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They’ve been pretty busy over at JBL. Part of the Harman Luxury Audio Group, the company has just launched a suite of new products including the new JBL 4329P Studio Monitor powered loudspeaker. Marketed as a completely self-contained, amplified system, the 4329P includes two speakers, each featuring a patented JBL 2409H 25mm compression driver, High-Definition Imaging horn and JW200P-4 205mm pure-pulp black paper cone mid/bass driver with a cast frame. Each speaker is powered by a 300W amplifier, with a claimed 250W delivered to the mid/bass and 50W to the compression driver. Both are controlled by a digital signal processor (DSP) to ensure that each driver blends seamlessly.

The speaker’s integrated streaming engine provides wired and wireless network audio capabilities via built-in Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth 5.3 aptX Adaptive audio. It utilises a 24-bit/192kHz DAC, is MQA compatible and Roon-ready. Connectivity includes USB, optical and 3.5mm stereo inputs, plus an XLR/6.35mm TRS phono in for use with balanced or unbalanced signals. The 4329P will be available in natural walnut or black walnut furniture-grade wood veneer finish options in the second quarter of 2023 at £4,000 per system pair.

Other new pieces of kit are part of the company’s Classic series and include the SA550 Classic integrated amplifier, MP350 Classic streaming media player, CD350 Classic CD player and TT350 Classic turntable.

JBL says: “Inspired by the JBL SA600 amplifier from the Sixties and the exclusive SA750 integrated amplifier introduced to celebrate JBL’s 75th Anniversary in 2021, their retro styling features the same natural walnut wood veneers as the Classic Series loudspeakers along with machined aluminium faceplates and controls, while the latest hi-res digital and analogue audio electronics deliver unmatched listening”.

Featuring an advanced Class G amplifier topology with high-power output and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, the SA550 Classic can be paired with mobile devices right out of the box. Once connected to a home network via wi-fi or Ethernet, the Roon-ready MP350 Classic music player allows listeners to enjoy music directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as a host of additional music services via Google Chromecast or Apple Airplay.

For listening to CDs JBL’s CD350 Classic supports CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback, as well as compatibility with FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA file formats. The compact disc player combines a tray-loading mechanism and USB-A input with hi-res digital technology for bit-perfect sound.

The TT350 Classic direct-drive turntable offers 33 and 45rpm speed selection as well as a moving-magnet cartridge pre-installed on a removable headshell for easy upgrade. Damped and adjustable feet reduce vibration ingress to the record while a dust cover is additionally included.

The SA550 Classic, CD350 Classic, MP350 Classic and TT350 Classic will be available in the second quarter of 2023 with suggested prices of £1,600, £800, £875 and £925 respectively.

Finally there’s the JBL Spinner BT turntable – a Bluetooth deck that pairs with portable speakers, soundbars and headphones for wireless vinyl playback, with aptX HD encoding. For a wired connection, it features an analogue output with a switchable moving-magnet phono stage for use with traditional component systems or active speaker systems. The unit’s design consists of an aluminium platter and tonearm, black MDF plinth with JBL orange accents, a contemporary front panel and a hinged dust cover. The tonearm features an Audio-Technica moving-magnet cartridge pre-installed on a removable headshell for easy upgrading. The turntable’s feet are damped to reduce vibration. The JBL Spinner BT will be available in the third quarter of 2023 priced at £375.

Distributed in the UK by the Harman Luxury Audio Group, you can find out more about JBL's wealth of new products on its website here.