THE LATEST JBL CLASSIC SERIES ADDITIONS COMBINE RETRO DESIGNS WITH MODERN HI-RES TECHNOLOGY
HARMAN Luxury Audio is introducing the new JBL SA550 Classic Integrated Amplifier, MP350 Classic Streaming Media Player, CD350 Classic CD Player, and TT350 Classic Turntable at HARMAN Explore Las Vegas.
HARMAN Luxury Audio Group has announced the debut of the latest additions to its JBL Classic Series at HARMAN Explore, being held January 4th to 7th in the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. At the event, HARMAN will unveil the new SA550 Classic integrated amplifier, MP350 Classic streaming media player, CD350 Classic CD player, and TT350 Classic turntable.
JBL CLASSIC SERIES
The JBL Classic Series combines a classic, retro design with modern technology to create a range of loudspeakers and components. The electronic components released this week carry on this tradition and join the range of passive and active Classic Series loudspeakers, including the JBL L100 Classic.
Inspired by the JBL SA600 amplifier from the 1960s and the exclusive SA750 integrated amplifier introduced to celebrate JBL’s 75th Anniversary in 2021, the new models’ retro styling features the same natural walnut wood veneers as the Classic Series loudspeakers along with machined aluminium faceplates and controls, while the latest hi-res digital and analogue audio electronics are used inside. Adding these new models allows music lovers to create a complete Classic Series audio system with a combination of retro design, thoroughly modern features, and acoustic performance.
JBL SA550 CLASSIC INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER AND JBL MP350 CLASSIC MUSIC PLAYER
HARMAN’s JBL SA550 Classic integrated amplifier, and MP350 Classic music player are designed to make it simple for users to stream music services and personal libraries from their smartphones and tablets. Featuring an advanced Class G amplifier topology with high power output and the latest Bluetooth AptX® Adaptive technology for hi-res wireless audio and low latency, the SA550 Classic can be paired with mobile devices right out of the box. Once connected to a home network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, the Roon-ready MP350 Classic music player allows listeners to enjoy music directly from Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect, as well as a host of additional music services via the Google Chromecast or Apple Airplay ecosystems. Both components render digital audio using a reference hi-res DAC with time domain jitter elimination.
JBL CD350 CLASSIC CD PLAYER AND JBL TT350 CLASSIC TURNTABLE
For listening to CDs and vinyl records, HARMAN’s JBL CD350 Classic and JBL TT350 Classic put a modern yet retro spin on CD players and turntables. Supporting CD, CD-R, and CD-RW playback, and FLAC, WAV, MP3, AAC, and WMA file formats, the CD350 Classic combines a robust tray loading mechanism and USB-A input with advanced hi-res digital technology for bit-perfect sound.
The TT350 Classic features a direct drive motor that ensures records are played at 33.3 rpm for LPs and 45 rpm for EPs and singles. Rotational speeds are locked with a speed sensor for perfect pitch. The turntable’s curved aluminium tonearm features a high-quality moving magnet cartridge pre-installed on a removable headshell for easy replacement and upgrade. Damped and adjustable feet reduce vibration ingress to the record while allowing for positioning on uneven surfaces. The TT350 includes a tinted hinged dust cover to match its walnut wood chassis and complete its retro appearance. It perfectly fits the phono preamplifier input included with the SA550 and SA750 integrated amplifiers.
JBL CLASSIC SERIES ELECTRONICS PRICES
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
They will be available in the second quarter of 2023.
HiFi Pig Says: Retro styling of modern HiFi is proving extremely popular and these models will surely be snapped up to complement the JBL speakers in the range.