The JBL SA750 is a new stereo amplifier pairing modern streaming technologies like Airplay 2 and Google Chromecast with a design that wouldn’t look out of place in a hi-fi rack from the ‘60s or ‘70s. It’s got a set of reassuringly chunky-looking dials and switches as physical controls, an understated display, and its sides are covered with wood veneers. The amplifier, whose release coincides with JBL’s 75th anniversary, will cost $3,000 when it goes on sale beginning this May.
Alongside its wireless connectivity, which includes support for UPnP alongside Apple and Google’s protocols, the JBL SA750 has all the wired inputs you’d expect. There are six pairs of analog RCA inputs, a 3.5mm aux in, and two optical and two coaxial digital inputs alongside USB and Ethernet.
As a standalone stereo amplifier, you’ll need to plug in a separate set of speakers to listen to the JBL SA750. To that end it’s got two pairs of binding-post speaker connectors, and it can output up to 220W of power per channel. We’re sure JBL would love to sell you a pair of its new L100 Classic 75 loudspeakers to use alongside it, but at $5,500 a pair, they’re far from an economical choice.