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-5500T

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-5500T 2-channel amplifier is well-suited to drive a pair of high-performance coaxial or component speakers, with 125 watts RMS per channel. You can also bridge the output of this versatile amp to punch out 400 watts at 4 ohms, and you'll find a low-pass filter that adapts the amp to driving a subwoofer. Speaker-level inputs allow you to add the GM-5500T to a factory stereo.

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Highlights:

2-channel car amplifier
125 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms (190 watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohms)
400 watts RMS x 1 in bridged mode (4-ohm stable in bridged mode)
CEA-2006 compliant
variable low-pass filter (40-500 Hz, 12 dB per octave)
bass boost
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
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Features and specs chart | What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Features and Specs

Performance
RMS Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	125 x 2
Peak Power Output (Watts x Channels) Loading...	410 x 2
Power at 2 Ohms (Watts x Channels) Loading...	190 x 2
Bridged Power (Watts x Channels) Loading...	400 x 1
Minimum Impedance Bridged Loading...	4
Minimum Impedance Unbridged Loading...	2
Best Frequency Response Loading...	10-70k Hz
THD at Rated RMS Power Loading...	1%
Signal to Noise Ratio Loading...	78 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...	N/A
High-Pass Slope (dB/octave) Loading...	N/A
Bass Boost Loading...	0dB, +6dB, +12dB
Bass Boost Frequency Loading...	50 Hz
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

2-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: 125 watts x 2 into 4-ohms
S/N: 78 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 input gain is adjustable (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.

LPF: A two position switch turns the low pass filter (LPF) on/off.

Frequency: The low pass crossover point is continuously variable from 40 Hz to 500 Hz. The crossover slope is 12dB/octave.

Bass Boost: The Bass Boost circuit is centered at 50Hz and can be set to 0dB (off), +6dB, or +12dB.

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 a pair of stereo RCA line level inputs (left/right).

Speaker Input: The GM-5500T's speaker level input and harness allow 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 for starters

Written By Anonymous, georgia on Tuesday, December 04, 2012

well, when i first started building my stereo, i got one of these. it has plenty of power and i would recommend it to anyone who is just starting to learn stereos. i have four friends with at least one if not two of these in their trunks. great sound, easy install, no headaches... unless you turn the bass up too much! ;)

Pros:

absolutely a must have for any small system up to two 12" subs cannot overheat this amp if used right. it is built with pioneer's touch with great quality.

Cons:

your friends will probably be jealous...

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

Great Budget AMP

Written By 2006dodgepowerwagon, AK on Friday, June 15, 2012

Great AMP for the price. I paid $134. Replaced a dissapointing Boston Accoutics AMP. I dont have any problems pushing my Polk 10.

Pros:

Power, Price

Cons:

None

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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"Coolness Factor"

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3 out of 5

Would of went bigger!

Written By Brent, Bellville, OH on Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Great price for the power. You get what u pay for. Tried to get 2 ohms but found out later the amp cannot do this. The amp has over heated and cut out on me twice since the weather has changed. Pushing a twelve inch kicker in ported trunk box. The amp does push it nicely but will over heat after about and hour when cranked up.

Pros:

Price and watts. Will push a good 12 bridged

Cons:

Overheating and can't go lower than 4ohms.

1 out of 6 people found this helpful

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1 out of 5

pioneer gm 5500t amp

Written By 66 buick guy, Iowa on Sunday, May 06, 2012

This amp is junk; WAY over rated............barely even pushes my 10'' pioneer speeker even when bridged........A true 820 watt bridged amp should blow my speaker out of the box. I have an old 260 watt amp 4-3-2 bridgeable and it pounds my 10'' harder than the 820 watt pioneer amp does....I will definately be returning it.

Pros:

looks nice, easy to instal, decent price, might possibly work better for midrange speakers.

Cons:

Totally over rated, not near enough power to even push one 8'' sub let alone two tens.

1 out of 10 people found this helpful

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