JBL TT350 Classic Review
We recently introduced the JBL Spinner BT. Now, we’re exploring a high-end turntable that costs almost three times as much. What sets the JBL TT350 Classic apart, and why might it be worth the extra cost?
By Alexander Rose-Fehling
If you spend $ on a turntable, you can reasonably expect excellent sound, solid build quality, and premium components. You won’t find as many bells and whistles, at least not in terms of added features. Compared to the Spinner BT, the TT350 skips Bluetooth and an internal phono preamp. However, in the world of turntables, fewer add-ons often indicate higher-quality core parts.
Class over crowd
The TT350 upgrades where it matters most: better feet, a more refined platter, a higher-quality cartridge, and an improved tonearm. All of these details make a significant impact on overall sound quality and justify a larger portion of the budget.
Another key difference is the drive system. The Spinner BT uses a basic belt drive, while the TT350 goes for direct drive, meaning the platter spindle is part of the motor. Many budget-friendly direct-drive systems come from the same factory, so they’re produced in large quantities with consistently good quality (see Reloop Turn 5 or Magnat MTT990). Given the high volume, manufacturers don’t always develop their own drives, arms, or other components.
FITTING: The split front panel pairs perfectly with the other three devices in the JBL Classic series.
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FLEXIBLE: The aluminum tonearm can be raised or lowered, making cartridge swaps easier.
DARKENED: The tinted dust cover looks sharp. A nice bonus: the exclamation mark logo lights up orange when operating and turns red in standby (after 20 minutes without use).
“The S-shaped aluminum tonearm has stable, play-free bearings and a cueing lever that lowers gently.”
Thanks to high production numbers, developing these parts from scratch is often unnecessary for many brands.
Better numbers
High-grade components usually mean better measurements. Indeed, the TT350’s bearing noise (rumble) is significantly lower, and its speed accuracy is more precise. It’s slightly behind the Spinner BT in wow and flutter, but the TT350’s overall construction wins out. The MDF plinth with a walnut veneer and aluminum front plate looks superb and matches the rest of the Classic series. The aluminum platter is also better damped.
Unlike the Spinner BT’s felt mat, the TT350 includes a rubber mat, along with a dust cover.
The tonearm is aluminum, like on the Spinner, but follows an S-shape. Though its appearance is somewhat understated—especially the counterweight—it has tight bearings and feels smooth to operate. The removable headshell means you can easily try different cartridges. Some excellent cartridges even come pre-mounted on headshells, making upgrades simpler. The built-in cartridge is the Audio Technica AT-VM95E, retailing at around $55. It’s a great starter cartridge that can be improved further by swapping the stylus. We tested the TT350 as sold, without any modifications.
Listening impressions
After about 20 hours to let the Audio Technica settle in, we compared the TT350 to a Magnat MTT990 of similar cost. Both used the same cartridge and appeared to have similar feet. The TT350 tackled “Rad Stays Rad” by Stöner with lively punch. This record is heavy on bass, yet the TT350 delivered it well, sounding slightly fuller than the Magnat. Pace and timing felt spot-on from the start. The mono LP “John Coltrane With The Red Garland Trio” from Analogue Productions was likewise presented with energy and authenticity. The Magnat offered a marginally more anchored presentation overall.
Listening to Muff Potter’s “Hammerschläge, Hinterköpfe,” vocals seemed less precise compared to streaming on both turntables. The Magnat had a small edge in clarity, which was true for Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” as well. You only notice these minor differences in a direct A/B test, though. On its own, the TT350 is a superb, user-friendly turntable that brings plenty of joy to vinyl listening. It doesn’t match the heft of the heavier MTT990 with its 10-inch arm, nor the effortless naturalness and liveliness of a Rega Planar 3. Ultimately, it’s a bit on the pricey side.
JBL TT350 Classic Performance Report
The TT350 holds its speed very precisely (deviation -0.08% at 33 rpm), with wow & flutter at 0.16% (2-sigma, IEC386). Although that could be improved, there are no periodic speed fluctuations. Rumble is consistently well controlled at 70 and 77 dB (weighted), whether using a record clamp or not.
However, with the clamp, we measured a slight mains hum (left, in blue). The Audio Technica VM95E cartridge has a linear frequency response, good channel separation (29/31 dB L/R), a strong output level (7.2 mV/5.65 cm/s), good tracking (90–110 μm), and mildly higher treble distortion (0.19/0.35% L/R). Power consumption is 1.0 W in standby and 2.0 W when running.
Tech Specs
| Brand/Model | JBL TT350 CLASSIC |
| Website | jbl.com |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 45 × 15 × 35.5 cm |
| Weight | 7 kg |
| Drive | Direct |
| Speeds | 33 & 45 rpm |
| Speed Switch | Yes |
| Height-Adjustable Arm | Yes |
| Height-Adjustable Feet | Yes |
| Pitch Control | No |
| Semi-/Full Automation, Auto-Stop | No / No |
| Special Features | Direct drive |
Conclusion:
The JBL TT350 Classic is an ideal choice for anyone who wants a straightforward turntable, especially if you’re looking for something that pairs seamlessly with other JBL Classic components.
Pros & Cons
- + Appealing retro design
- + Lively, enjoyable sound
- + Easy, user-friendly controls
- + Good but fairly basic cartridge
- – Slightly pricier than some competitors
Test Results
| Sound (RCA) | 8.8/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Operation | 8/10 |
| Workmanship | 8/10 |
| Overall Rating | 8.8/10 |
Price/Performance: 9/10 (very good)
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JBL TT350 complete turntable unboxing/seting up and play
unboxing: 5 minutes, summary configuration: 5 minutes hard to imagine how could gey so much music for the budget. Eager to ...
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