Pioneer announced its new line of high-efficiency “GM Digital” series Class-D automotive amplifiers, consisting of the GM-D8604 4-channel model and GM-D9601 (pictured) and GM-D8601 mono models. Pioneer’s digital amplifiers can produce the same power output as conventional amplifiers more than twice their physical size through improvements in their Class-D amplifier technology and design. The new amplifiers feature an extremely compact chassis for maximum installation flexibility, a new industrial cosmetic design, balanced audio inputs for improved sound quality and higher power output compared with previous models.
Power and Performance
The GM-D9601 and GM-D8601 mono amplifiers are designed specifically to power large subwoofers that can produce low bass frequencies that are often missing in most vehicles. Both models feature 1-ohm stability, allowing them to deliver extreme power and high current in a wide variety of connectivity configurations, from a single subwoofer to multiple subwoofer applications. The larger GM-D9601 can deliver up to 1200 Watts (1-ohm) of RMS power while the GM-D8601 produces up to 800 Watts (1-ohm) of RMS power. Both units feature selectable bass boost at 0dB, 6dB, or 12dB at 50Hz.
The 4-channel GM-D8604 amplifier complements the mono amp models by providing ample power for speakers that reproduce a wider frequency range. The 4-channel model can produce up to 100 Watts x 4 (4-ohm) RMS power, 150 Watts x 4 (2-ohm) of RMS power, or 300 Watts x 2 (4-ohm bridged) RMS power when configured to play in 2-channel mode. The 4-channel model features speaker level inputs and a built-in low pass or high pass crossover with a frequency slope of 40-500Hz, making it easy to add on to any system.
All three amplifiers utilize a very small, compact chassis that is ideal for applications with limited space. Each unit has been cosmetically redesigned with a new, more durable industrial design that utilizes perforated aluminum die-cast heat sinks to provide maximum heat dissipation.
Price and Availability (November 2012)
Pioneer GM-D8604 (100-watt x 4 @ 4 ohm) $220
Pioneer GM-D9601 (500-watt x 1 @ 4 ohm) $280
Pioneer GM-D8601 (300-watt x 1 @ 4 ohm) $200
Specifications
| GM-D9601 | GM-D8604 | GM-D8601 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Channels | Mono | 4/3/2 | Mono |
| Maximum Power Output | 2,400 W | 1,200 W | 1,500 W |
| Continuous Power Output (1 Ω, ≤ 1% THD+N) | 1,200 W x 1 | 125 W x 4 | 800 W x 1 |
| Continuous Power Output (2 Ω, ≤ 1% THD+N) | 800 W x 1 | 150 W x 4 | 500 W x 1 |
| Continuous Power Output (4 Ω, ≤ 1% THD+N) | 500 W x 1 | 100 W x 4 | 300 W x 1 |
| Continuous Power Output Bridged (4 Ω) | ― | 300 W x 2 | ― |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz to 240 Hz | 10 Hz to 35 kHz | 10 Hz to 240 Hz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (4 Ω) | < 0.5% (100 Hz) | < 0.05% (1 kHz) | < 0.5% (100 Hz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF-A Weighted, at 1 kHz) | > 100 dB | > 95 dB | > 100 dB |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 12-3/8″ x 2-3/8″ x 7-7/8″ | 10-3/8″ x 2-3/8″ x 7-7/8″ | 10-3/8″ x 2-3/8″ x 7-7/8″ |
