, which is certain to be an instant classic, appealing to enthusiasts who seek an easier way to listen to their music collection without sacrificing acoustic performance. As a modern reimagining of the traditional hi-fi system, the L75ms finds its design inspiration from the JBL Classic Series with which it shares its walnut wood veneer cabinet finish and black Quadrex foam grille. Behind that retro appearance lies thoroughly modern acoustic technology, including high-res audio capability and a wealth of wired and wireless connectivity.
For most modern listeners, streaming audio provides easy and convenient access to an entire world of music, and for them the L75ms is the perfect solution. The integrated streaming engine provides both wired and wireless network audio capabilities via Ethernet, Google Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth audio. A 32-bit/192kHz high-resolution DAC ensures their favorite music comes across with the highest fidelity. In addition to premium wireless audio, the L75ms provides a number of connections for physical sources, including a 3.5mm analog input. For vinyl lovers, there is a moving magnet (MM) phono stage for connecting a turntable, and there is an HDMI ARC input for great movie and gaming sound when connected to a television.
System operation of the L75ms is via the aluminum control panel on the top of the walnut enclosure, the included wireless remote control, or wireless connectivity to a Google Chromecast-, Apple AirPlay 2-, or Bluetooth-enabled device. For even more acoustic impact, there is a dedicated signal-sensing subwoofer output for connecting to an external powered subwoofer. Everything is provided to create a truly great sound system without taking up a lot of space.
Designed and engineered at the Harman Center of Acoustics Excellence in Northridge, California, the L75ms leverages JBL's 75 years of loudspeaker designs. Behind the Quadrex foam grille and curved front-panel shape, the L75ms contains a pair of 1-inch titanium dome tweeters with waveguides, a pair of 5.25-inch white cone woofers with dual front-firing ports, and a 4-inch central midrange driver – all arranged on a multi-angled baffle that brings to mind the "built-in acoustics" curved shapes of famous heritage JBL models. Each of the five drivers has a dedicated channel of amplification and DSP tuning to deliver a remarkably wide soundstage across a large listening area.
"We are thrilled to partner and launch such an iconic product at the ProSource Summer Conference," said Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning for Harman's Luxury Audio business unit. "The L75ms Music System will attract new customers who want incredible sound but without all the complexity and clutter of a component system."
"ProSource and the Harman Luxury Audio Group have been great partners over many years," commented Dave Workman, President and CEO of ProSource. "We are honored that they would choose our Summer Conference to unveil the JBL L75ms Music System. I have no doubt that it will impress our members with its performance, style, and price point and become a popular option for many of our dealers to offer to their customers."
To highlight the performance capabilities of the L75ms Music System, JBL has partnered with streaming audio service Qobuz to offer a free trial subscription for customers to provide them the experience of listening to high-resolution music. The JBL L75ms Music System will be available for the holidays beginning in Q4 with a retail price of $1,500.
JBL L52 Classic Bookshelf Loudspeakers
Also featured at the ProSource Summer Conference, JBL introduced its L52 Classic bookshelf loudspeaker, expanding the brand's Classic Series family. Following on the heels of the larger L100 Classic and L82 Classic models, the compact L52 Classic boasts a size that allows it to work in a variety of applications, from stand-mount to bookshelf to tabletop and wall-mount. The appearance of the L52 Classic echoes that of its larger siblings, with a walnut wood veneer enclosure and a Quadrex foam grille available in a choice of black, blue, or orange.
Designed as a scaled-down version of the award-winning L82 Classic, the L52 Classic is a two-way design utilizing a 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeter mated to an acoustic lens waveguide and a 5.25-inch white cone, cast-frame woofer. A premium crossover network design ensures optimum system performance, while a front-panel HF level attenuator allows the sound to be tailored to its environment. Enclosure tuning is bass-reflex via a front-firing tuned port and a set of binding post speaker terminals that provide secure connection to speaker cables. The enclosure includes a pair of threaded inserts on the rear panel for use with third-party wall-mount brackets.
The L100 Classic and L82 Classic have received numerous awards and accolades since their introduction. When the development team was creating the concept of a compact version, performance had to be first-rate and exceed all expectations for a product of this size. The Harman engineers delivered a speaker with powerful bass and great soundstage presentation, ideal for rooms who do not have the space for the larger Classic Series models.
"The L52 Classic is such a compelling proposition, with its big sound, small size, and attractive pricing," says Jim Garrett, Senior Director of Product Strategy and Planning for Harman's Luxury Audio business unit.
The JBL L52 Classic is packed and sold in mirror-imaged pairs and will be available for the holidays beginning in Q4, with a retail price of $1,000 per pair.
ProSource is a cooperative, member-governed, not-for-profit buying group representing more than 550 specialty retailers and custom integrators. With annual sales of more than $6 billion, ProSource is the largest specialty and consumer-electronics merchandising group in the United States, which allows it to negotiate stronger programs with manufacturers, help independent dealers stay relevant to consumers, and keep the specialty A/V channel competitive.
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