JBL Classic Series Coming Soon – First Look

All Image Credit: JBL

JBL has launched a Classic series of hi-fi electronics at this years CES 2023 HARMAN ExPLORE event that combine their retro design with modern hi-res technology. They include the; SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier, MP350 Classic Streaming Media Player, CD350 Classic CD Player, and TT350 Classic Turntable, JBL’s first-ever turntable.

These new Classic models feature the same retro design approach as seen in their 2021 limited edition SA750 integrated amplifier and L100 Classic speakers. They combine retro styling that features the same natural walnut wood veneers as the Classic Series loudspeakers along with machined aluminum faceplates and controls, while the latest hi-res digital and analogue audio electronics are to be found inside.

TT350 Classic Turntable

The TT350 Classic is a direct drive design with a heavy die-cast aluminum platter that supports both 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds. A speed sensor ensuring a locked and perfect pitch playback. It has adjustable damped feet that help reduce vibration and make it easy to place the turntable on uneven surfaces. The turntables S-shaped aluminum tonearm comes fitted with a “high-quality” Audio Technica moving magnet (MM) cartridge in a removable headshell. The TT350 also lets you adjust the vertical tracking angle (VTA) if you’re upgrading to a different cartridge. Completing the TT350 Classic look is its tinted hinged dust cover and walnut wood chassis.

The CD350 Classic supports CD, CD-R, and CD-RW disc playback, and FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, and WMA file formats through the use of its robust tray loading mechanism and a USB-A input. Its internal high-resolution DAC provides bit-perfect sound, with up to 24-bit/96kHz file resolution being supported. Connectivity includes; a stereo RCA pair analogue output and 1x optical and 1x coaxial digital outputs, plus a USB-A input to support hi-res files. There is no support for SACD.

MP350 Classic Streaming Media Player

The MP330 Classic music streamer can be connected via either wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi that uses Bluetooth AptX® Adaptive technology for hi-res wireless audio and low latency, supporting hi-res audio files up to 24 bit/192 kHz and a DAC that employs time domain jitter elimination. The Roon Ready player can be paired with smartphones and tablets right out of the box and supports; Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast.

SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier

The new SA550 like the SA750 features a high power advanced Class G amplifier topology with high efficiency, ultra-low distortion and providing 90W of power per channel into 8 ohms (150W into 4 ohms). Analog connectivity includes; 4x analogue inputs: 3x stereo RCA and a MM/MC phono stage, plus three digital inputs (1x optical, 2x coaxial). The included Bluetooth AptX Adaptive technology supports hi-res wireless audio up to 24-bit/192kHz sampling rates with low latency and can be paired with mobile devices right out of the box for instant high-quality music. Like the MP350, the hi-res reference DAC features time domain jitter elimination to help render bit perfect sound.

Availability: Second quarter of 2023.

MSRP (US/UK/EU):

• SA550 Classic Amp: $2,000/£1,599/€1,899
• CD350 Classic CD Player: $700/£799/€899
• MP350 Classic Media Player/Streamer: $800/£875/€999
• TT350 Classic Turntable: $1,000/£925/€1049

This post will be updated as more information becomes avilable.

For additional specifications etc. keep checking the web sites; JBL and Harmon Luxury.