JBL SA550 Classic vs LEAK Stereo 230 Detailed Comparison

JBL SA550 Classic vs LEAK Stereo 230

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JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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LEAK Stereo 230

Integrated Amplifier | 75 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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JBL SA550 C

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LEAK Stereo 230

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JBL SA550 C

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LEAK Stereo 230

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JBL SA550 C vs LEAK Stereo 230 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing SA550 Classic and Stereo 230, two Integrated Amplifiers from JBL and LEAK. Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and LEAK Stereo 230 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Key Specs	JBL SA550 C	LEAK Stereo 230
Power	90 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 150 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms	75 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 115 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms
Amplifier class	Class G	Class A/B
Built-in DAC	Yes	Yes
Phono input	Yes	Yes
Headphone output	3.5mm	1/4
Bluetooth	Yes	Yes
Weight	11.22kg / 24.7lbs	12.73kg / 28lbs
Dimensions (H x W x D)	4-15/16" x 17-3/4" x 13-5/8" 126.0mm x 451.0mm x 347.0mm	5-3/4" x 12-15/16" x 17-3/8" 147.0mm x 329.0mm x 442.0mm

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and LEAK Stereo 230 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment	JBL SA550 C	LEAK Stereo 230
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Average	Average
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Average	Average
Very Large Room	Poor	Poor

The sections below take each area in turn: power output, inputs and outputs, features and physical size.

**This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through our links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Reasons to choose JBL SA550 Classic over LEAK Stereo 230

Watts into 8-ohms	90 watts vs 75 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 115 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.002% vs 0.003%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	3 vs 2	More options for connecting Analog sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Height	126mm vs 147mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose LEAK Stereo 230 over JBL SA550 Classic

MSRP Price(*)	1,695USD vs 1,999USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio	109 dB vs 106 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Base Surface Area	1454.2cm²/ 225.4inch² vs 1565.0cm²/ 242.6inch²	takes less space in your room

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the JBL SA550 C and LEAK Stereo 230 differs from each other.

JBL SA550 C 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

LEAK Stereo 230 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-B (Connects to your Windows or Mac PC)
- USB-A (Update only)
HDMI ARC

JBL SA550 C Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output

LEAK Stereo 230 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of JBL SA550 C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of SA550 Classic:

Integrated Amplifier
58-inch AC power cord
Remote control
2 -inchAAA-inch batteries
Quick Start Guide
Important Safety Instructions