JBL MP350
Contents
The JBL MP350 is a brand new model. The one we have on test had really just landed on Dutch soil.
Now JBL is part of the Harman Group, as is Arcam. So it is predictable that there will be some cross-pollination between Arcam and JBL. However, this streamer features a new platform. This platform can handle Chromecast, Airplay, UPnP and ROON. In short: there is a solution for everyone.
Inputs can be found in the form of network (wireless and wired) and bluetooth. USB storage with music files is also possible. Outputs are single ended analog and coaxial / optical digital.
The Sound
The JBL sounds nice … really nice. imaging is big and generous. There is no excessive amount of detail, but everything is just balanced. A nice balance of insight, layering, warmth and flow. Very impressively done by JBL.
During the test we kept referring to the JBL again and again, which is a good sign: it is a reproduction that sticks with you. And one we secretly want to return to. Just because it plays so nicely… Definitely a streamer to consider if you’re looking in this class!
Measurements JBL MP350
Since there are no inputs except network, we can’t measure a whole lot. Except noise floor. And that’s all right. We don’t see excessive noise. In fact, for single ended, it’s well under control. We see a noise floor of around -120 / -125 dB, which is just fine. Common mode on the Ethernet port and power supply side is minimal
JBL MP350 Specifications
| Model and type | JBL MP350 |
| DAC Chip | PCM 1796 |
| Outputs | Single ended, optical, coaxial |
| Digital in | LAN, Wifi, Bluetooth |
| Analog in | No |
| Own app | No (to come), Chromecast, UPnP, AirPlay. ROON to come. |
| Pre-amp | Yes, digitally controlled |
| Price | 900 Euro |
Ifi Neo stream , the optical network connection generates more noise!!!! How is that possible?
The optical should disappear noise not introduce it? Why didn’t you try with a better power supply?
The power supply is the issue. And we test as-is. This is how you buy the streamer.
So the provided power x is for the neo stream only and the small usb ps causes all the problem?
Yes
Since the noise is generated in the eth to optical box shouldn’t be eliminated during the optical transfer to the streamer?
Apparently not… I measured multiple times…
So is it safe to assume that optical connection isn’t the holly grail for noise isolation? Or the measured noise might appear from another source?
I guess the implementation is just badly done… I never measured issues with other streamers.
In this instance the noise is probably injected in the signal before conversion to light. On the other end, the signal is simply converted back, including the noise.
No, optical isn’t a/the holy grail. If it would be, we all would use Toslink.
In case of this iFi streamer: just hook it up with a regular Ethernet cable, put a switch before it (one we tested adequate) and the result is good.
That…
Kind of ironic that an iFi product introduces noise with a supplied power supply, don’t you think?
Question, what are your settings for the dScope III? I typically use 100K input impedance, sample rate 192K, 32K FFT Prism-7 window and average over 8 samples. Your low end measurements look a little off. One thing you also have to remember is the VBUS/GND is tied to the internal supply and therefore you can get ground loops really easy when testing.
Thanks,
Gordon
Interesting test! Thank you. Going above 1000 eur by a coupld hundred the Eversolo Master version should do even better on the jitter front due to the femto clock and op amps. Would be interesting to measuer that one also.
We will test it as well