Everybody I know who’s seen the JBL L75ms Integrated Music System has been wowed by the retro design. Time and again, people told me that it’s one of the coolest-looking audio products they’ve ever seen. True to its styling, the L75ms can indeed make some serious noise. Not just serious noise, but glorious noise. This is a great-sounding music player.

Beautifully retro-looking yet packed with all the latest tech, the JBL L75ms is a powerhouse system that can meet all your home audio needs, including vinyl playback if you add your favorite turntable.

JBL set out to create a system that looks more like art than audio, sounds great, and can handle a variety of sources without a lot of fuss. In addition, there was an apparent goal of being able to upgrade the sound by adding a subwoofer for fixed installations.

This JBL speaker is a ton of fun even if you can pick holes in the sound quality

Therefore, I’m happy that I unboxed the L75ms, experienced it, and was able to highlight it in this column before venturing down that path. When it comes to looks and sound and convenience, this all-in-one sound system is killer—and it’s an easy recommendation for someone who’s looking for a high-quality all-in-one music system. No wonder Gordon liked it so much. And with Christmas coming, it would make one helluva gift.

The L75ms is sufficiently different to any of its notional rivals that the chances are you'll have decided if it is for you before you read a word of the review. Behind those striking looks though is a practical and capable speaker that can fill spaces many rivals will struggle with.

The JBL L42ms is a very specific product, both in the way it sounds and the way it looks. It’s got plenty going for it in both respects, though, and if you can overlook the remedial nature of its control app then it’s a very likeable device and a valid contender for a place on your ‘all-in-one audio system’ shortlist.