
JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier
As the name suggests, the new JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier is a very special amplifier. It is designed to optimise the use of the JBL Synthesis SSW-4 in-wall subwoofer in a custom installation solution.
With the new JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier, Harman Luxury Audio Group adds a very special product to the JBL Synthesis brand range, namely an amplifier that is designed for one task alone, namely to ensure optimum use of the JBL Synthesis SSW-4 in-wall subwoofer. The manufacturer promises nothing less than the highest performance and reliability for this team and describes it as a versatile solution for specialists in the field of custom installation.
JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 – Tailor-made solution
It’s not for nothing that Harman Luxury Group calls the JBL Synthesis SSW-4 in-wall subwoofer plus the JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D subwoofer amplifier a tailor-made solution. The main focus here is on home cinema installations, as the amplifier can handle two subwoofer modules at the same time and thus provide a particularly superior bass response.
The JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D subwoofer amplifier delivers 350 watts to the JBL Synthesis SSW-4 in-wall subwoofer, which, by the way, has two 8-inch woofers. As just described, one amplifier can drive two subwoofers at the same time, providing a whopping 700 watts of power for the pair. The peak power of the JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier is shown as 1,500 W, to illustrate its reserves.

Designed as a rack system with two height units
The new JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier measures 431.8 mm in width, 88.9 mm in height and 280.3 mm in depth, making it a rack-mounted unit with two height units. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the amplifier weighs 6.35 kg.
All relevant parameters for optimal adjustment
While there is only one volume control on the front of the JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier, the rear has all the parameters needed for optimal integration into various installations. Here you will find a setting for the crossover frequency, the phase, a single-band PEQ and a module EQ.
It should also be mentioned that, according to the manufacturer, the amplifier is particularly low in distortion and noise and has short-circuit and overcurrent protection, a thermal fuse and signal detection for automatic switching on and off.
“With its dedicated equalisation and protection circuitry, the SDA-1700 provides installers with a tailored, cost-effective solution for optimising the performance of SSW-4 in-wall subwoofer modules. In addition, the amplifier pairs perfectly with a JBL Synthesis SDR-38 AVR driving our SCL-Series architectural loudspeakers in a complete JBL Synthesis home theatre system.”
Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, Harman Luxury Audio
Pricing and availability
Although Harman Luxury Audio announced the JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier almost exactly a year ago, around the presentation of the JBL Synthesis SDR-38 AVR and JBL Synthesis SDP-58 AV solutions, the JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 made its official debut these days at CEDIA 2022 in Dallas. Here, the manufacturer also announced that this solution would be available in the near future, at a price of US$ 1.320,-.
Getting to the point
The new JBL Synthesis SDA-1700 Class D Subwoofer Amplifier is intended to provide custom installation experts with the ideal tool for optimally controlling and operating up to two JBL Synthesis SSW-4 in-wall subwoofers, especially in home cinema. Harman Luxury Audio sees these two products, especially in combination with the JBL Synthesis SDR-38 AVR and the built-in speaker systems of the JBL Synthesis SCL Architectural Speaker Series, as ideal solutions for high-quality home cinema solutions around the JBL Synthesis brand.
PRODUCT | JBL SYNTHESIS SDA-1700 CLASS D SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER |
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Price | US$ 1.320,- |
Brand | JBL SYNTHESIS |
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Manufacturer | Harman International Industries Inc. |
Distribution | Harman Deutschland GmbH |
More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |