JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 399 Detailed Comparison

JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 399

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JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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NAD C 399

Integrated Amplifier | 180 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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JBL SA550 C

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NAD C 399

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JBL SA550 C

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NAD C 399

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JBL SA550 C vs NAD C 399 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing SA550 Classic and C 399, two Integrated Amplifiers from JBL and NAD. Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and NAD C 399 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 399 Key Specs

180 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

HDMI Input (eARC)

Bluetooth v4.0

Weight: 24.70 lbs / 11.23 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):4-13/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-7/16inch

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and NAD C 399 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 399
Near-field	Poor	Are you nuts?
Small Room	Average	Bad
Mid-size Room	Good	Poor
Large Room	Average	Good
Very Large Room	Poor	Good

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how JBL SA550 C and NAD C 399 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 399

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.002% vs 0.02%	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
Base Surface Area	1565.0cm²/ 242.6inch² vs 1818.3cm²/ 281.8inch²	takes less space in your room

Reasons to choose NAD C 399 over JBL SA550 Classic

Watts into 8-ohms	180 watts vs 90 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	180 watts vs 150 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Optical Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
BluOS	Yes vs No	Compatible with BluOS Wireless Ecosystem
Height	123mm vs 126mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

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 399 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 399 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Phono Input
2 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-A(Service Only)
HDMI eARC

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

NAD C 399 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 399?

Here are the items that come with the C 399:

Integrated amplifier

6-feet AC power cord

Remote control (SR 9)

2 AA batteries

Antenna

Quick Setup Guide

Important Safety Instructions

Warranty Card