I recently reviewed the Pyle PT8000CH ultra low-cost multichannel/distribution amplifier. This is a follow up teardown to see if we can figure out how they can sell it so cheap.
Let's start with the overview shot of the insides:
The architecture is pretty straightforward. Each large toroidal transformer provides low and high voltage feeds for its corresponding 4 channels of amplification. The amplifier topology is class AB. Large array of beefy transistors on the heatsink tell us that among many other clues. As noted though, I could not find any marking on the transistors. They seem new though so not pulled out of old electronics.
While not ultra neat, the wiring seems fine with proper grounding and such. Use of a PCB and signal routing on the right PCB helps with keeping the number of wires and connectors lower.
Let's zoom into the amplifier module itself:
The amplifier is discrete with the front-end on the vertical PC Boards. I see a couple of ICs on top right. They may be a buffer stage.
The extruded aluminum is beefy which is much more than I can say about multichannel amplifiers in typical AV Receivers. The fan as you see is positioned in front of it and only covers half the width. Still, even if the fan runs slow, it will provide far more than pure convection cooling. This is a very clever design in my view. Use enough heatsinking to be adequate and then use the fan to amplifier its effect.
The brand on the power supply caps is "cap cop." Needless to say it is a random brand. There is a source of heat (bridge rectifier) next to the one on the left so may not last as long.
Overall, this amp could be priced at $999 and the insides would seem to be fitting for that price.
Let's start with the overview shot of the insides:
The architecture is pretty straightforward. Each large toroidal transformer provides low and high voltage feeds for its corresponding 4 channels of amplification. The amplifier topology is class AB. Large array of beefy transistors on the heatsink tell us that among many other clues. As noted though, I could not find any marking on the transistors. They seem new though so not pulled out of old electronics.
While not ultra neat, the wiring seems fine with proper grounding and such. Use of a PCB and signal routing on the right PCB helps with keeping the number of wires and connectors lower.
Let's zoom into the amplifier module itself:
The amplifier is discrete with the front-end on the vertical PC Boards. I see a couple of ICs on top right. They may be a buffer stage.
The extruded aluminum is beefy which is much more than I can say about multichannel amplifiers in typical AV Receivers. The fan as you see is positioned in front of it and only covers half the width. Still, even if the fan runs slow, it will provide far more than pure convection cooling. This is a very clever design in my view. Use enough heatsinking to be adequate and then use the fan to amplifier its effect.
The brand on the power supply caps is "cap cop." Needless to say it is a random brand. There is a source of heat (bridge rectifier) next to the one on the left so may not last as long.
Overall, this amp could be priced at $999 and the insides would seem to be fitting for that price.
