JBL MP350

The JBL MP350 is a network music player rather than a speaker: a compact streaming source that connects to an existing amplifier or powered speakers.

It is aimed at people who already own audio equipment they are happy with and want to add network streaming without replacing it, which is a much cheaper route to AirPlay 2 than buying a new system.

What Apple Home actually does with it

This is an AirPlay 2 speaker rather than a HomeKit accessory.

• It appears in the Home app as a speaker you can play to, and as an AirPlay target in Control Centre.
• You can assign it to a room and group it with HomePods for synchronised multi-room audio.
• Siri can send music to it by room name.
• It can be the audio output in a scene or an automation.

You cannot switch it on or set its volume from the Home app the way you would a light. Those stay with the speaker itself and its own app.

Before you buy

Check what inputs your amplifier has, and whether you want to use the player’s digital or analogue output.

A streaming module attached to good existing equipment usually beats an all-in-one at the same total price, because the money already spent on the amplifier and speakers keeps working.

For a portable alternative, the Eve Play does a similar job.

Specifications