Mono Stereo Preamplifier Home Audio - Rack Mount Preamp For Turntable Phono, Tape Record/Player To Amplifiers/Sound Systems - Stereo Pre Amp W/ Microphone/Tuner/CD/AUX/Phono Input RCA - Pyramid PR2500

It took me a while to decide to buy this Pyramid pre-amp as I read many pro & con reviews here and on another blogs. Finally, after much soul searching (and with “Lipstick 6” approval) I decided to go for it. Now, I had started to put together a vintage stereo system in my man-cave and after executing a throughout search in my garage and attic, I was able to retrieve a semblance of a good component system. I realized to my dismay that the Insignia amp/receiver does not have a phono input so when I connected an Orbit turntable, the signal was weak at best. Enter the Pyramid Preamp. Unlike some of the reviewers that complained the workmanship was to be desired, I found it of a good quality for the price. Connecting the preamp to my Rockville equalizer and then to the amp was a breeze and without any major issues. Not only was I able to connect the turntable but also a Denon tuner, a Pioneer min-disc, an JVC CD burner double cassette Deck and finally a Bluetooth adapter. I was impressed by the quality and increased volume from before and after. I have the system rigged to a pair of Sony speakers and subwoofer, and another pair of vintage Technics speakers that kick butt! The preamp works like a charm and I would recommend it for those who are re-discovering the simple pleasures of listening to 70/80’s rock in its pure form and loudness (without the long hair).

Understand that this is written prior to actual testing, but subjectively this unit does everything I wanted it to. The equal-loudness contour uses the separate control method a la Yamaha (i.e. it's not coupled to the volume control), and after using it I now prefer it that way. The contour itself is spec'd somewhat differently than the actual F-M curve set, but sounds very good and that's what counts. I must admit I would like a switch to totally bypass the loudness circuit, but again subjectively that seems a minor concern. If it bugs me that much I'll install one. And the price is excellent for a highly useful box that doesn't seem to have much direct competition. The concept of 'equal loudness' has been lost lately, either through embedded invisibility or through "high-end" hi-fi opinion that it's detrimental to sound, an opinion IMO based upon either poor circuits or coupling to the volume knob. This box's application would probably create converts.

When I purchased and received this unit, there was an issue with the volume knob, where it would scratch (IE, static would play over the speakers) as you change the volume, and it would cause all the sound to drift further to the left channel as you turn up the volume over 80%. I contacted Amazon and told them about the problem, and they sent me a replacement as soon as I told them there was something wrong with it. I was very impressed by the speed of the service. I received the new one about 4 days later and tested it out immediately, and it works flawlessly. Perfect for increasing volume output from my computer to my home theater system. I never expected so much for the price.

The Good: Inexpensive - nice case, smooth controls and decent sound. The MIC input allows me to run the output of my electronic drums or bass guitar into the mix to play along. That is the main reason I purchased the unit as I was previously using a mixing board to do this.It has a phono circuit. Probably not top notch, but it is livable.For the price the pre-amp has a lot of features.The Bad: It is rack mount but the height is non standard. It looks like a 1U device but because of the hole layout it takes up 2U (1/2 U below and 1/2 U above are open space. Also the circuit board mounting standoff sticks out below the unit which means even if it were a true 1U unit, you could not flush mount it above anything.

I bought this and paired it with a Pyle PR2500/SEA2500 Channel Amp to run my three pair of in wall speakers and set of outdoor speakers on my porch. I had previously had these jury rigged to an old 5.1 A/V Receiver. This all works really well and is a lot easier switching between inputs. Looks really good, sounds great and runs cool. The only thing I wish it incorporated is fiber optic audio inputs and outputs. Less chord clutter and maybe a little better sound. Overall great product for the price and looks pretty cool.Update: I messed up the name of the paired amp. It is a Pyle PT8000CH 8 channel amp.

This Pyramid pre amp looks neat and has enough functions but the quality of sound reproduction is nothing to brag about.I was running the larger Dayton power amp with a pair of Polk TSI 200 speakers.(All from Amazon.) Connected to my PC audio out.I really liked the sound but added the Pyramid pre amp to switch in more sources.Some may not notice and may live with this but I do not like the sound being altered.

I'm a little disappointed that the stepped volume control is a little course, and in my application the sound was either a little too loud or too low. But I'm giving it five stars anyway because the value for the low price is so great. Even if it dies in a year, at this price it's worth it. You can basically buy this for ten cups of Starbucks.Update: I recently tried to use this preamp with my vintage Crown power amp and found that there wasn't enough gain to drive my Crown to full power. Most vintage power amps such as Crown, Phase Linear, and Dynaco needs about 1.75V to achieve full output, but the Pyramid preamp only outputs 0.5V. So if you're planning on driving an older power amp you should make sure that 0.5V output is enough for your application.

i bought one 2 years ago, they were on sale earlier summer of 2020... bought two more,i design, build, measure loudspeakers need good old 2 channel stereo , they work very well for me , shipped fast and safe at least my experience, all are working... they do only put out below a volt to your preamp ....tho this is a good thing , less likely to over load your power amp/speakers and the volume control is not a cheater type ...some brands when you get to half volume its pumping out max voltage to your power amp, these Pyramids are more gradual ie full power/voltage output, is max clock wise re the volume control knob, NOT before... and for the price, great value ...like i said i now own three, cant beat the price its not for bands to set up take down,slam around etc., etc., for normal sane use its great again for the price it works very well for my needs thank you

Very good

I needed a pre-amp with a phono input to transfer my albums to wave files. I am more than happy with this pre-amp. Does the job well, has multiple inputs and is very musical. An excellent buy for the money. The only minor issues I had was the user guide says the phono input is for a ceramic cartridge, it's not, the input is for a magnetic cartridge, and the ground screw should be closer to the phono inputs. Not a big deal, any casing screw can also be used as the ground. I am very happy with the product.

Does the job. For the price I really can't complain, but a couple of small thing. The balance control doesn't work if you switch the amp to mono, it just cuts out both speaker when turning to the left or right position. Also the power light when on is way way way to bright. Bottom line, at this price $100.00 Canadian I would buy it .

This pre amp was a very big surprise.I purchased it to add a second turntable to my system.Great addition, second turntable sounds great plus the ability to increase Bass was a great surprise.