JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier

The JBL SA550 Classic is inspired by the classic 1960s JBL SA600 amplifier, with retro styling and walnut veneer side panels that externally match the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers. Inside, the JBL SA550 is a music system for today, featuring an advanced amplifier topology with high output power, inventive efficiency and fine noise control for captivating musicality and effortless performance. Connect your smartphone or tablet to the SA550 via Bluetooth and enjoy instant, high-performance music from all your music services and libraries that you listen to every day. The JBL SA550 Classic features the latest Bluetooth AptX®Adaptive technology for Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth and low latency to ensure the sound is synchronized with the video.

The advanced amplifier topology in the JBL SA550 Classic is called Class G. Class G uses multiple power supplies, while all other amplifiers only use one. The first power supply provides the amp with enough power to deliver 10 watts per channel, which isn't exactly a lot... but this small amp contains a large heat sink that keeps the amp stable up to 90 watts per channel. This allows the first 10 watts to be delivered in a topology known as Class A, which is typically not very efficient. The advantage is that no power amplifier components need to be switched on and off in the music signal, as is usually the case with Class AB or Class D amplifiers. The result is vanishingly low noise and the purest sound, with all microdynamics and details preserved.

Of course, 10 watts isn't much, and so the SA550 can deliver much more. It can deliver a maximum continuous power of 150 watts per channel when a second much higher voltage power supply is used, and this is where the amplification in the SA550 is incredibly inventive. If this second power supply were simply switched on when needed, unpleasant distortions would occur, including harmonics - very unpleasant. That's why the SA550 features a series of high-speed 'boosters' that gradually increase the power delivered to the amplifier, following the music signal and maintaining a 5 volt margin. This allows the benefits of Class-G amplification to be realized while eliminating the drawbacks and powering any speaker system with ease.

• Advanced integrated amplifier in a classic design
• Bluetooth input with Hi-res AptX®Adaptive technology
• Walnut veneer side panels to match the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor speakers
• 3 digital inputs with coax and Toslink connections
• High resolution DAC with ESS ES9038K2M DAC chip
• 4 analog inputs including MM phono stage
  Class G amplifier topology for ultra-low distortion
• Output power 90W per channel on 8O, 150W on 4O

TECHNICAL DATA

• Model: JBL SA550
• Continuous power output, both channels controlled (0.5% THD):
  • 90W in 8O x2
  • 150W in 4O x2
• Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8 O at 1 kHz: 0.002%
• Phono moving magnet input:
  • Input sensitivity at 1kHz: 5mV
  • Input impedance: 47kO + 100pF
  • Frequency response (see RIAA curve): 20Hz - 20kHz ±1dB
  • Signal/noise ratio (A-weight) 50W, item no. 5mV input: 80dB
  • Overload range, ref. 5mV at 1kHz
• Line inputs: Rated sensitivity: 1V
  
  • Input impedance: 10kO
  • Maximum input: 6Vrms
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.2dB
  • Signal/noise ratio (A-weight) 50W, item no. 1V input: 106dB
• Digital inputs:
  • Supported bit depth: 16 bit - 24 bit
  • Supported sampling rates (optical) (kHz): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96
  • Supported sample rates (coaxial) (kHz): 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192
  • Frequency response: 20Hz - 20kHz ±0.05dB
  • Signal/noise ratio (A-wt.) 50W, ref. 1V input: 115dB
• Mains voltage: 110-120V or 220-240V, 50-60Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 500W
• Product dimensions (W x H x D, including feet, control knob and speaker connections): 449 x 114 x 327 mm
• Product weight: 12kg