JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier

JBL SA550 integrated amplifier is part of JBL’s Classic range of hi-fi separates that feature upto date electronics within a retro design, featuring aluminium with walnut, wooden end cheeks and a decent 90W output per channel, which should be enough to power most speakers.

The SA550 features a Class G design which is more efficient than many conventional Class AB amplifiers. An old-style JBL logo adorns the brushed aluminium front panel. There is good connectivity with four analogue and three digital inputs. Finally, there is a built-in MM phono preamp. You can connect mobile devices via the hi-res Bluetooth receiver.

High Power Class G

The SA550 has a class G output. Class G works by having two power supply rails. One is used most of the time, when at normal volume levels, however at high volumes a more beefy supply kicks in. This rail is usually in “sleep” mode, to reduce power consumption. The design provides ultra-low distortion along with 90W of power into 8 ohms.

Good connectivity

There are plenty of inputs on the SA550. Four Analogue RCA inputs are available. The unit has a built in MM phono stage. 

Digital inputs include 1x optical and 2x coaxial. The built in DAC can play files with up to 24-bit/192kHz sampling rates. There is also hi-res Bluetooth support, with the latest aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. 

SA550 also features a built in phono stage which is a good match for the TT350 Classic (available separately) which is a beautiful match for this model in sound and styling.

What else is available?

SA550 is released at the same time as other similarly styled hi-fi separates with the same retro 1970’s look but boast all modern components. 

These include the CD350 Classic CD player. The tray loading mechanism is robust and the built in DAC can be used to play external files via the USB input. The DAC can play files with up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution. Outputs include standard RCA connectors as well as optical an coaxial outputs for connection to an external DAC or amplifier. File formats such as FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC and WMA are supported. 

There is also an MP350 music streamer that can play music services such as Spotify and Tidal. The MP350 is also certified for the Roon app. Roon is a software based music player and organiser.

Also in the range is the TT350 Classic turntable, featuring a wooden plinth that supports an “S” shaped metal tonearm. There is also a tinted hinged dust cover. The removable headshell comes with an Audio Technica cartridge. However, fitting an upgrade is easy, with the vertical tracking angle adjustment (VTA). This is a direct drive unit so there is no belt to wear out. The heavy die-cast plater evens out any possible speed variations.