The DA850 is a multi-zone amplifier by JBL that delivers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms measured 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 percent THD with TWO channels driven, and 110 watts into 4 ohms. Bridged, 185 watts into 8 ohms with one zone driven. The FTC band does not make it an all-channels rating.. It was released in 2023. It is an 8-channel design using a Class D output stage. The JBL DA850 has an MSRP of $1,500.
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on a multi-zone amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The JBL DA850 is rated at 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms. JBL provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.1% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 50 watts into 8-ohms (20 Hz-20 kHz) at 0.1%
- 110 watts into 4-ohms
- 100dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 50 watts actually play in your room? →
When pairing the JBL DA850 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 DA850, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
JBL DA850 has total of 8 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 8
Outputs
Zones and channels
The JBL DA850 has
8 amplifier channels, which is
4 stereo zones from one chassis. That is the
number to compare across this category, not the watts: a distribution amplifier is
bought to replace 4 separate stereo amplifiers and the rack
space, mains sockets and cabling that go with them.
Most of these will also run each channel as its own mono zone where a room needs a
single speaker, so the stereo figure above is the conservative reading. As the maker
describes it: Yes (4 zones in one chassis).
What the power figure actually means
JBL DA850 is rated
50 watts into 8 ohms, but that figure is
not measured with every channel driven. Read the exact conditions
below before comparing it with an amplifier that is. With every zone playing, expect
meaningfully less than 50 watts a channel.
As the manufacturer states it: 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms measured 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 percent THD with TWO channels driven, and 110 watts into 4 ohms. Bridged, 185 watts into 8 ohms with one zone driven. The FTC band does not make it an all-channels rating.
Feeding it
Sources reach the JBL DA850 at line
level: 8 analogue line inputs.
Everything in this category is designed to sit in a rack behind the scenes, so volume
and source selection are normally handled per zone rather than from a front panel.
JBL DA850 External Dimensions and Weight
JBL DA850 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 1.75inch x 17.17inch x 12.72inch (44.5mm x 436mm x 323mm ). The unit weighs
4.5 kg (9.9 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the JBL DA850 is approximately 1408.3cm2 / 218.3inch2.
- Width: 436.0mm (17.17")
- Height: 44.5mm (1.75")
- Depth: 323.0mm (12.72")
- Weight: 4.5 kg (9.9 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1408.3cm2 / 218.3inch2
- Volume: ~6.3 liter / 1.7 gallon
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the JBL DA850 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for JBL DA850
Warranty
2 Years of parts warranty and 2 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the JBL DA850 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
JBL |
| Full Model Name |
JBL DA850 |
| Release Date |
2023 |
| Amplifier Type |
Multi-Zone Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
8 |
| Amp Class |
Class D |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
50 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
110 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20 Hz-20 kHz |
| THD |
0.1% |
| Minimum Impedance |
|
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
100 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
8 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
No |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
No |
| USB Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
44.5mm (1.75") |
| Width |
436.0mm (17.17") |
| Depth |
323.0mm (12.72") |
| Weight |
4.5 kg (9.9 lbs) |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
2 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
2 Years |
How much power does the JBL DA850 have?
The JBL DA850 delivers 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms measured 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 1 percent THD with TWO channels driven, and 110 watts into 4 ohms. Bridged, 185 watts into 8 ohms with one zone driven. The FTC band does not make it an all-channels rating.. Its output almost doubles into 4 ohms, which points to a strong power supply that can hold its composure with demanding, low-impedance speakers.
Does the JBL DA850 use vacuum tubes?
No. The JBL DA850 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the JBL DA850?
The JBL DA850 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.
Does the JBL DA850 have a built-in DAC?
No. The JBL DA850 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the JBL DA850?
No. The JBL DA850 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the JBL DA850 have Bluetooth?
No. The JBL DA850 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the JBL DA850 have a headphone output?
No. The JBL DA850 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the JBL DA850 cost?
The JBL DA850 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,500.
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