Smart JBL L42ms music system combines style and substance

The latest addition to JBL’s Classic Series of Hi-Fi components, the L42ms is an all-in-one music system with retro looks and cutting edge functionality.

Available in a black or natural walnut real-wood veneer, and sporting a classic Quadrex curved grille, the JBL L42ms employs a pair of dual 4-inch woofers and dual 19mm aluminium dome tweeters. Waveguides positioned to the left and right are used to create a wide sound field.

Equipped with a 24-bit/96-kHz DAC, this integrated music system offers two sets of analogue stereo inputs (RCA phono and 3.5mm), HDMI ARC for TV connection, and Ethernet.

Wireless connectivity covers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple Airplay2, with Google Chromecast Built-in. There’s built-in access to Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, with Amazon Music and Qobuz available with the partnering app. The L42ms also ships with a Bluetooth remote control.

A compact stablemate to the L75ms, the L42ms is Roon Ready and Works with Smart Things certified. The latter allows the L42ms to be integrated into Samsung’s Smart Things ecosystem.

The system is also UPnP compatible, able to play music from connected network storage devices or a USB drive.

All sources are routed through the system’s DSP engine, where content is contoured and output via a four-channel amplifier. Quoted total power output is 200W rms.

A bass contour switch on the rear panel allows listeners to tailor the bass response for placement. A Sound-Field Expansion (SFX) mode can be used to add a sense of increased spaciousness, and soundstage width, useful for movies and games.

The system can also be upgraded with an optional wireless subwoofer, the JBL L10cs; a signal-sensing subwoofer output that implements an internal 80Hz high-pass filter.

The JBL L42ms will be available during the first quarter of 2024, priced at £999.