Jbl sa550 Electronics Integrated Amplifier Wood - Silver

JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier

The new JBL SA550 Classic integrated amplifier takes inspiration from its 1960s predecessor, the JBL SA600, mimicking its retro styling, complete with walnut veneer side panels to match the finish of the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers.

On the inside, it's anything but vintage, with an efficient, high-power amplifier topology and the latest in wireless technology. The JBL SA550 Classic includes the latest Bluetooth 5.2 AptX® Adaptive technology for high-resolution, low-latency audio, ensuring perfect synchronization even with video footage. It's also Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast wireless.

The JBL SA550 Classic's amplifier topology is Class G. Multiple power stages are used, where normally an amplifier only uses one. The first stage provides enough power to the amplifier to deliver 10 Watts per channel in Class A, with the remainder of the power delivered by an additional stage in Class AB, without any switching issues. The result is incredibly low noise and crystal clear sound, with all the micro dynamics and detail preserved. Of course, 10 Watts is not a lot, and the JBL SA550 can deliver much more. Maximum power is 150 Watts per channel using a second, much higher voltage power supply, and this is where the SA550's amplification is incredibly ingenious. If the second power supply were simply inserted into the circuit when needed, it would introduce nasty distortion, harmonic at that, which is very unpleasant to the audio signal. The JBL SA550 therefore includes a series of high-speed "lifters" that gradually increase the power delivered to the amplifier, following the music signal while maintaining a 5 Volt margin. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of Class G amplification, while eliminating the negatives and easily powering any speaker system.

There are three digital inputs, while there are four analogue inputs, including an MM phono input for a turntable. The digital inputs use the Sabre's excellent high-resolution DAC, the high-performance ESS ES9038K2M chip. The JBL SA550 is a throwback to the late 1960s on the outside, while on the inside, with its high-resolution Bluetooth technology, efficient amplification and exceptional musical performance, it is a modern classic rooted in today's best technologies.

KEY FEATURES

Latest generation amplifier with vintage look

Class G amplifier stage

90W power per channel into 8ohm and 150W into 4ohm

High-resolution Bluetooth 5.2 input with AptX® Adaptive

Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast wireless

ESS ES9038K2M high-resolution DAC

3 digital inputs with coaxial and Toslink connections

4 analog inputs, including MM phono input

Front panel headphone input

Pre out output

Walnut veneered side panels to better match the finish of the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers

Remote control

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Continuous power with both channels in operation (0.5% THD): 90W into 8Ω and 150W into 4Ω

Harmonic distortion (80% power, 8Ω at 1kHz): 0.002%

MM Phono input:

- Sensitivity at 1kHz, 5mV

- Input impedance: 47kΩ + 100pF

- Frequency response (ref. RIAA curve): 20Hz - 20kHz ±1dB

- Signal to noise ratio (A-wtd) 50W, ref. input 5mV: 80dB

Line inputs:

- Sensitivity: 1V

- Input impedance: 10kΩ

- Max input: 6Vrms

- Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB

- Signal to noise ratio (A-wtd) 50W, ref. input 5mV: 80dB

1V: 106dB

Digital inputs:

- Resolution: 16 bit - 24 bit

- Sampling rate (Optical) (kHz): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96

- Sampling rate (Coaxial) (kHz): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192

- Frequency response 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.05dB

- Signal to noise ratio (A-wtd) 50W, ref. input 1V: 115dB

Finish: Silver with walnut veneered side panels

Accessories: Remote control, batteries, power cord, quick start guide

Power supply: 110–120V or 220–240V, 50–60Hz Mains 60Hz

Maximum consumption: 500W

Dimensions (WxHxD): 449x114x327mm

Weight: 12kg