Pyle Home PCA4 Mini 2x120 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier

by Pyle

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0036VO6G4
• Item model number: PCA4
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,502 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
  • #6 in Electronics > Home Audio & Theater > Stereo Components > Receivers & Amplifiers > Component Amplifiers

Product Description

Pyle PCA4 Home Amplifier is perfect for powering any stereo system. Complete with 2 x 120 watts of power -- this simple to use and durable amp has bass and treble controls, a slick blue LED output level display, L/R RCA inputs, and 4 speaker outputs. Using sophisticated circuitry and premium components for uncompromising musicality -- this product is famous for delivering powerful and accurate sound. This small but powerful amp delivers clear and crisp audio for it listener. Durable and affordable, this amp is made to last.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 127 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Power output is misleading, September 23, 2010

By 

P. Billings (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA4 Mini 2x120 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier (Electronics)

According to the manual, this unit only outputs 20W per channel without clipping (the manual indicates 1% THD at that level). Also, the 120 W power rating is the PEAK power, which is contrary to industry standard of reporting RMS. Typical home speakers have an impedance of 8 ohm which will only achieve half of the listed power, since the nominal impedance of the amplifier is 4 ohms.

The unit shut down (current shutoff kicked in) at about half-volume when amplifying the signal from a computer sound card. I suggest using 8 ohm speakers to lower the current draw for a given output level from such devices. This may allow you to turn the knob full-on without overloading the power supply. Forget about using this amp to power more than one pair of speakers.

The unit is well constructed and sturdy. Bottom line is that it's a nice unit if you're only looking for 20W of useful power into a single pair of speakers.

The full specs from the manual (PCA4):
Output Power, 2 channels driven
4-Ohm, 1 kHz, 1% THD....20Wx2
4-Ohm, 1 kHz, 10% THD...32Wx2
Max Power...............120Wx2
Total Harmonic Distortion, 1 kHz, Rated Power..... 0.3% [seems contrary to the above]
Input Sensitivity, 1 kHz, 4-Ohm Rated Power
Line...... 220mV
CD........ 220mV
Frequency Response.....20Hz-20kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio, 1 kHz, 4-Ohm, Rated Power
Line...... 75 dB
CD........ 75 dB
Tone Controls
Bass...... +-10dB, 100 Hz
Treble.... +-10dB, 10 kHz
Power Requirement....... 120V AC 60 Hz/230 V AC 50 Hz
Power Fuse.............. 1.5 A, 250V fast-acting, 5x20mm
Dimensions, inches (mm) WxHxD........... 8.27 x 2.72 x 5.39 (210 x 69 x 137)
Weight, lbs (kb)........ 5.32 (2.42)

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Somewhat disappointed, September 30, 2010

By 

Steve A. Krall - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA4 Mini 2x120 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier (Electronics)

My goal was to find an affordable Amp for less than $100 and use standard 8ohm speakers since I have several spare sets of various quality as a sound system for my computer. My old Klipsche 2 speaker set with integrated Amp is louder than this. With my PC at 80% output I have to crank the volume to about 80% to get some loud music but not annoyingly loud. I think I should have gone with the Audiosource Amp-100.

I like the small package. I also like the 3.5mm input jack. I went with the 2x120 in an attempt to avoid cranking the volume and experiencing the 10% THD. The marketing people at Pyle should be kicked in the nuts for false advertising.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Low powered junk advertised as high power, April 6, 2011

By 

Robert A. Louviaux "Rob" (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pyle Home PCA4 Mini 2x120 Watt Stereo Power Amplifier (Electronics)

All I can say is WOW! what a piece of junk. I replaced my TEAC micro stereo system for what I thought was a higher power system. All I want to do is play my Ipod with a little more volume. I was hoping I was wrong after I read the spec sheet included with the amp which was not advertised with the amp on Amazon. I wasn't wrong, The amp is very low power with serious distortion above conversation sound levels. Don't even try to increase the bass unless you want to hear some clipping that reminds me of a cheap am transistor radio. I'm going to give the AudioSource amp a try...I'll let you know how that goes, but pass on this amp unless you need to play some Muzak in a small bathroom.