New JBL Synthesis SMA Series Multichannel Amps Now Shipping

HARMAN Luxury Audio Group has begun shipping the new JBL Synthesis SMA Series Amplifiers. The 4-channel SMA-4750 ($5,000) and 8-channel SMA-8300 ($6,000) both feature powerful built-in DSPs for custom loudspeaker tuning and system configuration. According to HARMAN, both amps are designed for residential theater applications with a CI-focused user interface, balanced XLR inputs, and high-quality binding posts that accommodate 10AWG wire, spades, and banana plugs. 

These amplifiers join the SDP processors from JBL Synthesis to form the core of the brand’s home theater offering, alongside the SCL and SSW loudspeaker systems. Just 2 rack units in height, the new amps are surprisingly powerful and offer the flexibility that custom installers like to see. The SMA-4750 and SMA-8300 both use what HARMAN calls “state-of-the-art” Class D amplification technology to deliver high power to multichannel systems. Both amps feature advanced features like bridgeable channels, a full input and output Hi-Res DSP suite, and DANTE / AES67 digital audio networking. Various combinations of the amps can be used to power large LCR speakers, surrounds and heights, and passive subwoofers.

Designed to elevate home cinema experiences, the new JBL Synthesis SMA Series amplifiers set a new benchmark for power, flexibility, and performance. These amplifiers are designed to deliver exceptional power and audio fidelity, making them a perfect fit for any high-end home audio system. They embody our commitment to innovation and home cinema audio expertise.

— Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio

JBL Synthesis SMA-4750 and SMA-8300: Key Features

The 4-channel SMA-4750 delivers a massive 750 watts per channel into 8 ohms, making it the ideal choice for powering the front stage of a large theater, plus a subwoofer channel. Adjacent channels in the SMA-4750 can be bridged to provide up to 1,800 watts into 8 ohms, for those rare situations requiring a ludicrous amount of power. The 8-channel SMA-8300 delivers an impressive 300 watts per channel into 8 ohms, making it powerful enough to drive smaller theaters on its own. For high-channel-count systems, users can deploy an SMA-4750 for the front stage and one or more SMA-8300 amps for the rest. Like the SMA-4750, the SMA-8300 has bridging options, offering up to 1,200 watts per channel into 8 ohms.

Both new amps are designed to be stackable, thanks to quiet side-to-side ventilation and a compact form-factor, making them an easy choice for custom installers. Both installers and tweak-happy audiophiles will appreciate the amps’ comprehensive DSP suite including EQ, Delay, and Limiters. HARMAN says that these amps offer “ultimate control and customization,” reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering “exceptional audio experiences through innovative technology and superior craftsmanship.” First introduced at CEDIA Expo 2024, the JBL Synthesis SMA-4750 and SMA-8300 multichannel amplifiers are shipping now in North America and in select overseas markets.

More information: JBL Synthesis

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