JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 700 Detailed Comparison

JBL SA550 Classic vs NAD C 700

Amp to replace

Change

JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

Change

NAD C 700

Integrated Amplifier | 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

CHECK PRICE

JBL SA550 C

See at AMAZON

NAD C 700

See at AMAZON

JBL SA550 C

See at AMAZON

NAD C 700

See at AMAZON

JBL SA550 C vs NAD C 700 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 700 is a Streaming Integrated Amplifier speaker.

Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and NAD C 700 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 700 Key Specs

80 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

HDMI Input (eARC)

Bluetooth v5.0

Weight: 10.60 lbs / 4.82 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):3-13/16inch x 8-5/8inch x 11-5/8inch

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and NAD C 700 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 700
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 NAD C 700 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 700

Handheld Remote	Yes vs No	Control the amplifier by the included RC
Watts into 8-ohms	90 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms	150 watts vs 80 watts	Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.002% vs 0.04%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio	106 dB vs 84 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Total Analog Inputs	3 vs 2	More options for connecting Analog sources
PhonoInput	Yes vs No	Connect a turntable directly to your amp
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input	Yes vs No	Connect Sources via USB
Headphone Output	3.5mm vs No	Connect your headphone to the amplifier

Reasons to choose NAD C 700 over JBL SA550 Classic

MSRP Price(*)	1,599USD vs 1,999USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Full-color Display	Yes vs No	Displays Album and device Info
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
Base Surface Area	651.2cm²/ 100.9inch² vs 1565.0cm²/ 242.6inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	97mm 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 700 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 700 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
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, Sub Preamp Outputs
Subwoofer Output

NAD C 700 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 700?

Here are the items that come with the C 700:

Integrated amplifier

6.5-feet AC power cord

Quick Setup Guide

Internet Update Guidelines

Important Safety Instructions

Warranty Information

Bluesound Brochure