JBL Synthesis SDR-35 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022 winner. JBL’s classy SDR-35 is a clear cut above the AVR norm Tested at £6000

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 review
(Image: © Future)

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

If you’re building a high-end home cinema, the SDR-35 should be the first AVR you audition

Pros

  • +

    Supremely clean, clear sound

  • +

    Thrilling mix of subtlety and scale

  • +

    Substantial format support

Cons

  • -

    Only seven channels of power

  • -

    HDMI 2.1 upgrade will cost extra

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

When hunting for an AV receiver or amplifier, it can be hard not to get caught up in the battle of the specs. As the component to which all others are connected, it’s essentially the brains and beating heart of a system (not to mention often the most expensive single element), so it’s understandable that a certain amount of spec obsession creeps in. Even features that you don’t need now could become important in the future and you will want to cover as many bases as possible.

Those who become too focused on comparing spec sheets may well overlook the JBL Synthesis SDR-35. While its format support is thorough, its amplification for just seven channels and (current) lack of HDMI 2.1 connections are trumped by Denon receivers costing around a sixth of its huge price tag.

Of course, what a spec sheet can never tell you is how a product sounds, and in this regard, the JBL Synthesis SDR-35 is a clear cut above any other AV amplifier we’ve tested over the past few years.

Features

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 features

(Image credit: Future)

The JBL Synthesis SDR-35 is based on the Arcam AVR30 (now replaced by the AVR31), albeit with a number of differences. The biggest one of these in terms of sound quality is said to be the move from the ESS Sabre 9026 Pro DAC to the 9028 Pro. This is claimed to result in lower distortion and better detail and dynamics.

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 tech specs

JBL Synthesis SDR-35

(Image credit: Future)

HDMI inputs x7

HDMI outputs x3 (including eARC)

HDMI 2.1 No

Power 100W (per channel) into 8 ohms with 7 channels driven

HDR formats HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision

Audio formats Dolby Atmos, Atmos Height Virtualization, DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Auro 3D, IMAX Enhanced

Connectivity Chromecast, AirPlay 2, aptX HD Bluetooth, Roon Ready

The JBL and Arcam both use Dirac Live Room Correction (a more involved and advanced take on the mic-driven calibration of most modern AVRs), but only the JBL comes bundled with Dirac’s Bass Control feature, which uses machine learning and AI to more accurately and cohesively balance bass delivery around the listening space – something that should be particularly useful if your system includes multiple subwoofers. Anyone buying the Arcam AVR31 will have to fork out an additional £333 / $349 / AU$491 to add this feature.

The SDR-35 also features Logic 16 processing, which is designed to create a more convincing 3D soundscape. All signals, even those in mono, can be up-mixed to 15.1 using Logic 16.

Last on the list of upgrades over the AVR30/AVR31 is the inclusion of Dante, which allows for the lossless transmission of hi-res AV signals over standard ethernet cables. If you’re having a system installed throughout your house, you (or your custom installer) could be grateful for this. It should bring the cost of cabling down, too.

The JBL Synthesis SDR-35 shares lots of specs with its Arcam cousin, including its Class G amplification, which consists of two power supplies – one highly efficient power supply that handles low-volume effects, and another with more power that takes over when higher volumes are required. 

The arrangement is designed to ensure plenty of power is available as required while ensuring that no more power is used than is necessary. The crossover between the two power supplies is intended to be inaudible.

Power is rated at 100W into 8 ohms when all seven channels are driven, and that is really the maximum the SDR-35 can drive when used solo. Though it can decode and process up to 15.1 channels in a maximum 9.1.6 configuration, taking advantage of this requires the use of extra amplification. 

The seven-channel JBL Synthesis SDA-7120 power amplifier is the obvious choice here. Used on its own, it’s best to think of the SDR-35 as a 5.1 amplifier with two extra channels that can be used to add rears, heights or a stereo second zone.

There’s a substantial selection of physical connections on the SDR-35’s rear including six analogue RCAs, four coaxials and three opticals (there’s also a 3.5mm aux-in on the front panel). The HDMI section consists of seven ins and three outs, with one of the outs supporting eARC.

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 features

(Image credit: Future)

This is the only nod to HDMI 2.1 functionality, though, and all of the sockets are 18gbps HDMI 2.0s. A hardware upgrade to replace the existing HDMI 2.0 video board with a new HDMI 2.1 board that supports uncompressed 8K video on all inputs and outputs will begin in December 2021. But this will involve returning the unit to a dealer and paying an as-yet-unknown additional cost (pricing for this process will be announced in November). JBL has since released an updated model, the SDR-38 AV receiver, which takes the functionality of the SDR-35 with the addition of an HDMI 2.1 video board as a factory-installed component. Those for whom next-gen features are important may well want to consider that model instead.

While a lack of HDMI 2.1 functionality might be alarming, it’s only presently an issue for hardcore gamers. The JBL already supports 4K signals at up to 60 frames per second, which no movie source currently goes beyond, and format support is exemplary, with HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ all supported on the video side, and Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro 3D and even IMAX Enhanced for audio.

Dolby Height Virtualisation and DTS Virtual:X are also on board for those who want to simulate height effects without the use of physical ceiling or up-firing speakers.

There are plenty of ways to wirelessly get your content to the SDR-35, too, including aptX HD Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast. It also works with Harman’s MusicLife app, which allows for streaming of music from the likes of Tidal, Deezer and Qobuz, plus tracks stored on your own network.

MusicLife takes care of podcasts and internet radio, too, and the SDR-35 has built-in FM and DAB tuners if you want to get your radio the old-fashioned way. Finally, it’s also Roon Ready.

Build

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 build

(Image credit: Future)

The JBL Synthesis SDR-35 looks significantly different from its Arcam relation, with the latter’s traditional grey finish and slightly dated styling being replaced by a more monolithic design finished in a classy matte black. Eight small buttons on the front allow for switching of inputs and navigating menus, and there’s a large and tactile volume knob. Next to the aforementioned 3.5mm aux-in is a 3.5mm headphone output.

The gloss black strip on the front of the unit houses a full-colour OLED screen that boldly displays the current input, format and volume, and can also be used to access the receiver’s menus. Text for the latter appears in a small font, though, so navigating menus and changing options from across the room isn’t really feasible. While menu options are displayed on the connected TV or projector, the complete menu system isn’t, and that makes navigation tricky that way, too.

The SDR-35 is a large device, measuring 17cm tall by 43cm wide. You will need a large, well-ventilated rack, particularly if you also plan to add a power amp or amps.

Sound

JBL Synthesis SDR-35 sound

(Image credit: Future)

In all likelihood, anyone purchasing a JBL Synthesis SDR-35 will also have the installation and set-up done for them, and that’s worthwhile. It’s not that the receiver is vastly more complicated than other products of its type – in fact, in many ways it’s refreshingly straightforward – but getting the most out of the Dirac Live Room Correction takes a fair amount of knowledge and patience.

In our home cinema test room, the calibration actually weakens the delivery, but results in your room may well be more effective, particularly with a professional installer involved. Either way, switching between your Dirac preset (or presets) and the standard mode is just a button-press away, so it’s quick and easy to compare and contrast.

In our manually calibrated 7.1 configuration, the JBL Synthesis SDR-35 sings. As Deadpool does his piece to camera at the start of the highway gunfight scene in his first film, we’re immediately struck by the cleanliness and clarity of the delivery. There’s a beautiful naturalism to Ryan Reynolds’ voice – a richness and weight that makes less premium AV amplifiers sound a bit reedy and unsubstantial. In scenes with more characters, each voice has a clearly defined and unique timbre. Until you’ve heard a product that’s as well sorted as the SDR-35, you don’t realise how imprecise others are in this regard.

In quieter scenes, the JBL proves to be a nuanced and subtle performer, digging up the finest of details and deftly defining low-level dynamic alterations, but it’s also a true powerhouse when the action requires it. As the bullets start flying, there’s a hugely satisfying dynamic shift and a huge uptick in overall weight and heft. The leading edges of effects are crisply defined, but there’s none of the aggressiveness here that more affordable amplifiers fall foul of. Instead, that hit is fulsome, rich and solid. It’s satisfying in a way that few home cinema products can be.

The delivery is cohesive, too, both in terms of its tonality and its organisation. No frequencies stand out unduly, and effects are passed from one speaker to another without the listener’s attention ever being drawn to the process. You’re simply drawn into and immersed in the film you’re watching, which is just as it should be.

JBL makes a strong case for the SDR-35’s music credentials, and justifiably so. Playing Michael Jackson’s This Is It Blu-ray, there’s unrivalled rhythmic and spatial precision to the presentation. Every instrument and vocal is crisply defined and given plenty of space in the surround field, creating a striking sense of being in the concert hall for the rehearsals. Detail levels, dynamics and timing are excellent, too, comfortably conveying the unbelievable quality of Jackson’s live band.

The JBL is a musical performer with stereo sources, too. You wouldn’t need to spend thousands for a stereo amp that sounds even better but the SDR-35 is very accomplished for an AV amplifier, delivering SBTRKT’s Trials Of The Past with plenty of urgency and punch, the opening of Møl’s Bruma with an enchanting sense of space and growing threat, and Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’s The Road with layers of texture low-level dynamic subtlety. This is about as hi-fi as home cinema products get.

Verdict

The JBL Synthesis SDR-35 is an extraordinarily good home cinema receiver. Its spec sheet may lack a little in terms of amplified channels and absent HDMI 2.1 compared with more mainstream AV amps from the likes of Denon, but in terms of sound quality, it’s in a whole different league, delivering music and movies with a truly rare maturity and sophistication.

The Arcam AVR30 could yet prove to be a better performance-per-pound purchase, and we hope to find out shortly. In its own right, though, this JBL is a stunner, and if we were building a high-end home cinema from scratch, it would be the first component on the shortlist.

SCORES

  • Sound 5
  • Features 4
  • Build 4

MORE:

Read our guide to the best AV receivers

Read our Arcam AVR31 review

How to set up your AV receiver and get the best sound

See all the What Hi-Fi? Award 2022 winners

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test

  • abacus
    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
    Reply
  • Big Aura
    would love to see a shoot-out between this, the Arcam and the Anthem MRX1140 (sadly I don't think WHF has ever reviewed an Anthem AVR?!)
    Reply
  • Big Aura said:
    would love to see a shoot-out between this, the Arcam and the Anthem MRX1140 (sadly I don't think WHF has ever reviewed an Anthem AVR?!)
    Yes, they have:

    https://www.whathifi.com/anthem/mrx-510/review
    Reply
  • CJ Reneau
    I need to upgrade and I like this receiver, but I already have some nice amps and it seems a shame to buy it solely as a processor (esp when there are some really good ones in this price range). Not having HDMI 2.1 out of the box is also a bit of a bummer.
    Reply
  • abacus
    CJ Reneau said:
    I need to upgrade and I like this receiver, but I already have some nice amps and it seems a shame to buy it solely as a processor (esp when there are some really good ones in this price range). Not having HDMI 2.1 out of the box is also a bit of a bummer.

    The processor version is the SDP-55 which will save you £1000.

    Bill
    Reply
  • Deliriumbassist
    CJ Reneau said:
    I need to upgrade and I like this receiver, but I already have some nice amps and it seems a shame to buy it solely as a processor (esp when there are some really good ones in this price range). Not having HDMI 2.1 out of the box is also a bit of a bummer.

    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).
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    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.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    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.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    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.
    Reply
  • Sliced Bread
    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.
    Reply