JBL SA550 Classic vs Marantz Model 50 Detailed Comparison

JBL SA550 Classic vs Marantz Model 50

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JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Marantz Model 50

Integrated Amplifier | 70 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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JBL SA550 C

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Marantz Model 50

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JBL SA550 C

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Marantz Model 50

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JBL SA550 C vs Marantz Model 50 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers . JBL SA550 Classic is a Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC speaker whereas the Model 50 is a Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and Marantz Model 50 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

JBL SA550 C Key Specs

90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Bluetooth

Weight: 24.69 lbs / 11.22 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):4-15/16inch x 17-3/4inch x 13-5/8inch

Marantz Model 50 Key Specs

70 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Phono Input

Weight: 31.30 lbs / 14.23 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):5-1/16inch x 17-3/8inch x 17-13/16inch

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and Marantz Model 50 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	Marantz Model 50
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Average	Average
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Average	Average
Very Large Room	Poor	Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how JBL SA550 C and Marantz Model 50 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.

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

Reasons to choose JBL SA550 Classic over Marantz Model 50

Watts into 8-ohms	90 watts vs 70 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 100 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.002% vs 0.02%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Buil-in DAC	Yes vs No	Connect digital sources without an external DAC
Bluetooth	Yes vs No	Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Optical Digital Inputs	1 vs No	More options for connecting Digital sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs No	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs No	Connect Sources via USB
Base Surface Area	1565.0cm²/ 242.6inch² vs 2002.3cm²/ 310.4inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	126mm vs 129mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Marantz Model 50 over JBL SA550 Classic

MSRP Price(*)	1,800USD vs 1,999USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Signal to Noise Ratio	113 dB vs 106 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	5 vs 3	More options for connecting Analog sources

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 Marantz Model 50 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

Marantz Model 50 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
Phono Input

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

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Outputs

Stereo RCA, Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Marantz Model 50 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

What's in the Box of Marantz Model 50?

Here are the items that come with the Model 50:

Integrated amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Remote control (RC003PMND)

2 -inchAAA-inch batteries

Quick Start Guide Safety Instructions

Warranty Information