Features
Controls
Connections

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing & measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers; both stand-alone amps and those built into head units. This voluntary standard advocates a uniform method for determining an amplifier's RMS power output and signal-to-noise ratio. The criteria for measuring power uses a DC input voltage of 14.4 volts and the RMS power output is measured into a 4Ω load, with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N), at the stated frequency range for the amplifier (20 Hz to 240 Hz in this case). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4Ω. CEA-2006 allows consumers to compare car amplifiers and receivers on an equal basis. The Pioneer GM-8500M under CEA-2006 regulations is rated at 300 watts RMS x 1 channel with a 54 dBA signal to noise ratio. Also following CEA-2006 guidelines, the 2Ω power rating is 600 watts RMS.

Mono-Power Amp Design: The Pioneer GM-8500M is designed with specific features to power your subwoofers with a frequency range between 10-240 Hz.

Class-D Amp: The superior efficiency of a Class-D amplifier means higher power output and greater compactness than an analog amplifier offers. Class-D amplifiers overcome the inefficiencies of traditional Class-A or AB amplifiers. Pioneer's Class-D amps transform very little power into heat so a higher percentage of the power supply (67%) is transformed into the load. This results in a very compact amp which needs less input power to produce very high output power.

Pulse Width Modulator (PWM): The Class-D amplifier's PWM (Pulse Width Modulator) modulates the original audio input signal with a triangulated signal wave which has a much higher fixed frequency. The result is a digital signal which contains both the input signal and a band of frequency components around the modulation frequency. A LPF (Low Pass Filter) then filters out the high frequency pulses and the resulting amplified output signal is then sent to the subwoofer and/or speakers.

2-Ohm Stable: The Pioneer mono-amplifier is capable of handling load impedances down to 2Ω. The amplifier is rated at 600 watts RMS x 1 channel into 2Ω with <1% THD+N.

Controls

Gain: Rotary control used to set the amplifier's gain according the level of the incoming signal and continuously variable from 0.2V to 6.5V

Low-Pass Crossover: Built into the GM-D8500M is a very smart crossover network. It works like a gateway, routing the big bass signals (adjustable from 40 to 240Hz or lower, at -12dB/octave) and filtering out higher-frequency signals to that subwoofer. This optimizes your system's efficiency and delivers the best possible sound quality.

Bass Boost: For added low frequency performance this amplifier has a bass boost circuit, variable from 0 to +12 dB and centered at 50 Hz. Adjustment is made using the included wired remote. Bass boost gives you more control over how your music sounds. It lets you set the optimal bass level for each subwoofer connected to the GM-D8500M, so the tone controls from your headunit can do what they do best.

Remote Bass Boost: The bass boost circuit is controlled using the included wired remote (YXC5142), which can be mounted within easy reach of the driver. It's helpful when adjusting bass output between different music sources or songs. The remote has integrated flanges on either side to mount the unit under the dash. The remote control measures 2.3125" wide x 1.1875" tall x 2.5" deep.

Connections

Power Connections: The power and ground connections will accommodate up to 4-gauge wire. The remote turn-on terminal will accept up to 8-gauge wire. A phillips-head or straight-head screwdriver can be used to tighten and loosen the terminals.

Speaker Level Input: A speaker level to RCA adapter is included; splice your radio's speaker output to the adapter, then plug it into the RCA inputs on the amp. The input switch on the amp should be set to SP (speaker level) or RCA (line level) to match the radio output level.

Speaker Connections: The speaker output terminals will accommodate up to 8-gauge wire. A phillips-head or straight-head screwdriver can be used to tighten and loosen the terminals.