Wattage

• Maximum wattage ratings of amplifiers and speakers -- whether denoted as "max" or "peak" -- are not really an issue, as maximum power levels only occur at very brief intervals and are not a true indicator of safe power handling. RMS, or Root Mean Square, wattage is the universally accepted formula rating for average continuous wattage output of amplifiers and speaker handling. Choose an amplifier that closely meets the RMS wattage rating of your speakers, such as the Pioneer 7200M mono amplifier with 800 watts maximum power.
  
  

Ohms

• Speakers are assigned non-changeable ohm ratings to denote their resistance to incoming amplifier voltage. Amplifiers are also assigned ohm ratings, but these are usually variable to handle common speaker ohms from 4 to 16. As speaker ohms go down, amplifier wattage increases due to lesser voltage resistance at the speaker end. Amp specifications list wattage ratings at various speaker ohm loads, so choose an amp that provides the necessary RMS wattage at your subwoofer's ohm rating. Any Pioneer amplifier and many other major amp brands allow speakers of varying ohm ratings, but be mindful of wattage at the ohm rating of your speaker.
  
  

Stereo or Mono

• Many subwoofers are wired in mono due to the nondescript nature of sub-bass frequencies, but some users prefer stereo. Amplifiers are configured in stereo or mono to suit both needs, and stereo amplifiers can often be "bridged" to combine stereo channel power for mono usage. Choose a stereo or mono amplifier to suit your preference, but be aware of the bridged wattage rating of stereo amplifiers, as it can be two to four times the stereo RMS wattage at lower speaker ohm loads. Pioneer's GM-3500T is a stereo amp providing 400 watts of maximum power, bridgeable to 800 watts max, or consider another brand of amp with similar specs.
  
  

Crossover Type

• Crossovers are electronic devices that filter amplifier frequencies sent to the speaker. Depending on the model of your Pioneer sub, it may or may not have a built-in sub-bass crossover. If it does not, the Pioneer 7200M amp includes a variable crossover. If your sub does include a crossover, Pioneer's GM-3500T amp will do the job. Keep the crossover in mind when shopping for amplifiers by other manufacturers.