JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier

The 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.

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.

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.