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.
| Item Weight | 1.75 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 8.75 x 7.75 x 2 inches |
| Item model number | PWM16 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Wireless Remote | No |
| Warranty | One year. |
| Expansion | Satellite Radio optional |
| Height (inches) | 8 inches |
| Weight | 1.75 Kilograms |
