PTA4

I'm using this amplifier primarily for a cassette deck connected to powered speakers, as the speakers couldn't get very loud with the RCA cable straight from the deck. Bought one of these as open box for $30 and it has been the perfect boost to the sound that I needed. Unlike the newer model of it, this unit has volume dB meters, and there are several inputs for flexibility and potentially connecting multiple devices. Three RCA inputs, an RCA output labeled Recording, one 3.5mm aux input, a 1/4" microphone input, and finally, a 1/4" headphones output. I'm using that last option to connect to my powered speakers with an adapter to 3.5mm. I have Bluetooth capability with my powered speakers, and that already played quite loudly, so I haven't tested Bluetooth functionality on the amplifier. Newer models seem to reduce the number of corded input options and took away the volume meters, so that's why I stuck with this older model. One downside to this model is it does not come with remote, something I was aware of, but I'm happy using the tactile knob. What I do find strange is the knobs have a tactile middle-position where you'd assume they should be pointing straight up, but they're actually tilted a bit when they fall into that middle-position notch. My only grievance is now with my cassette deck as the meters on it read higher, or even max out during playback using the amplifier. I found this odd since my setup is deck -> amplifier -> speakers, and I didn't expect the deck would be affected. The deck doesn't have an output adjustment, but it's only for recording that I need to care about the levels on the deck, and I do have an adjustment knob for input recording level. Making up for the deck meters now being too sensitive, the PTA4 amplifier has its own volume meters, and those seem to work well during playback, though the amplifier's volume control has to be balanced with the volume control on the powered speakers to get the right dB readings. If you set a low volume on the speakers, you can crank up the amplifier volume dial and max out the amp's meters with ease. With the speakers set to a very high volume, you can also keep the amplifier volume very low to the point where the meters won't light up. Without powered speakers, I assume you'd need a deck with output level control to be able to "calibrate" the amp's level meter to match the deck, if the accuracy of these meters is important to you. I haven't yet tested non-powered-speakers to see how high or low those meters register when connected through speaker wire. If you're using a device where you can set the volume at the source, such as powered speakers or a mobile phone, then don't even worry about that.

Pretty well constructed actually. Sound quality is good. Linear power supply with a big transformer, so it's a hefty little fella. Can't say whether it makes 120W per channel, but it makes more then enough power to fill a room connected to a pair of Bose 151 Roommates. Bass and treble controls have more than enough boost/cut. The one I received has bluetooth in it, although I don't think the listing indicates that. The bluetooth pairs easily and sounds good.

Details to my music system: My house has ceiling speakers in every room for background music. For several years it has been running on a low-end home theater system rated at 30 watts per channel @ 4-ohms; Music provided by its over-the-air FM stereo function. It works well but it's time to upgrade to a more advanced solution that has internet capabilities. For example, internet radio access and media playback from my NAS drive. So I DiY assembled a media player using a Raspberry Pi micro computer, Volumio software, and a HiFi I2S DAC board (total cost about $90). This needs a power amp and the specs for the Pyle PTA4 looked like a good choice. Start of Product Review: To my surprise I found a Pyle PTAU45 unit inside the factory sealed PTA4 box. For some mysterious reason I received the upgraded model with USB media port (which I don't need). Since all the important specifications are the same, I decided to keep it. Here's what I found inside the box: Pyle MINI 2X120 WATT STEREO POWER (PTAU45) The metal cased amplifier is small and attractive, but surprisingly heavy. Its beefy weight is because the amplifier has an old-school linear power supply instead of a modern switching supply. That's not a bad thing, just an explanation for the heavy weight. Installation was easy, but I encountered a small problem. During speaker wire installation one of the spring loaded jacks fell apart (this issue has been reported in other reviews). I reassembled the jack and finished the installation. Sound quality is good. But the maximum distortion-free audio level is dramatically less than my previous amp, which was rated at 30W per channel (RMS). As others have observed, there's no way that the Pyle amp has 120W per channel. Based on my observed results I think 25W RMS per channel is more realistic. Overall I am satisfied with the Pyle amp. It was the final piece needed to create my new music system. Now my home has internet radio, a NAS music server with hundreds of my albums, smartphone control, and a compact sized amplifier box. The best part is that the overall cost was amazingly low. BTW, if you are interested in making your own internet capable media player then here's a summary of the parts needed: Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+: ELEMENT Element14 Raspberry Pi 3 B+ Motherboard HiFi I2S DAC: SainSmart HIFI DAC Audio Sound Card Module I2S interface for Raspberry pi B+ 2 Software: Search the web for Volumio Audiophile Music Player Misc Parts: SD card, 5V/2.5A USB Power Supply, suitable case, etc. (typical Raspberry Pi Project parts). Review Summary: Pros: Low cost, compact size. Cons: Speaker clips are fragile. Output Watts much less than stated.

This is a great little stereo amplifier with 3 RCA inputs for Aux 1, Aux2 and CD. There's also a high impedance microphone input (1/4" jack) and a spare Aux input (1/8" jack) on the front panel. The front panel controls are Input Select, Balance, Treble, Bass, Master Volume and a mic input level volume. Outputs are L & R speaker terminals, Record out (flat) and Phones. There are switches for Mixing the mic with main program material, a Pager setting for the mic, a On/Off power switch and a voltage selector (110/240). It's very well built, solid and looks high quality. Listening tests on quality speakers (JR149s) plus passive sub woofer sounds to me exactly as good as my normal home HiFi on different types of program material. It's subjective but honestly, I couldn't tell the difference so sounds great. Now for some technical stuff. As I have a digital scope & a sig generator I measured the frequency response into a resistive load (8 ohms) and it was as advertised (in linear region ie: no distortion). I ran a 1KHz square wave at several different levels (short of clipping) and the unit showed no signs of ringing or instability which is very good. Then for the not so good..... The unit is advertised as being able to source 2 x 120 watts into a 4 ohm load. My measurements showed using a 200Hz and 1KHz sine wave that just below the onset of clipping it would provide 18.4v peak into 8 ohms and 15.2v peak into 4 ohms which translates into 21 watts RMS into 8 ohms and 29 watts RMS into 4 ohms per channel. So in reality my unit provides 2x30 RMS watts into 4 ohm and NOT the 2x120 watts as advertised. Some manufacturers provide misleading power info by advertising PEAK instantaneous output power without stating that it's not true RMS power which is the only power that counts. Peak power divided by 4 equates to RMS power. You can't really say it's dishonest advertising so buyer beware!! So in summary, this is a superb high quality and versatile home stereo amp at an incredible price. Mine provides 21 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms (which most home speakers are) and should provide years of listening pleasure at reasonable volumes.

This is actually the second unit I bought. I returned the first one because of a loud whine/hum for about 12 seconds after it was turned on. I tried again because I really wanted to like this amp. I needed a mini amplifier with a headphone output, and there are not many in this price range that have one. Because of this, I decided to give it a second chance, figuring I just got a bad one the first time. This turned out to be correct in a way, because the second unit didn't have the same fault as the first one. Unfortunately, it had a different fault; this time it was a constant hum that was way too loud to ignore. The hum was always present no matter what level the volume was set at, and no matter what input was selected (including Bluetooth) It's such a pity, because, on paper, this amp was exactly what I needed. It's a nice looking unit too; the steel chassis is good quality, and the unit feels solid and robust. I don't know whether it's an inherently bad design, or if it's just low quality parts and/or poor QC, but after two bad ones in a row, I can't recommend this amplifier. If, like me, you are looking at this amp because you need a speaker amp that also has a headphone output, I don't know what to tell you. This amp has a headphone jack because it's a Class AB amp, which makes adding a headphone output relatively trivial. Most mini amps today are Class D, and typically use a BTL design, which makes adding a headphone output more difficult. Most manufacturers don't bother because it adds expense and complexity. They do exist (like the Nobsound NS-20G and the Moregax M19 BT) but they all seem to have some sort of drawback. I ended up buying a used Topping amp.

This is a very handy little desktop amplifier. I use it to drive monitor speakers for audio editing, for which it is more than powerful enough, and the easily switchable inputs make it very convenient to change between output from the audio recorder and output from the editing software on my computer. I first bought this unit about 10 years ago; this one is a replacement because the headphone jack on the original has become flaky. At this price point, it's cheaper to replace than to repair. In addition, the model has been upgraded to add Bluetooth input, so I use it to play music as well, using both the Bluetooth and CD inputs. Desktop space is at a premium, so I appreciate that this unit fits comfortably under 4" high display stand.

This is the 3rd Pyle amp that I've purchased for powering external speakers for my televisions. This is a basic, reasonably priced amp that will do a very nice job of filling your TV room with high quality sound. If you are an audiophile looking for concert hall realism, then this amp isn't going to do it for you. And remember, at this price range you are not going to get clear, auditorium filling sound. But if you want an inexpensive, basic amplifier to power a set of speakers then this will work just fine. This amp seems to be designed for use as a PA system - a standard microphone input on the rear. I don't use this function, but paired with a decent set of speakers would probably make a good announcing system for an event. A plus is that you can mix your music input with the microphone. My only (minor) complaint is the extremely bright Output Level Display lamps. They are LEDs and flash away like strobe lights.This definitely doesn't work in a darkened TV room, so you'll need some way to cover them up. Several other reviewers have complained about "poor quality". I don't know where this complaint comes from. My amp is a solid, fairly hefty piece of equipment. Everything that I can see shows the use of good, commercial quality components.

Sounds great, love the Bluetooth feature. Now I can listen to TV with headphones on higher and my wife can listen with normal volume. Little AMP with lots of features. Seems to be built well. Wish I would have found this years ago instead of the cheap amps I bought, that did not last. On three years the bluetooth went out. This is the reason I used it to get bluetooth sound from my TV and amplify it through head phones.

Excelente relación calidad precio

Excellent value for money, Compact and very powerful, it has basic no-nonsense controls and a cool retro look. Great sound, bass and treble.

Product met all my expectations.

Muito bom, recomendo.

For the money, this piece of kit has been awesome!