The MA510 is a home theater receiver by JBL. It is a 5-channel design using a D output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The JBL MA510 has an MSRP of $660.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a home theater receiver is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The JBL MA510 is rated at 75 watts RMS into 8-ohms (2 channels driven).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 75 watts into 8-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
How loud will 75 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Need more power?
JBL MA510 is rated at 75 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.
Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.
When pairing the JBL MA510 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the JBL MA510, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
JBL MA510 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
- 1 Optical Digital Input
- 1 Coaxial Digital Input
- USB Input
Outputs
- Speaker Outputs
- Subwoofer Output (Dual)
- HDMI Output (1)
Phono Input
JBL MA510 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, JBL MA510 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Surround Sound and Channels
JBL MA510 is a 5.2-channel receiver, powering 5 speakers directly - the .2 is 2 subwoofer outputs, not extra amplified channels. It decodes DTS:X.
Video and HDMI
An AV receiver is the switch every source passes through on its way to the
television, so what it can carry sets a ceiling on the rest of the system.
- Pass-through: 8K/60Hz
- HDMI version: 2.1
JBL MA510 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓5 channels of amplification on board.
- ✓4 HDMI inputs and 1 output, HDMI 2.1.
- ✓Video passthrough at 8K/60Hz.
- ✓Decodes DTS:X.
- ✓Subwoofer outputs: Dual - more than one sub is the cheapest route to even bass in a real room.
- ✗The 75-watt rating is measured with two channels driven; expect less with every channel working, which is how a receiver actually runs.
- ✗No room correction system listed, which is the feature that does most for the sound in an ordinary room.
JBL MA510 External Dimensions and Weight
JBL MA510 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) (109.5 x 433.3 x 385.8mm ). The unit weighs
5.44 kg (12 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a home theater receiver may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the JBL MA510 is approximately 1671.7cm2 / 259.1inch2.
- Width: 433.3mm (17.06")
- Height: 109.5mm (4.31")
- Depth: 385.8mm (15.19")
- Weight: 5.44 kg (12 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1671.7cm2 / 259.1inch2
- Volume: ~18.3 liter / 4.8 gallon
| General |
| Brand |
JBL |
| Full Model Name |
JBL MA510 |
| Amplifier Type |
Home Theater Receiver |
| Number of Channels |
5 |
| Amp Class |
D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
75 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
N/A |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
|
| THD |
|
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
N/A |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
1 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
1 |
| USB Input |
Yes |
| Preamp Outputs |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
109.5mm (4.31") |
| Width |
433.3mm (17.06") |
| Depth |
385.8mm (15.19") |
| Weight |
5.44 kg (12 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
|
| Labor Warranty |
|
What amplifier class is the JBL MA510?
The JBL MA510 uses a Class D amplifier design. Class D is a modern switching design that runs cool and wastes very little energy as heat, which is how makers fit high power into a compact, light chassis.
Can I connect a turntable to the JBL MA510?
No. The JBL MA510 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Can I connect a subwoofer to the JBL MA510?
Yes. The JBL MA510 has dual subwoofer outputs, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.
How much does the JBL MA510 cost?
The JBL MA510 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $660.
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