JBL SA 550

Integrated amplifier with retro style.
Power: 2x90W at 8Ω and 2x150W at 4Ω. Class G power amplifier stage. ESS ES9038K2M high-resolution DAC, 24bit/192KHz. 3 digital inputs and 4 analog inputs, including MM phono input. Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. Chromecast and AirPlay 2. Headphone output/Aux 3.5mm input on the front panel. Dot matrix display. Pre-out output. Remote control. Silver satin finish with walnut wood side panels.

The new JBL SA550 Classic integrated amplifier is inspired by its predecessor, the JBL SA600 from the '60s, mimicking its retro style, enhanced with walnut veneer side panels to better match the finish of JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers.
Inside, it’s all but vintage, with a high-power, efficient amplification topology and the latest wireless technologies. The JBL SA550 Classic features the latest Bluetooth 5.2 AptX® Adaptive technology for high-resolution, low-latency audio, ensuring perfect synchronization even with video footage. It also supports wireless Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

The amplification topology of the JBL SA550 Classic is Class G, utilizing multiple power stages when typically only one is used in most amplifiers. The first stage provides enough power for the amplifier to deliver 10 Watts per channel in Class A, while the remaining power is provided in Class AB from an additional stage, without any switching issues. The result is incredibly low noise and pure sound, with all micro-dynamics and details preserved. Of course, 10 Watts is not much, and the JBL SA550 can deliver much more. The maximum power is 150 Watts per channel using a second, much higher voltage power stage, which is where the amplification of the SA550 is incredibly ingenious. If the second power supply were simply added to the circuit when needed, it would introduce annoying harmonic distortion, unpleasant for the audio signal. Therefore, the JBL SA550 includes a series of high-speed “boosters” that gradually increase the power supplied to the amplifier, following the musical signal and maintaining a 5-volt margin. This allows the benefits of Class G amplification to be fully utilized, eliminating the negatives and seamlessly driving any speaker system.

The amplifier has three digital inputs and four analog inputs, including an MM phono input for a turntable. The digital inputs are powered by the high-resolution ESS ES9038K2M DAC chip, offering outstanding performance. The JBL SA550 brings a return to the late '60s on the outside, while inside, thanks to high-resolution Bluetooth technology, efficient amplification, and exceptional musical performance, it is a modern classic rooted in the best technologies of today.

Key Features:

• Class G amplification stage
• Power: 90W per channel at 8Ω and 150W at 4Ω
• High-resolution Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX® Adaptive
• Wireless Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
• ESS ES9038K2M high-resolution DAC
• 3 digital inputs with coaxial and Toslink connections
• 4 analog inputs, including MM phono input
• Headphone input on the front panel
• Pre-out output
• Walnut veneer side panels to match JBL Classic and Studio Monitor finishes
• Remote control

Technical Specifications:

• Continuous power with both channels active (0.5% THD): 90W at 8Ω and 150W at 4Ω
• Harmonic distortion (80% power, 8Ω at 1kHz): 0.002%
• Phono MM 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 1V: 106dB
• Digital inputs:
  • Resolution: 16 bit - 24 bit
  • Sampling (Optical)(kHz): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96
  • Sampling (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 veneer side panels
• Accessories:
  • Remote control
  • Batteries
  • Power cable
  • Quick start guide
• Power supply: 110–120V or 220–240V, 50–60Hz Mains 60Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 500W
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 449x114x327mm
• Weight: 12kg