JBL SA550 Classic
The JBL SA550 Classic is JBL's retro-styled integrated amplifier. Harman unveiled it as part of a "Classic" series with the MP350 Classic streaming player, CD350 Classic CD player, and TT350 Classic turntable. The design is explicitly inspired by the JBL SA600 amplifier from the 1960s. It has retro styling and walnut veneer side panels meant to match the JBL Classic and Studio Monitor loudspeaker lines. The electronics inside are thoroughly contemporary. The SA550 houses an Arcam Class G amplifier, a topology that uses multiple power stages to improve efficiency and dynamic range. The digital inputs feed a high-resolution ESS DAC, the ES9038K2M chip.
Wireless connectivity is a strong suit. The SA550 supports Bluetooth 5.2 with AptX Adaptive for high-resolution, low-latency audio, plus Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast built-in. The front and rear panels include USB-A input (with one socket noted for software service), digital and analog audio inputs, phono (MM) with a dedicated ground terminal, pre-amp outputs, and speaker outputs. The manual says the amplifier is designed to run warm in normal use, and it warns that prolonged high-volume listening can make the casing hot to the touch. Dimensions are 448 × 124 × 321 mm (W×H×D), with a net weight of 11.2 kg. It ships with a quick start guide, remote, and power cord.
What Hi-Fi? gave the SA550 Classic a four-star review, describing the sound as "smooth and rich" with a "detailed and hugely likeable" presentation, and praising the solid build and attractive retro design. The same publication later flagged a deal dropping the price from £1,749 to £749 at Peter Tyson. A used listing on Gumtree described it as "vintage looks with modern amplification technology," noting it comes boxed with remote and power cord.
Known Specifications
- Type: Integrated amplifier with Bluetooth, built-in DAC
- Power output: 2 × 90W into 8 ohms (per av-connection.dk); 150W into 4 ohms (per Safe and Sound HQ)
- Amplifier topology: Class G (Arcam)
- DAC: ESS ES9038K2M (high-resolution)
- Wireless: Bluetooth 5.2 with AptX Adaptive, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in
- Inputs: Phono (MM), digital audio, analog audio, USB-A
- Outputs: Pre-amp, speaker
- Dimensions: 448 × 124 × 321 mm (W×H×D)
- Weight: 11.2 kg net / 14.0 kg gross
Production years and original MSRP are not documented in available sources. The 4-ohm and 8-ohm power figures come from different sources and may represent the same amp measured at different loads, but the sources do not explicitly connect them.
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