Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

JBL’s gorgeous Authentic L8 brings a 70’s vibe to wireless sound

jbls gorgeous authentic l8 brings 70s vibe wireless audio jbl
Image used with permission by copyright holder
There’s something inherently appealing about a piece of technology that points to the future without forgetting the past. JBL has taken that theme to heart with its new wireless speaker, the Authentic L8. An elegant, yet affordable way to get your musical fix, the L8 blends state-of-the-art wireless technology with a gorgeous vintage vibe to fill any room with sound and sophistication.

Inspired by JBL’s classic 70’s Century L100 loudspeaker, the L8 is crafted from a sleek wooden cabinet and loaded with quality components. Removing its retro waffle-style grill reveals a four pack of drivers, including a pair of 1-inch tweeters, and dual 4-inch full range drivers with gleaming white cones to recall the audio days of yore.

Recommended Videos

The system is driven by 120 watts of total power, which echoes through the well-built cabinet for a surprising explosion of sound. And while the L8 pushes more bass than a speaker this size has a right to, it also exposes an impressive amount of detail and refinement across the sound spectrum. Even your low-res MP3 files will sound better thanks to the L8’s proprietary DSP.

When it comes to wireless connection, there are a host of ways to play, including Bluetooth, as well as Wi-Fi with both Airplay and DLNA support to hook up with nearly any PC or mobile device in your home. Additional connections include a 3.5mm Aux input, dual USB ports to charge your devices, and even an optical input for your TV or Blu-ray player.

Want even more next-gen tech? The L8 is available with a wireless charging pad that will charge Qi-compatible devices – just slap the device on the pad and walk away, no cables required.

The L8 comes in high gloss piano black, as well as a wood-grain finish, both of which strike a chic aesthetic that really ties the room together. But it’s the sound performance that makes this speaker worthy of your hard-earned cash. For $540, the L8 will turn heads, and is sure to make a great addition for anyone who’s looking for big sound in a small package.

Ryan Waniata
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Waniata is an audio engineer, musician, composer, and all-around lover of all things tech, audio, and cinema. Hailing…
A legendary boy band is about to get the biopic treatment
Boyz II Men is making a biopic about their own story, and it's currently on the fast track toward production.
The members of Boyz II Men.

One of the most successful boy bands of all time is about to get the biopic treatment. Variety is reporting that Boyz II Men is developing a biopic that will chronicle their 30-year career. The group is working with Compelling Pictures and Primary Wave, and Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, the three members of the group, are set to serve as executive producers.

Boyz II Men has had a number of hits over the course of its 30-year career, including "End of the Road," "It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday," and "One Sweet Day." Compelling Pictures is also set to begin production on a documentary that focuses on the group's career in the 1990s and 2000s.

Read more
Disney+ is going to start adding free ESPN content to the streaming service
The move is part of Disney's broader effort to consolidate its various streaming services
ESPN Plus logo on smartphone.

Disney is about to make a subscription to Disney+ even more enticing. Reporting suggests that Disney+ will add a new tile to the streaming service beginning in December that has content from ESPN. The company will reportedly add some live sporting events as well as some ESPN shows to Disney+, even for those who don't subscribe to ESPN+.

The change will be implemented on Dec. 4, and the new title will allow people who subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+  “full access to all of the ESPN+ sports content they love while inside Disney+, similar to the experience we offer bundle subscribers with Hulu on Disney+,” CEO Bob Iger and CFO Hugh Johnston said in commentary provided with the September quarterly results.

Read more
The next Patrick Bateman? 8 actors who could nail the role
Whoever gets the role will be compared to Christian Bale
Christian Bale in American Psycho

Luca Guadagnino has become one of the most effective storytellers in Hollywood in the last decade. Usually focusing on LGBTQ+ films, Guadagnino is creative and willing to take chances that other directors shy away from. He previously made Challengers, Call Me by Your Name, and Bones and All, but perhaps his biggest swing for the fences yet will be a remake of the cult classic circa Y2K, American Psycho. It has been leaked that the Italian filmmaker will reboot the serial killer crime drama about a seemingly normal and incredibly handsome late-20s man who hides horrific murders from his peers.

Christian Bale made Patrick Bateman an iconic character at the turn of the century, and it's a role that is hard to imagine being recast. Now in his 50s, Bale is too old to reprise Bateman and a new actor will be thrust into his big shoes. Allow us to throw our hat in the ring and brainstorm the next American Psycho star.
Robert Pattinson

Read more