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

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.

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.

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.

I use this amplifier along with a couple of bookshelf speakers so as not to have to listen to the lousy sound from the TV speakers. It works wonderfully. Only thing is that I have to get out of my easy chair to turn the volume up or down. Would be nice if they came out with a simple amp like this with a simple remote volume control and power switch. We sure do get lazy these days!

I have just bought a second Pyle Home PCA1 Mini Stereo Power Amplifier to power 4 outside speakers from my Bose home theater system. Simple connections and the sound is great.
The other unit is used to drive speakers at camp and is attached to the a PC. We needed a female to female gender bender connector hook up the male RC cables to the headphone jack on the PC.

In both cases the sound is surprisingly clear at the volume I listen.

The amp is cool to the touch when there is no input thus I usually just leave in on. Great value, good sound and a simple set up.