Pioneer GM-DX874 Car Amplifier: Testing reveals surprising results-really not a capable Sub amp!

We dig into the Pioneer GM-DX874 for a solid test. We evaluate the output of this amplifier. What is it capable of? Can it truly run a 4/3/2 channel car audio sound system? We have run it through its tests....
Purchase from us: Pioneer GM-DX874

This is not a subwoofer amplifier. Its a great mid-bass 4-channel amplifier. It doesn't load well and the Pioneer specification sheet tells you what you need to know. Is it a bad amplifier........

Timestamps:
0:09 - Introduction
1:12 - Unboxing
1:45 - Inside the box
2:27 - GM-D8704 vs GM-DX874 differences
2:58 - High and Low Pass filters
3:05 - Variable Bass Boost
3:38 - (2) Channels driven 4 Ohms 40 Hz
4:05 - (2) Channels driven 4 Ohms 1 Hz
4:29 - (2) Channels driven 2 Ohms 40 Hz
4:49 - (2) Channels driven 42 Ohms 1 Hz
5:15 - Output shows this is not a good subwoofer amp
5:32 - Conclusion
Thank you for watching, and we can't wait to share our audio journey with you!

[tatialo]

If its not good for subs, why do it come with bass level comtrol, for three channels operation?

[growingup]

have this on my hawkeye wrx, very solid amp

[hovhannessargsyan]

Hi is this better than than the kenwood KAC-314??? I need it for 2x6.5 speakers and 1xSubwoofer and i currently have the kenwood installed. Looking for an upgrade.

[Grayback]

I got this amp recently and the RCA's that came with it showed continuity between the outer shield and the center pin. The impedance was different for the outer and inner but nonetheless all 4 of the RCA's showed this. Is that normal for differential balanced inputs?

[MeniTsioni]

Great video thank you
There is a big difference between this an the D8704 ?

[tanukapoor]

Please bring the video comparing pioneer and jL amplifier for component speakers

[shahidyt]

Thank you for sharing your findings.
I’m just looking into car audio after replacing an outdated stereo on my 2014 Subaru Impreza.
Is it just me or are reviews of car equipment very different to home hifi system reviews.
I guess the install must make a big difference.
Car audio equipment seems to be focused around measurements.
With home hifi, the reviews I used to watch talked about soundstage, instrument separation, dynamics…

Basically I’m not after loud sounding audio or over the top bass. I want to put a system that is holographic, low noise, transparent, without a harsh top end. I don’t know where to start looking for reviews or how to compare the quality of equipment based on my requirements.
Perhaps there is a need for a car audiophile channel that brings the qualities of home hifi reviewing to the road?

[robertoortiz]

You can still run it as for a sub you will just have to used the radios lowpass filter

[sid]

wish you guys did THD+N at 5W and Half of rated power, gives a much better indication of distortion. 1% is pretty terrible and audible

[deepapo]

I have the Hertz Dieci DBX 150w subwoofer with the Pioneer gm d8704. Do you believe pioneer has not enough power to drive the subwoofer?
For me after hearing this combination, I'm not sure if the sub sounds good and I'm not sure if it's the low end sub or the Pioneer amp

[Vikseemungal]

Tried to run this bridged to power a 400rms sub, it didnt do justice to the speaker

[cliffordjeremykambiambia]

Would this amp be too much if I paired it with two jbl speakers rated 60wrms at 3ohms plus two others rated at 70wrms at 3ohms? Would it work or I should get an amp with smaller rms rating?

[Thizz]

What size distribution block fuse would is use for this amp

[florida]

Lol. The comments. “I have speaker xch127 from my grandpa’s Jensen home stereo. Can I use amp jue87hk and stick the power wire into the left channel negative?”

[atharvakadam]

I have sony es components in car and co axial at back of rms 90 watts each, its currently running on Sony ax8100 with 55rms each i want to have a proper output soo is it good enough?

[alibektukhtaev]

Hi, I have a mvh-s520bt and ts-z65ch head, will the dx874 work if connected per channel? and what is the RMS of the tweeters in the kit ts-z65ch. I want to use this ams 2ch on tweeters, 2 ch on mids. Is it possible ?

[adamjanowicki]

If this amp will be good for driving two 100W 8 Ohm speakers (Bose DS100f), with input voltage 12, 5V? Stereo mode 2 channels bridge. Used on a boat with baterries and solar panels.

[praneethkatepogu]

Sir which wire is best for JBL 352hi coaxial speakers This speakers is used with Sony Dsc 410bit stereo sir please suggest me a wire please sir

[hughjass]

So, my amp is probably clipping if I try to run 20V?

[urielsanchez]

you should review the old sony
xav-ax1000