Blaupunkt PCA 465 Car Audio - Amplifier Review

BlaupunktPCA 465MSRP: $239.95PerformanceFlexibilityDollar Per WattOverall Value*5 pts possible

If you've been searching for an easy solution to connect your iPod or other portable audio source to your car audio system, Blaupunkt may have what you're looking for.

A 4-channel unregulated Class A/B amplifier, the Blaupunkt PCA 465 rates at 65 watts x 4 at 4 ohms, 100 watts x 4 at 2 ohms and 175 watts x 2 bridged into a 4-ohm load. The amp sports 50Hz to 250Hz highpass/lowpass/all-pass crossovers and a zero to 12dB bass boost for the front- and rear-channel pairs, high-level inputs and the standard RCA inputs as well as "AUX" inputs for an iPod or other source that has it's own volume level.

Blaupunkt uses a standard extrusion for the heatsink with the amplifier circuit board "upside down" so that the board is close to the aluminum shell. Silver plastic covers at each end of the amplifier dress up the sheetmetal endcaps. These nicely frame the flat black extrusion and brushed aluminum embossed logo plate running down the center area of the amplifier's top.

The power and speaker terminal block connections are all at one end with the two 30-amp fuses. On the other end you'll find RCA, high-level and auxiliary inputs, crossover, bass boost and gain controls, and power on/protect LEDs. The front channels use the same functions as the rear channels on this amp, and all of the controls are neatly lined up in two rows across the endplate.

The owner's manual is printed in four languages, using about three pages for instructions in each language and three pages of diagrams. While the instructions are brief, they are fairly thorough.

The amplifier comes with four mounting screws and two harnesses to connect to your speaker lines when using high-level inputs. Installation should be a fairly straightforward operation - the mounting feet have good clearance from the body of the amplifier and the connectors are all clearly marked.

The manual states that there's a manufacturer guarantee for products bought within the European Union, but does not give any further information beyond a website and a U.S. telephone number. A quick look at the site reveals a 12-month warranty, so keep your receipt for any service issues that may arise.

PerformanceThe PCA 465 measured in at 71 watts x 4 into 4 ohms, 89 watts x 4 at 2 ohms and 176 watts x 2 bridged into 4 ohms (all measurements were taken with all channels driven and loaded simultaneously). This exceeds the stated stereo and bridged power ratings at 4 ohms, but falls a little short when pushing 2 ohms. The frequency response was 13Hz to 29.7kHz. This is extremely close to the stated response of 10Hz to 30kHz, and quite acceptable.

The Direct Aux Input, or auxiliary input, is a very simple feature design that uses a standard 2-channel jack mounted parallel to the RCA inputs on the circuit board. When using an auxiliary source, such as an iPod, the radio must be turned on so that the amp will power up. Because there is no switching circuit between the RCA and aux inputs, the volume on the radio must be turned all the way down or else both signals will be played at the same time. Volume is then controlled from the auxiliary source.

There is no extension cable for the aux input supplied with the amplifier, so if you are planning on mounting it in the rear of your vehicle, you will have to purchase that separately. And, to further complicate matters, you will also need to purchase a splitter to send signal to both front and rear channels.

ConclusionThis amplifier tested out quite well. It's a very standard design and built within its intended use. It offered no surprises on the bench - it just sat there and amplified signals. With a useful array of crossovers and bass boost all around, and the addition of the auxiliary inputs, this one will be pretty flexible. You could use it in your first system on a DVC subwoofer, run your fronts and rears, or fronts plus a sub. With an MSRP of $239.95, the dollar-to-watts ratio is a hair over 67 cents per watt. All in all, I think that's a fair value for your car audio dollar.