Review on 🔊 Pyle PTA4 Black: Home Audio Power Amplifier System with 2X120W, Mixer Sound and Dual Channels for Amplified Speakers, PA, CD Player, Theater, Studio Use - RCA, AUX, Mic Input Included by Matthew Miles

This is a great little stereo amplifier with 3 RCA inputs for Aux 1, Aux 2 and CD. The front panel also has a high-impedance microphone input (6.35 mm jack) and a free auxiliary input (6.35 mm jack). Front Panel Controls: Input Select, Balance, Treble, Bass, Master Volume and Mic Input Volume. Outputs: left and right speakers, recording output (flat) and headphones. There are switches for mixing the microphone with the main program material, pager settings for the microphone, an on/off switch and a voltage switch (110/240). It is very well made, durable and looks high quality. Listening tests with quality loudspeakers (JR149) and a passive subwoofer sound to me just as good as my normal home hi-fi system with various program material. It's subjective, but to be honest I didn't notice any difference, so it sounds great. Now some technical points. Having a digital oscilloscope and signal generator, I measured the frequency response into a resistive load (8 ohms) and it turned out to be as advertised (in the linear region, ie with no distortion). I ran a 1kHz square wave at several different levels (other than clipping) and the unit showed no signs of ringing or instability, which is very good. Then for not very good. The device is advertised as being capable of delivering 2 x 120 watts into a 4 ohm load. My measurements have shown that when using a 200 Hz and 1 kHz sine wave, immediately after clipping begins, it delivers 18.4 V peak into 8 ohms and 15.2 V peak into 4 ohms, which is 21 W RMS into 8 ohms and 29W RMS at 4 ohms equates to per channel. So my box is actually delivering 2 x 30W RMS into 4 ohms, NOT 2 x 120W as advertised. Some manufacturers provide misleading performance information by advertising instantaneous PEAK output power without claiming that it is not actual RMS power, which is the only power that matters. Peak power divided by 4 equals RMS power. You can't tell it's false advertising, so beware! So this is an excellent, quality and versatile home stereo amplifier at an incredible price. Mine delivers 21 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms (which is typical of most home speakers) and should provide years of listening pleasure at reasonable volume.