JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 3050 BluOS-D Detailed Comparison

JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 3050 BluOS-D

Amp to replace

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JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 3050

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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JBL SA550 C

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NAD C 3050

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JBL SA550 C

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NAD C 3050

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JBL SA550 C vs NAD C 3050 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 C 3050 BluOS-D is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and NAD C 3050 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

NAD C 3050 Key Specs

100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

HDMI Input (eARC)

Bluetooth v5.0

Weight: 22.00 lbs / 10.00 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):5-1/16inch x 17-11/16inch x 14-5/16inch

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and NAD C 3050 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	NAD C 3050
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Average	Poor
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Average	Good
Very Large Room	Poor	Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how JBL SA550 C and NAD C 3050 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 NAD C 3050 BluOS-D

Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 100 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.002% vs 0.03%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio	106 dB vs 95 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	3 vs 2	More options for connecting Analog sources
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Base Surface Area	1565.0cm²/ 242.6inch² vs 1638.0cm²/ 253.9inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	126mm vs 129mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose NAD C 3050 BluOS-D over JBL SA550 Classic

MSRP Price(*)	1,899USD vs 1,999USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Watts into 8-ohms	100 watts vs 90 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Wi-Fi	Yes vs No	High quality streaming over WiFi
Apple AirPlay	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay
Apple AirPlay 2	Yes vs No	Compatible with Apple Devices with AirPlay 2
Roon	Ready vs No	Roon Compatibility
BluOS	Yes vs No	Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem

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 NAD C 3050 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

NAD C 3050 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB A
HDMI eARC
Ethernet Port

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
Pre-out/Main-in Loop
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

NAD C 3050 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 NAD C 3050?

Here are the items that come with the C 3050 BluOS-D:

Integrated amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Remote control (SR 10)

2 -inchAA-inch batteries

Auto calibration microphone

USB microphone adapter

3 Antennas

Quick Setup Guide

MDC2 BluOS-D Instructions

Important Safety Instructions

Dirac Live Quickstart Guide

Warranty Card