The JBL L42ms is a smaller version of the JBL L75ms, but the JBL L42ms also lacks the midrange speaker and phono input for connecting a turntable. According to a company spokesperson, the JBL L42ms offers music lovers the choice of a compact solution and an ebony finish, while retaining most of the same features and signature JBL sound as the larger L75ms.

In particular, here we have the characteristic curved Quadrex grill and a case with a finish of natural veneer of black or walnut. Two ports of the phase inverters are brought out to the back wall. Inside there is a pair of 4-inch woofers with two 0.75-inch tweeters with dome aluminum membranes in separate waveguides. All this works from a four-channel amplifier with a total power of 200 W. The sound of the system is corrected by DSP, in addition, there is a bass contour switch on the rear panel, in addition, there is a subwoofer output with a built-in high-pass filter at 80 Hz. The sound field expansion mode (SFX) can be turned on from the remote control. By the way, the remote control works via Bluetooth, so there is no need to point it at the system. Bluetooth is also suitable for connecting the JBL L42ms to various sources.

The built-in DAC supports 24-bit/96 kHz signals. You can connect to the JBL L42ms via a cable using RCA and 3.5 mm stereo inputs. HDMI ARC is also provided: with it, the new product will easily make friends with the TV. Another connector is LAN, along with Wi-Fi, you can use a network connection and, accordingly, Apple Airplay2 and Google Chromecast. In addition, UPnP and reading audio files from a USB drive are supported.

The model has a good set of streaming connections. The JBL L42ms can be connected to the network via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, the model supports Chromecast and AirPlay 2 technologies. It is possible to play High Resolution audio with parameters up to 24 bit / 192 kHz. The speaker can play music from network drives or using online services Tidal, Qobuz and others, and the JBL Premium Audio application will provide access to Amazon Music, Qobuz, Internet radio and podcasts. If a network connection is not available, mobile devices can be connected to the JBL L42ms via Bluetooth. Powerful amplifiers and high-quality speakers, as well as a damped MDF case, provide the speaker with detailed and assertive sound and no distortion at high volumes.