JBL, which introduced its Authentics speaker series at IFA 2023, now appears to be on a roll with the launch of wireless speakers Group, and will join the larger L75ms ($1,500) as a compact, more affordable option

I recently reviewed the JBL Authentics 300 portable wireless speaker, which can be taken from room to room in the home, but the JBL L42ms is a more compact and affordable alternative to, say, the KEF LSX Lite, Sonus faber Omnia, or Bang & Olufsen Beolab 8, for example, and like JBL's Authentics series, it features the company's signature Quadrex speaker grille, as well as connectivity to your favorite wireless audio sources, with all the right smarts to add more wired connectivity options

The L42ms has the same great styling as its larger sibling, with a curved front baffle to which its speaker grille is attached This elegant cabinet is available in walnut and black wood options, and the styling and connection options make it a strong contender for my Best Music System of Style [The L42ms integrated music system measures 64 x 243 x 92 inches (162 x 617 x 234mm HxWxD), and its proportions and styling make it more of a competitor to Naim's similarly priced and specified Mu-so two-speaker system Rather, it looks more like a dedicated center speaker for home theater setups

Speaking of home theater, these speakers feature HDMI-ARC for easy connection to a TV, making them a great choice for those looking for a way to upgrade the sound on their TV There are also analog stereo inputs, including RCA and 35mm, for other wired sources

Inside the L42ms cabinet is a built-in amplifier that claims a total output of 200 watts (75 watts RMS for each woofer and 25 watts RMS for each tweeter) two 4-inch woofers and two 075-inch aluminum dome tweeters are mounted, and the speakers are wave guides are positioned to provide a wide, uniform stereo sound field in front of the listening area

The built-in DAC supports audio files up to 24-bit/96 kHz, and true high-resolution sound can be played on the best music streaming services if you sign up for the appropriate subscription tier

For streaming audio, L42ms offers wired or wireless network connectivity via Ethernet, AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and users can also connect directly to devices via Bluetooth Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect music service access is built-in, and the free JBL Premium Audio Setup app provides a quick and easy first-time connection to the L42ms' Wi-Fi network

The app also supports access to Amazon Music and Qobuz music streaming services, Internet radio and podcasts Users can also access music on UPnP home network storage devices and USB drives connected via the USB-A port on the back of the speaker A Bluetooth handheld remote control is also available, and input selection and volume controls are provided on the top panel of the cabinet

The JBL L42ms is Roon Ready compatible, allowing subscribers to integrate and manage their networked digital music library and streaming services from a single location In addition, the L42ms is also Works with Smart Things certified This allows the JBL L42ms to integrate with Samsung Galaxy devices, including Samsung phones, Samsung TVs and Samsung appliances for one-touch operation and functionality

The JBL L42ms integrated music system is expected to cost $1,099/999 pounds/999 euros (about A$1,679 at current exchange rates) when released by the end of March 2024

Look for my review to be posted soon