The SA550 Classic is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by JBL that delivers 90 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 150 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the SA550 Classic compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS9038K2M DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. JBL SA550 C lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. JBL SA550 C has an MSRP of 1999$.
There are 2 JBL amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
JBL Integrated Amplifier Series
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Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The JBL SA550 C is rated at 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms. JBL provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.002% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 90 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.002%
- 150 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 106dB Signal to Noise Ratio
When pairing the JBL SA550 C with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the JBL SA550 C Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the JBL SA550 C amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the JBL SA550 C, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
JBL SA550 C has total of 3 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
JBL SA550 C Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- Phono Input
- 1 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input:
- USB Type-A input for software updates only
Outputs
- Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
- 3.5mm Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
JBL SA550 C features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
JBL SA550 C features one Phono Input which is compatible with
MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the
Cambridge Duo or the
iFi ZEN Phono.
Subwoofer Output
JBL SA550 C has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with JBL SA550 C amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The JBL SA550 C's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the SA550 Classic is the
ESS9038K2M.
JBL SA550 C External Dimensions and Weight
JBL SA550 C has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 4-15/16inch x 17-3/4inch x 13-5/8inch (126.0mm x 451.0mm x 347.0mm ). The unit weighs
11.22kg / 24.7lbs.
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the JBL SA550 C is approximately 1565.0cm2 / 242.6inch2.
- Width: 451.0mm (17-3/4")
- Height: 126.0mm (4-15/16")
- Depth: 347.0mm (13-5/8")
- Weight: 11.22 kg (24.69lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1565.0cm2 / 242.6inch2
- Volume: ~19.7 liter / 5.2 gallon
JBL SA550 C - Side View
Available colors
JBL SA550 C is available in Silver color options.
What's in the Box of JBL SA550 C?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SA550 Classic:
Integrated Amplifier58-inch AC power cordRemote control2 -inchAAA-inch batteriesQuick Start GuideImportant Safety Instructions
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier:
Official Brochure for JBL SA550 C
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for JBL SA550 C
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the JBL SA550 C by the manufacturer.
JBL SA550 C Lifestyle
| General |
| Brand |
JBL |
| Full Model Name |
JBL SA550 Classic |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Amp Class |
Class G |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
90 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
150 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20-20k |
| THD |
0.002% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
106 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
ESS9038K2M |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| WiFi |
N/A |
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
No |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
No |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
No |
| Roon |
No |
| HEOS |
No |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
1 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| USB Type |
USB Type-A input for software updates only |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Headphone Output |
3.5mm |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 2-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
126.0mm (4-15/16") |
| Width |
451.0mm (17-3/4") |
| Depth |
347.0mm (13-5/8") |
| Weight |
11.22 kg (24.69lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Silver |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |