JBL L42ms Music System Review

Quality Hardware

Iconic design with a wood veneer finish meets modern features.

11.9 kilograms are distributed across the 61 x 16 x 23.5 cm enclosure, which comes in two genuine wood veneer finishes — black or natural walnut — available on the shelf. The waffle-like foam cover at the front is called the Quadrex grille and attaches magnetically. It can be removed with ease to reveal the two angled 4-inch mid-woofers and 0.75-inch aluminium tweeters behind it. The speakers are driven by four Class-D amplifiers, each delivering 75 watts in the bass and 25 watts in the treble. This adds up to a total system output of 200 watts RMS, with two bass reflex ports at the rear.

The rear panel also hosts the connection array, which — in addition to the already-mentioned HDMI-ARC, RCA and 3.5 mm mini-jack inputs — provides a sub-out socket for connecting an external subwoofer. Anyone wishing to reduce strain on their Wi-Fi can connect the L42ms to the LAN port to receive streaming data.

There is also a Bass Contour switch for reducing bass output if the unit is positioned too close to a wall. The mains connection and main power switch complete the picture.

On top, a slim control panel sits flush with the veneer surface for source selection and volume control. More comprehensive operation is provided by the classic remote control, which is made entirely of plastic and is by far the cheapest-looking element of this setup.

Connectivity

There is good accessibility via many routes into the system.

Plugging in a cable hardly requires further explanation. If one is to find fault, it would be that HDMI-ARC is the only digital cable connection into the system — an S/PDIF interface is absent. RCA and mini-jack are analogue inputs. Connecting via Bluetooth (version 4.2) and integrating the unit into a home Wi-Fi network is quick and reliable once the manual has been consulted. To simplify the latter somewhat, installing the “JBL Premium Audio” app is advisable, as it is also useful for subsequent tasks — even if its interface looks as though it dates from the early days of the internet.

At the end of the process, the JBL L42ms Music System is connected to my system via AirPlay 2 and seamlessly integrated into my multi-room setup. Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, internet radio and podcasts are additionally supported natively, as are local UPnP servers. The JBL L42ms Music System can also be fed music via a standard USB stick.

The “JBL Premium Audio” App

Somewhat lost in the outdated frontend, the app nevertheless does what it should.

As mentioned, the app’s frontend feels rather out of step with the times. There is no EQ with presets or individual sound adjustment options. Even the feature called Sound Field Expander (SFX), which enables DSP-controlled stereo widening, can only be activated via the remote control.

Arranged in tiles, the app provides access to individual services and functions, provided they are part of one’s own portfolio. In my case, that includes Amazon Music, which I can manage directly within the app — and the presentation is genuinely no longer fit for purpose. Browsing playlists, charts or recommendations, or discovering new releases, is simply not possible here. Only those who enjoy classic folder-based navigation will find what they are looking for. Everyone else is advised to use their respective app natively and address the music system from there. It is more enjoyable and works flawlessly.

Sound

Hygge sound that doesn’t push itself to the foreground, yet fills the room with a full-bodied presence across the broad midrange.

Positioned in a larger living room, the JBL L42ms Music System impresses with a rich sound that neither leans too heavily towards the bass end nor produces excessive peaks. Overall, the L42ms comes across as velvety, full-bodied and highly pleasant — almost tactile. It is certainly self-assured and penetrating on many levels. Vocals and instruments are well embedded in the bass foundation and emerge clearly and freshly from the angled driver arrays, which cover a broad soundstage that one does not easily step outside of within the room.

Round and warm, yet simultaneously transparent — that would be a good description of this hygge sound, which does not push itself to the foreground yet fills the room with a full-bodied presence across the broad midrange, creating an open atmosphere.

However, one should not push the system to its volume limit, as the bass disintegrates at that point and the mids become overly dominant, which no longer sounds particularly good.

Verdict

The JBL L42ms Music System is a very well-equipped and accessible all-in-one solution for everyday digital and analogue use at home. Sonically, the L42ms operates in the refined comfort zone, with sufficient but not excessive bass performance and enough volume headroom for a decent house party or an immersive home cinema evening.

Visually, JBL makes a statement by looking forward through the rear-view mirror, clothing modern technology in an iconic look that is both restrained and characterful. Only the app is a little too retro and feels somewhat out of step with the times.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the JBL L42ms Music System

Which streaming services does the JBL L42ms Music System support natively?

The JBL L42ms Music System natively supports Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz, Amazon Music, internet radio and podcasts. Local UPnP servers can also be integrated. Wireless streaming is additionally available via Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth.

Does the JBL L42ms Music System have an equaliser?

No — neither the “JBL Premium Audio” app nor the device itself offers an EQ with presets or individual sound adjustment. The only tonal control available is the Bass Contour switch on the rear panel for reducing bass output when the unit is positioned close to a wall, plus the SFX stereo-widening function, which can only be activated via the remote control.

What wired inputs are available?

The JBL L42ms Music System offers HDMI-ARC as its sole digital wired connection, along with analogue inputs via RCA and 3.5 mm mini-jack. There is no S/PDIF interface. A sub-out output for an external subwoofer and a LAN port for wired network streaming are also provided.

Is the JBL L42ms Roon-compatible?

Yes, the JBL L42ms Music System is Roon-ready and can be integrated into a Roon-based audio system.

How loud can the JBL L42ms play, and are there any limitations?

The system delivers up to 200 watts RMS total output and reaches a maximum sound pressure level of 102 dB at one metre according to the manufacturer. At the volume limit, however, the bass breaks up and the midrange becomes overly dominant, noticeably diminishing sound quality. For normal listening and party situations, the power reserve is more than adequate.