Pyle Home PCA1 30-Watt Stereo Mini Power Amplifier

by Pyle

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 6.3 x 3.8 inches ; 2.5 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0012KZNP4
• Item model number: PCA1
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (84 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,035 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #4 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Receivers & Amplifiers > Component Amplifiers

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Pyle Home PCA1 Mini 2 x 15-Watt Stereo Power Amplifier

Product Description

The PCA1 mini stereo power amplifier from Pyle provides up to 15W of power on each channel at 4 ohms. Connect your inputs using the RCA jacks, and output an amplified audio signal over standard speaker push jacks. It’s compatible with any audio or computer device--you can even hook up an iPod using a 3.5mm to RCA jack converter. A master volume control on the front lets you adjust the gain. It runs on either 110V or 220V with a voltage selector switch.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic little amp!, October 28, 2008

By 

Ben "Ben" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA1 30-Watt Stereo Mini Power Amplifier (Electronics)

I bought this amplifier to replace the stereo/amplifier combo unit in an old mini system, which was starting to give up on me. For the size and price, I wasn't expecting very much, but I figured I do most of my listening at fairly low levels and a mere 15 watts wouldn't be a big handicap. I figured it was worth a try for the price.

Wow, were my doubts misplaced. When you pick this tiny amplifier up, any questions about its quality immediately disappear. Despite its unimpressive size, it weighs a hefty two or three pounds. Made of solid metal, it's got fairly high-quality connectors on the back (no fancy 5-way binding posts, though) and everything has a very smooth, solid, substantial feel.

The low power rating isn't an issue either, especially if you're comparing to typical department-store stereo equipment, because the ratings on those systems are usually complete fabrications. In fact, if you've got a typical set of 8-ohm bookshelf speakers, this amp should be able to run them dangerously loud before you start to notice any distortion. The frequency response also seems good; it's definitely better than the response for the speakers I have it hooked up to right now, so I can't really comment on the limits.

I'm not sure how well this would work for larger speakers or those with more than two or three drivers, and I'm not sure how well it handles 4-ohm speakers. However, even for moderately large 8-ohm bookshelf units, I can't see a single flaw.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compact and powerful. An excellent little amp!, December 28, 2008

By 

CLG (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA1 30-Watt Stereo Mini Power Amplifier (Electronics)

I got the recent idea to run a bookshelf speaker from my computer to my bathroom. After some quick research, it seemed the only problem with doing so was that computer sound cards don't have enough push to power a speaker, and any sound cards that did would require an upgrade on my power supply. What I needed was a stereo amp between the computer and speaker -- and ideally, one that was compact and inconspicuous as possible.

Enter the Pyle Pro Mini Amplifier. Perhaps I'm not a savvy enough web searcher (unlikely, I think) but this was the only amp I was able to find of its kind. A compact, simple, and single-purpose amp designed to just drive sound without any frills. And at that task, it completely satisfies. I've tested it on a 60W Bose bookshelf speaker and found that at the 10 o'clock position, the volume was more than sufficient to fill a bedroom. At the 12 o'clock (halfway) position, it was already too loud. I haven't turned it past that point for more than a second as it would definitely draw complaints. I'm convinced I could easily run this setup for a house party. Granted I only have a one-bedroom apartment, but you get the point. The sound is clean, full-range, and LOUD.

As for the product design, the footprint is smaller than a CD case, so it's easy to find room for. Running it for about half an hour and it doesn't give off any noticeable heat. The only (very minor) complaint I can think of for it would be the input wiring. It seems a bit strange to have an RCA *cable* with male connectors as the input; I've only ever known stereo components to have female RCA inputs. But all it means is finding a different kind of adapter wire. Otherwise, the amp serves its purpose beautifully. I have a particular love of efficient technology -- i.e. products that fulfill a specific need without frills and in a compact size -- and this is a perfect example of one.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice if you need small and cheap, January 13, 2009

By 

Mbirds (Alexandria, VA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA1 30-Watt Stereo Mini Power Amplifier (Electronics)

I received this and the Audiosource Amp-100, also available on Amazon. While the Pyle will fill a small room with sound, at higher levels the distortion is noticeable. Driving two Energy C-50 speakers this still easily beats any sub-$200 powered speakers, or Ipod-dock type systems.

However, if you have room for the Amp-100 at twice the price, the sound is much better, it can drive bigger speakers, and it looks sleek. The Audiosource Amp-100 is worth it if you have the cash and the space. It is much higher quality and can drive two sets of speakers. Also, it has a balance knob and auto-on/off.

In the specs for the PCA1 you will see that at upper levels, distortion is up to 10%. You can hear it at higher volumes, but only if you are looking. I still give four stars for the value and size of the unit. It is perfect to put some real speakers on your PC or MP3 player where space is at a premium. Otherwise, skip this and save up for the Amp-100. Just read the Amp-100 review here for tips on how to use it.