JBL Synthesis unveils first 8k AVR and subwoofer amp

Harman Luxury Audio’s JBL Synthesis brand is updating its product offering with two new HDMI v2.1 home theatre components, and a new subwoofer amplifier.

The SDP-58 surround processor and SDR-38 AVR (pictured above) will debut in the first quarter of 2022, and following in the footsteps of the SDP-55 and SDR-35, will offer 16-channel immersive audio support for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Auro 3D surround formats; Dirac Live room calibration, including multi-subwoofer Bass Control; Dante connectivity; and IMAX Enhanced certification.

The existing HDMI v2.0-equipped SDP-55 and SDR-35 will remain in the range well into 2022, says the company, offering integrators a JBL Synthesis option at a lower price point, where 8k or 4k 120fps compatibility is not required.

Earlier this year, JBL Synthesis announced an HDMI 2.1 upgrade program for the existing SDP-55 surround processor and SDR-35 AV receiver. That upgrade will become available in December 2021, with global availability via Harman Luxury Audio’s network of service centres. Pricing will be announced in November.

Also new is the SDA-1700 subwoofer amplifier, designed to work exclusively with the SSW-4 passive in-wall subwoofer module. The SDA-1700 is a two-space rack-mountable chassis with front-panel level control, rear-panel crossover, phase, single-band PEQ, and module EQ controls. It features 350W of Class D amplification into a single SSW-4 subwoofer or 700W into a pair of SSW-4 subwoofers.

“The products announced today further strengthen our JBL Synthesis brand and enhance the relationship we have with our dealer partners around the world,” said Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio. “With our expanded portfolio of best-in-class products, patented technologies, and ability to scale our systems to meet nearly any budget or room size, dealers and customers alike can be assured that they have the best performance available today for their custom AV entertainment spaces.”

Pricing on all the new introductions is TBA.