- Aug 1, 2019
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JBL’s classy Synthesis SDR-35 AV receiver is a great starting point for a high-end home cinema system.
JBL Synthesis SDR-35 : Read more
JBL Synthesis SDR-35 : Read more
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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
JBL Synthesis SDR-35
- Thread starter What Hi-Fi?
- Start date
abacus
Well-known member
- Sep 24, 2008
- 1,429
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Seems to be getting some great reviews all over, (Including much better than the Arcam AVR30 on which it is based) but it is going to cost you, on the flip side you shouldn’t need a separate stereo amp for music so in that case could be a bit of a bargain.
Bill
Bill
Yes, they have:
Home review
If you put sound performance ahead of features, this Anthem is a terrific choice. Rarely have we heard a multi-channel amplifier sound so accomplished with music
www.whathifi.com
abacus
Well-known member
- Sep 24, 2008
- 1,429
- 1,308
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Deliriumbassist
Well-known member
- Apr 27, 2011
- 187
- 156
- 18,770
For a bit more, there's the Acurus MUSE, which is an absolutely stunning processor, plus there's room for future upgrading/up-speakering (yup, inventing new terms. It's a Monday).
Sliced Bread
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2010
- 510
- 94
- 18,970
I pulled the trigger and bought one of these beauties and I’ve got to say it’s the best receiver I’ve owned so far.
It’s early days but so far it is comfortably outperforming my £2000 Yamaha a3060 (which itself is excellent) already and I have not set the speaker levels, distance and run any sort of calibration.
On the negative side, if you are using thick bare wire you might need to change to banana plugs as the hole for bare wire on the binding plugs is the smallest I’ve seen. I’ve had to order a new cable for my centre channel as the wire is barely hanging in there. I would also say that it is a little fiddler than other receivers I’ve owned (Yamaha. Pioneer, Denon and Sony), but the learning curve is definitely worth it. The sound with movies is both bold and cinematic and delicate and light. The sound staging is incredibly impressive and it sounds like I have a new sub. Music streamed through the units Music Life app and via Apple TV both sound much better than my previous receivers.
I’ve not had it long so I need to set it up properly and once done I’ll report back.
It’s early days but so far it is comfortably outperforming my £2000 Yamaha a3060 (which itself is excellent) already and I have not set the speaker levels, distance and run any sort of calibration.
On the negative side, if you are using thick bare wire you might need to change to banana plugs as the hole for bare wire on the binding plugs is the smallest I’ve seen. I’ve had to order a new cable for my centre channel as the wire is barely hanging in there. I would also say that it is a little fiddler than other receivers I’ve owned (Yamaha. Pioneer, Denon and Sony), but the learning curve is definitely worth it. The sound with movies is both bold and cinematic and delicate and light. The sound staging is incredibly impressive and it sounds like I have a new sub. Music streamed through the units Music Life app and via Apple TV both sound much better than my previous receivers.
I’ve not had it long so I need to set it up properly and once done I’ll report back.
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Sliced Bread
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2010
- 510
- 94
- 18,970
I should also mention for the information of anyone interested in this unit that I have paired it with B&W cm8, cm1 and cm Centre . I’m sure the amp is capable of more but it seems to be a good match in my room.
I originally went to the store to buy some speakers but after explaining what I was after sonically the store manager pointed me towards the Arcam avr30 / JBL SDR-35 and I’m glad he did. Sonically it’s superb.
I originally went to the store to buy some speakers but after explaining what I was after sonically the store manager pointed me towards the Arcam avr30 / JBL SDR-35 and I’m glad he did. Sonically it’s superb.
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Sliced Bread
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2010
- 510
- 94
- 18,970
A quick update, so with basic calibration (no Dirac) the amplifier is sounding fantastic.
I had my first stab at Dirac but I messed it up with poor microphone placement (some measurements were taken right in the corner so it measured the bass too high and therefore over corrected). However, even with that being the case I could see how it can help as vocals and midrange were improved even further.
Unfortunately I ran out of time (kids and wife out of the house), so I’ll have to wait for another golden opportunity to test further.
I had my first stab at Dirac but I messed it up with poor microphone placement (some measurements were taken right in the corner so it measured the bass too high and therefore over corrected). However, even with that being the case I could see how it can help as vocals and midrange were improved even further.
Unfortunately I ran out of time (kids and wife out of the house), so I’ll have to wait for another golden opportunity to test further.
Sliced Bread
Well-known member
- Jul 28, 2010
- 510
- 94
- 18,970
I was finally able to run the Dirac calibration and the results are pretty impressive.
Firstly the negatives though. If you buy this or an Arcam then I would suggest that the first thing you do is put that microphone in the bin. Calibration through that mic resulted in cleaner mid range, but a slightly sharp treble and non existent bass. The mic barely picked up my subwoofer when completing the volume matching. These problems I found oout afterwards are pretty well documented It’s just rubbish.
Add a UMIK-1 (grey imports available for £75) and the results are astounding for movies, especially with the Harman target curve applied. Treble is natural, vocals incredibly clear and bass beautifully balanced. I have been watching Last Jedi and I can’t peel myself away. Whether I use Bass Optimisation or not my single sub is integrated seamlessly, with Dirac choosing a crossover of 70hz across all speakers.
For music however I still think there is work to be done. Mids and uppers are better than no Dirac (which was already good) but the bass feels too light. Maybe I’ve just been used to over blown bass from my other amps, but I feel it needs a subtle uptick to the curve. I’m going to live with the music for a little longer as the bass quality is great and add a gentle slope if needed.
It’s strange though as bass in movies feels balanced but also deep and powerful . I am using different speaker configs for music so let’s see.
Firstly the negatives though. If you buy this or an Arcam then I would suggest that the first thing you do is put that microphone in the bin. Calibration through that mic resulted in cleaner mid range, but a slightly sharp treble and non existent bass. The mic barely picked up my subwoofer when completing the volume matching. These problems I found oout afterwards are pretty well documented It’s just rubbish.
Add a UMIK-1 (grey imports available for £75) and the results are astounding for movies, especially with the Harman target curve applied. Treble is natural, vocals incredibly clear and bass beautifully balanced. I have been watching Last Jedi and I can’t peel myself away. Whether I use Bass Optimisation or not my single sub is integrated seamlessly, with Dirac choosing a crossover of 70hz across all speakers.
For music however I still think there is work to be done. Mids and uppers are better than no Dirac (which was already good) but the bass feels too light. Maybe I’ve just been used to over blown bass from my other amps, but I feel it needs a subtle uptick to the curve. I’m going to live with the music for a little longer as the bass quality is great and add a gentle slope if needed.
It’s strange though as bass in movies feels balanced but also deep and powerful . I am using different speaker configs for music so let’s see.
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KristopherJN
Well-known member
- Nov 29, 2019
- 1
- 0
- 1,520
I've owned an SDR-35 for almost 18 months and cannot fault it for movies and music presentation. Having recently moved I've had to get rid of my centre and use a phantom centre, but it still sounds stunning. I'm currently running B&W 603's, M-1 Surrounds, and KEF R50 Atmos speakers. A lot of people will remark I'm not doing the SDR justice but I plan over time to upgrade to PMC Twenty 5 26i's for the fronts, and 21's for the rear (or possibly ci30's), plus a sub refresh. My only comment is whilst costly, having a professional DIRAC calibration is worth its weight in gold, and has already revolutionised my system. If you can afford to buy the SDR and build a speaker system around it, you simply can't go wrong.
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