My system has plenty of power. Who needs an amp?

You might think you don't need an amp because you have a 400-watt system in your car, or because your new stereo puts out 50 watts a channel. But those are peak wattage ratings, which may boil down to 15 or 20 watts per channel, using the more realistic RMS rating. An amp sends your speakers the power they need to deliver your music with clarity and impact, whether you're using factory speakers or high-performance components. And low-frequency reproduction requires lots of power, so an amp is an absolute must if you're adding a sub to your system.

Our take on the Pioneer GM-6500F

by Ken Nail

Looking to upgrade your system's sound? Whether you're ramping up your aftermarket receiver or adding much-needed power to a factory radio, you can count on Pioneer's GM Series amps to deliver what you're looking for — clean power. Power that'll bump up the bass, sharpen the highs, and make your listening experience something you'll look forward to every time you turn the key.

The GM-6500F 4-channel amplifier is well-suited to drive your front and rear speakers, with 60 watts RMS per channel. Or you can bridge the output of this versatile amp to punch up two subs with 180 watts each. You'll find selectable high- and low-pass filters on the front and rear channels that adapt the amp to the job at hand. Speaker-level inputs allow you to add the GM-6500F to a factory stereo.

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Highlights:

4-channel car amplifier
60 watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms (85 watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohms)
180 watts RMS x 2 in bridged mode (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
CEA-2006 compliant
4-channel variable high- and low-pass filters (40-500 Hz, 12 dB per octave)
MOSFET power supply
speaker-level inputs
preamp inputs
fuse rating: 25A x 2
8-gauge power and ground leads recommended — wiring and hardware not included with amplifier
13-3/4"W x 2-1/2"H x 11-3/8"D
warranty: 1 year
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	60 x 4
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	190 x 4
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) Loading...	85 x 4
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) Loading...	180 x 2
Minimum Impedance Bridged Loading...	4
Minimum Impedance Unbridged Loading...	---
Best Frequency Response Loading...	10-70k Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power Loading...	1%
Signal to Noise Ratio Loading...	80 dB
Input Voltage Loading...	14.4v
Features
Amplifier Class Loading...	AB
Low-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	40-500 Hz
Low-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	12 dB/oct
High-Pass Crossover Frequency Loading...	40-500 Hz
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	12 dB/oct
Bass Boost Loading...	No
Bass Boost Frequency Loading...	N/A
Fan Cooled Loading...	No
Fuse Rating Loading...	50
Speaker Level Inputs Loading...	Harness
Preamp Outputs Loading...	No
Width (inches) Loading...	13-3/4
Height (inches) Loading...	2-1/2
Depth (inches) Loading...	11-3/8
Parts Warranty Loading...	1 Year
Labor Warranty Loading...	1 Year

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

4-Channel amplifier
Two 25A ATO fuses (installed)
4" Speaker-level input harness
Four 5/8" Self-tapping screws
Owner's Manual (English/ French/ Spanish)
Warranty information

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

Features

CEA-2006 Compliant: CEA-2006 is a system of testing and measurement methods for mobile audio amplifiers, 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 14.4 volt DC power supply and the RMS power output is measured with 1% or less Total Harmonic Distortion plus noise (THD+N) over a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz (for full range amplifiers). Signal-to-Noise ratio is measured in weighted absolute decibels (dBA) at a reference of 1 watt into 4-ohms. The CEA-2006 criteria allow consumers to make an apples-to-apples comparison of car amplifiers and receivers, even from different brands. Manufacturers who adhere to the standards can display the CEA 2006 logo on their products and packaging. CEA2006 Specifications:

Power: 60 watts x 4 into 4-ohms
S/N: 80 dBA (@ 1 watt into 4-ohms)

Gain Control: To accommodate the varying range of signal levels coming from today's factory and aftermarket radios, the GM-6500F has independent adjustable input gain controls for the A and B channels (200mV-6.5V line level, 800mV-26V speaker level).

Gain Control Caution: If the gain control level is set too high, Pioneer's Gain Control Caution feature will automatically reduce the amplifier's output until the headunit volume is decreased to acceptable levels. This added layer of protection helps prevent damage to the amplifier and the connected speakers due to improper gain control adjustments.

Crossovers: The amplifier's internal crossovers have independent controls for the A and B channels; each can be set to low-pass, off (full range), or high-pass. The crossover point is fixed at 80 Hz for the A channels and continuously variable from 40-500 Hz for the B channels. The slope is 12 dB/octave for both.

Input Select: The input select switch changes between 4-channel and 2-channel input mode. When operating in the 2-channel mode, the amplifier produces 4-channels of output with connections to only the A channel inputs.

Power Connections: The power and ground connections are 0.545" wide screw terminals, the remote turn-on screw terminal is 0.325" wide. A Phillips-head or flat blade screw driver (not included) is required to tighten/loosen the terminals. Spade connectors are recommended for the power, ground, and remote wires.

Speaker Connections: The speaker screw terminals are 0.325" wide. A Phillips-head or flat blade screw driver (not included) is required to tighten/loosen the terminals. Spade connectors are recommended for the speaker wires.

RCA Input: The amplifier features two pair of stereo RCA line level inputs, left and right for A and B channels.

Speaker Input: The GM-6500F's speaker level input and harness allows you to connect your OEM radio (or aftermarket radio that does not have the typical RCA-type outputs) without having to buy an adapter.

Fuses: The amp is protected by two 25-amp ATO blade fuses.

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5 out of 5

Great Amplifier to boost your speakers!

Written By VP, Springfiled MA on Saturday, February 16, 2013

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Im very happy with this amplifier, I used it to power 4 Pioneer Speakers, the Pioneer TS-A6885R 4 way speakers, and it works great. Also it was easy to connect the wires to. The gain and other controls are well built so that you cant accidentally change the settings. Does not take much space in the trunk, which was a must on my convertible. Another advantage in can be briged to use with two speakers and a subwoofer. Would recommend to others.

Pros:

Good Value. Well built. Excellent quality.

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4 out of 5

extra power for aftermarket speakers

Written By Chris R, Cincinnati, OH on Saturday, May 05, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

I replaced the factory speakers last year in my wife's Accord. I immediately realized I would need an amp to bring the speakers alive. It worked, this amp is exactly what the speakers needed. It's also what you expect form pioneer a quality product, and a great value. I don't need any fake gold trim or flashy lighting system on my amp.

Pros:

Another quality product form Poineer.

Cons:

I used the speaker level inputs, I would have preferred a terminal block instead of a wire harness to make connections. As the spec's state channel A has a fixed crossover point, if you want to dial in a specific range channel B is the only one that allows custom setting.

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Not bad at all

Written By Wayne, Georgetown KY on Thursday, June 30, 2011

I am running two 4in polk 2 ways, two 5 1/4 polk componets and 1 kicker comp cvt 10in on this amp and it doest struggle at all i have good clear crisp sound with a solid thump from the 10in kicker but I dont like trunk rattleing bass either but it will do it I tried it. I would recomned this amp for the price.

13 out of 14 people found this helpful

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