Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer

(10 customer reviews)

$65.79

SKU: B000KHYQGM Categories: , , , ,

Description

Pre-amp EQ

Additional information

Weight 793.79 kg
Dimensions 19.69 × 5.08 cm
Product Dimensions

‎22.23 x 19.69 x 5.08 cm; 793.79 Grams
Item model number

‎PWM16
Other display features

Wireless
Colour

Black
Item Weight

‎794 g
ASIN

B000KHYQGM
Date First Available

10 July 2019
Manufacturer

Power Acoustik

10 reviews for Power Acoustik PWM-16 Pre-Amp Equalizer

  1. StaticXster70 –

    Great little equalizer…buy with confidence.
    Okay, so I am not a “pro” audio installer it is just a hobby that allows me to putter around, play with solder and copper wire, and hurt my ears. With that said, I am on a pretty tight budget so even the “cheap” components put a dent in my wallet, forcing me to make my purchases over time. I am going to post this review under each of the components listed below, so here is what I have built for my old SUV as of 3/1/16:Head Unit: http://www.amazon.com/BOSS-625UAB-Single-DIN-MECH-LESS-Detachable/dp/B00B65J5B8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457824650&sr=8-1&keywords=boss+625uabThis little unit was received as a gift, but purchased on Amazon. I selected it based on bluetooth connectivity and DIN size. Radio reception is pretty typical. Playback from USB and SD is clunky but acceptable. Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls has a thin, tinny sound at the other end, but of course it sounds really good in the passenger cabin when it comes through all of the speakers. I actually have a philosophical objection to phone calls in a vehicle, so I don’t use it. It shines for me as a bluetooth receiver for my media player; no noise or distortion, instant connection once paired, and reliable while connected. I haven’t had a bluetooth battle royale to see if a passenger’s device will disconnect mine, but maybe someday in the future I will find out for certain. The EQ presets are pretty darned limited, but if you do what I did and pair it with an external equalizer, then everything will be fine for you. It is a very acceptable substitute for the stock Ford radio, so buy with confidence.Equalizer: http://www.amazon.com/Power-Acoustik-PWM-16-Pre-Amp-Equalizer/dp/B000KHYQGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457824732&sr=8-1&keywords=power+acoustik+equalizerThis was a bit of a spur-of-the-moment purchase that worked out remarkably well for my system design. It is a powered EQ, so it will boost the signal from your head unit to whatever amplifiers you choose to use. It has four speaker channel outputs (2 RCAs), and one subwoofer output (1 RCA). It has 2 RCA inputs (CD and AUX), and a front panel input for mp3 players/iPods. There is a fader adjustment, 2 separate level controls (one for total level and one for subwoofer), a crossover for the sub (40Hz to 400Hz), in addition to the sub, low, mid and high adjustments. I have not maxed out the unit’s level control with my system, but from low to about 3/4 setting provides a substantial change in overall volume. The unit is extrememly solid and durable. The only drawback is that if you are like me and you change music genres frequently, you will fall victim to the eternal joy of constantly fiddling with the dials to get that “perfect” sound for whatever you are currently listening to. Definitely purchase with confidence in the quality you’ll receive.First amplifier (door speakers): http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Audio-AC800-4-800-watts-Amplifier/dp/B00HG6W1VM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457824825&sr=8-1&keywords=planet+audio+ac800.4This four channel amp has done exactly what I wanted it for; to power my door speakers. I wanted a good, balanced sound in my vehicle, and in combination with the other components listed here, I acheived something that makes me happy. YMMV. This amplifier provides plenty of juice to the door speakers (also Planet Audio) with enough bells and whistles to make the system sound like someone much more talented than me installed it. This amp doesn’t introduce any noise or distortion and it powers my door speakers to volumes that are downright painful, without clipping. It looks very sharp, fits beneath my passenger seat without overheating into protection mode, and gives me way more than enough power for my uses. The only issue that I had was that the holes for mounting were too narrow for the 1/4″ driver I was using to drive the self-tapping hex bolts into my floorboards. Also, I would mount it on spacers of some sort, since the cooling vents are located on the bottom-side of the amp. This has been a fantastic purchase for someone like me, with realistic expectations. This is not going to even get you placed in an audio competition, but you won’t have any problems hearing your tunes while taking that road trip.4 door speakers: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Audio-TQ623-6-5-Inch-Injection/dp/B003GSLE6W/ref=sr_1_2?s=car&ie=UTF8&qid=1457824210&sr=1-2&keywords=planet+audio+speakersMy initial review was a 4 out of 5 stars; I have to revise that to a 5 of 5. My head unit alone did not provide enough power to drive the speakers properly, but in conjunction with the amplifier and equalizer I have listed above, I couldn’t be happier. The highs are crisp and clear, the mids are chunky, and the lows are good. I have not yet been able to drive them to clipping, and thanks to my poor hearing I DO crank the volume more than most. These do not compete with Kenwoods, Rockford-Fosgate, or any of the pantheon of quality speakers available; they do beat the absolute daylights out of anything that you will ever be able to find for under $20. Power them with an amp, and enjoy a great sound that won’t break the bank but might bruise your eardrums.Second amplifier (subwoofer): http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Audio-AC1500-1M-1500-watts-Monoblock/dp/B003GSLE2Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457824886&sr=8-1&keywords=planet+audio+ac1500.1m+anarchyThis is the third Planet Audio component that I have installed, and it works just as well as the previous two components. I am not powering a huge sub setup, just a single 12″ DVC (named below) in a ported enclosure and wired to 2ohms; it booms enough for my grumpy old ears and provides a full sound for the music that I love listening to. With all of my components set to 1/2 gain, my setup rattles the frame, trim panels and rearview mirror on my vehicle. That is not suitable for most of the music that I listen to, so I am thankful that this amp comes with a remote level control, and unlike other reviewers, I know that it works properly. I have not driven the sub to the max yet, as I am still working through the break-in period, but I have had it turned up plenty loud enough for my needs and then some. This amp will give you great, noise-free power for any budget build.Subwoofer: DS 18 12″ 4ohm DVC with vented enclosure. (my specific model is not listed on Amazon, but I am very pleasantly surprised by the sound and power handling.)So that is the breakdown of the several components that I have used to complete my car audio system. I’m not a “pro” and I’m not going to win any competitions, but I don’t have any plans to do so either. I am able to listen to my music loud, with great power and clarity, and it comes on every single time. You CAN build a decent sounding system without breaking the bank. Planet Audio products have more than a few negative reviews, but I would definitely buy their products again. All products will eventually have that one dud that makes it through QC; thankfully I did not receive any of those duds. You also have to balance your needs vs. your expectations; if you absolutely must conform to brand-name recognition, feel free to throw your money around. But you can do the math on your own based off this list, and you won’t find much better bang for your buck.

  2. Anthony Smith los angeles calif –

    Works fine
    Works fine low power tho

  3. hfa8592 –

    Great product / Great value!
    I’ve only had it installed for one day, but so far, this pre-amp / EQ is really cool. I opted to go this route in my ’93 Wrangler in lieu of a standard head unit since I only use my iPod and internet radio from my phone when I am driving the vehicle. The vehicle is a weekend toy / trail rig, and I mounted the unit inside the console both to keep it out of the elements and away from would be thieves.Previously, I plugged my phone or ipod directly into my amplifiers. I had no tone control or ability to control the subwoofers seperately from the full range speakers. On a budget? This unit gives you the same kind of control over multiple amplifiers that you would have with a head unit costing 5x the price, and allows for independent control of up to four channels of full range amplification (2 front / 2 rear) plus a subwoofer amplifer. Since I am running one stereo amp for my roll-cage mounted full range speakers, and a seperate mono amp for my subwoofers, this Power Acoustik unit provided the ability to adjust the subwoofer volume independently from the volume of the full range speakers, adjust the bass boost frequency, and provided a 4 band eq / tone controls for the full range speakers as well so I could dial some of the bass out and ultimately get more volume out of the entire system. I have always been wary of the Power Acoustik brand due to my perception of it as a “low end” brand, however am very happy with my purchase here.One thing to note is that this unit does not have a power button. It is intended to be switched by your head unit when you turn the head unit on or off. Since I do not have a traditional head unit in the vehicle, I wired up a toggle switch on the dashboard, which provides “remote turn on” to both the Power Acoustik unit and to both of my amplifiers.The 7 volt pre-amp output provides plenty of signal to the amplifiers. Also, in contrast to what I have read in a couple of other reviews, I do NOT have any sort of hum or 12 volt engine whine in the audio system from this unit. It’s as quiet / noise free as it was before when I was running my iPod directly to the amps.I will try to remember to update the review after some time has passed so I can speak to the longevity of the unit.

  4. Dustin –

    Beware: No master volume
    The good:RCA jacks mounted with screws; very stableFront aux overrides either rear inputZero Bluetooth or Cell interference despite very close proximity, probably due to metal instead of plexi top plateThe Not-so-good:The Volume knob controls only the F & R outputs. All the way down and the Sub level remains. This pre-amp can’t be used as an ampless media receiver without a separate line level as a master because of this. This behavior contradicts the functions normally associated with an aux input. The BOSS preamp that crapped the bed before this had a master.Knobs are also very slick. I’ll probably plasti-dip them.Knobs should be clear or have a clear pin to indicate position at night.Slope on the sub frequency is really wide. Low end vocals still making it through at lowest setting. Still has an effect, but a sub that spikes mid bass will need a smarter crossover to get rid of unwanted frequencies.Bottom line:VERY worth the money. Issues are remedied with simple solutions like a line level used for a master volume, plasti-dip on the knobs, and the sub amp’s built in crossover functions.

  5. soundlover#1 –

    the boost i needed
    yes this little eq boosted up the sound quality big time.for my mids and hi”s it brings it out more clearer and stronger.you can adjust your particular song to how you want it to sound. for example, if you have a song thats loud and plays good,then you have a song thats low where you hear a hiss and theres not much mids hi”s or bass.with a little turning of you knobs you can correct that problem.you can make that low song sound loud and clear.for the bass,it brings it out better also,it enhances the (boomin) frequnces of your sub woofer.thus making it sound almost twice as loud and clear prior to you not having the EQ.Ive had it for about a week now, and i cant stay the hell out my car. I want to bump my music.I look forward to driving back and forth places just so i can bump.It lights up blue when turned on. this EQ is like the missing link or you would say like the cherry on top.I would recommend this product to some one else ,its worth it trust me

  6. Brett Novak –

    Does what it’s supposed to do
    It works – I use it on my boat instead of a head unit running multiple amps for the inside speakers, the tower and subs.Only disadvantage is it has split volume between the subwoofer output and the other outputs. Kinda clunky, but, what I did is got everything dialed in, and just use the volume on my phone instead for “joined” volume control. Else, you turn the mains down, and the sub is still running full volume.minor gripe.

  7. Darryl Ogule –

    Super Customer Service
    If you are looking for a reasonably priced equalizer with great tech support this is it. My e-mail question was answered with a tech name and his phone number within a day. The tech walked me through what I needed to do and had me listening to music in no time. Great customer service makes for a great buying experience and product!

  8. Rodger wagoner –

    Well worth the money
    Sofar it’s been working perfectly. it’s a plus that it turns 2 channels into 6 I’ve got a 1000 watt amp hooked to 2 12s another 1500 watt 4ch hooked to 4 6.5 3 ways & still got4 more channels coming out of my head unit

  9. r.j baker –

    Best bang for your buck
    Didn’t have one.. for 25 bucks this is awesome the JVC deck I had The Equalizer was problematic and every time I switched input I need to reset my EQ so this was a great problem solver I think my music is clearer now I only wish it didn’t play the low frequencies through my speakers it does not separate them but I do want to control the bass on this unit so I’ll live with it for now

  10. Eduardo Medina –

    Buen producto. Buena calidad…
    Recomendadisimo…

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