Small Amp for a PA speaker

So I recently installed a CB radio with a small 5 inch 25 watt PA horn.

I expected it to be low since the CB is only pushing around 5w to it.

So I’ve been looking to get a small amp to power the speaker. But this is where I’m confused.

I know the amp needs to have an AUX connection port. But how would I go from there? The PA speaker currently has a 3.5mm plug.

Anyone have links to small Amps they are using for a similar set up?

And yes, I’ve checked and checked the search. Everyone talks about getting an amp, never about which amp or how they set everything up

 

Why do you feel the need for a Amp ?

Unless CB radios have really gone down hill it should be able to drive that no problem .

Now if it was a 500 watt speaker and you wanted to be heard a mile away you might need one .

 

This CB isn’t pushing at all. At full volume in a quiet area, it sounds as loud as a cell phone on a call.

I’m not looking for earth shattering. But louder than it is now would be good

 

Yep they went down hill

Back in the day I could hear a Good 100' away

 

Your “amp” should have instructions. Assuming its being used in a car, it is a 12 Volt DC powered amp. There will also be a signal input.
Put the 12 VDC power to the power input it should be marked + and -. Connect the signal input to the amp. Turn down the vol on the CB before you turn the CB on.

The output of the amp goes to your external speaker.

 

Two options for you... Option 1 is for the not so technical and is basically plug and play:

Pyle Home Mini Audio Amplifier - 60W Portable Dual Channel Surround Sound HiFi Stereo Receiver w/ 12V AC Adapter, AUX, MIC IN, Supports Smart Phone, iPhone, iPod, MP3 For 2-8ohm Speakers - Pyle PFA200

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0071HZ5EQ is labelled as 60w, but it really only pushes around 25w. It should work well for you. It runs on 12v DC, so splice off the power brick from the included power cable and wire the ends in parallel with your CB radio off the battery.

You hook the PA output from your CB to the L R input on the left side. Your PA output will likely be mono, that's no big deal, just hook the PA up to whatever channel you use. You may be able to bond the two channels together to effectively double the output, it depends on how the amp was designed. You will need a 3.5mm to rca cable to plug from the 3.5mm output on the back of the CB to the two channels on the back of the amp, and you just wire the PA straight to the output. Reply back if that's unclear or you need help picking cables.

You can also plug in your phone to the front input if you want to pipe out music or sounds effects over the PA, which can be hilarious.


Option 2 is much smaller / cheaper but requires soldering:

$6 HiLetgo DC 8-26V TPA3118 PBTL Mono Digital Audio Amplifier Board AMP Module 160W for Arduino

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HXU1G02 is a mono amp at 60w. This is a bit more complex but will use less power and probably give a cleaner output. Just wire it up, Input +- goes to the PA output on the back of the CB radio, Output +- goes to the PA, Power +- goes in parallel with the CB radio. Should be easy. With this one since there's no pot to adjust the output strength, you just turn down your mic gain to make the PA quieter if you need to.


I'd make sure the first time you test either option you have your mic gain down on the CB output to make sure you don't blow an eardrum out, especially if you're testing in the garage. I have a 65w PA and my ears were ringing for days after I tested it in the garage - it immediately blasted the feedback noise at some ungodly loud volume.

 

Exactly what I needed, thank you