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JBL SA550 Classic vs Yamaha A-S301
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JBL SA550 C

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

JBL SA550 Classic
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Yamaha A-S301

Integrated Amplifier | 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Yamaha A-S301
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JBL SA550 C JBL SA550 C
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Yamaha A-S301 Yamaha A-S301
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JBL SA550 C
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Yamaha A-S301
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JBL SA550 C vs Yamaha A-S301 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing SA550 Classic and A-S301, two Integrated Amplifiers from JBL and Yamaha. Let's have a brief look at the main features of JBL SA550 C and Yamaha A-S301 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

Yamaha A-S301 Key Specs

  • 60 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 19.80 lbs / 9.00 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-15/16inch x 17-1/8inch x 15-3/8inch

What size room are the JBL SA550 C and Yamaha A-S301 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 Yamaha A-S301
Near-field Poor Average
Small Room Average Good
Mid-size Room Good Average
Large Room Average Poor
Very Large Room Poor Bad

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how JBL SA550 C and Yamaha A-S301 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 Yamaha A-S301
Watts into 8-ohms 90 watts vs 60 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 150 watts vs 70 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 0.002% vs 0.019% Less Harmonic Distortion
Signal to Noise Ratio 106 dB vs 99 dB Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Coaxial Digital Inputs 2 vs 1 More options for connecting Digital sources
USB Input Yes vs No Connect Sources via USB
Base Surface Area 1565.0cm2/ 242.6inch2 vs 1700.9cm2/ 263.6inch2 takes less space in your room
Height 126mm vs 151mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S301 over JBL SA550 Classic
MSRP Price(*) 350USD vs 1,999USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Total Analog Inputs 6 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 Yamaha A-S301 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
Yamaha A-S301 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input
JBL SA550 C Back View
JBL SA550 C Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Outputs
  • Sub Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4 Headphone Output
  • Subwoofer Output
Yamaha A-S301 Back View
Yamaha A-S301 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 Yamaha A-S301?

    Here are the items that come with the A-S301:
  • Stereo integrated amplifier
  • Remote control (RAS13)
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Owners manual (En/ Fr)
  • Warranty information (US/CA)
  • On-line product registration information
  • Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note
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