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BGW 250 / 750 series questions...

A

aiden

New Member
I've been researching vintage BGW amplifiers as a possible solution for my home theater needs. Seeing as how Loach71 is the BGW expert around here, I thought I would reach out to him and get his advice. But I am blocked from sending him a PM (too low post count maybe?), so I am starting this thread in the hopes he will lend his advice. I know in the past he has been really keen on the 750C and 250D, but I'm not sure of the differences between the letters in the series regarding build quality and musicality.

I came across a used equipment site that is selling the following "professionally cleaned and serviced":
  • 750 ($400 - $500 close to mint)
  • 750A ($500)
  • 750B ($450)
  • 750C ($400)
  • 250D ($250)
  • 250E ($300)

Now I'm sure they haven't been recapped or upgraded at all, but I'm curious about the reliability / sonic differences between them. I know technologically the 750D had some significant updates, but I'm not sure how significant those updates are. I actually like the LED meters as a preference, but I don't know if those are more trouble than they're worth.

Currently I'm driving some high efficiency horns with 10" drivers. I have 18" subs crossed over @100 hz running on their own amplifiers, so these would just be for the mids and highs. While I could probably be fine with the 250s, the 750s give me a lot more headroom if I ever need it. But they are actively cooled versus the 250s, which means more complexity = more potential issues.

My intention is to start building up to an Atmos setup with 14 of these speakers (which I already own), therefore I will need 7 amplifiers in total. I'm content to pick them up slowly and have them restored as time + money allows, so recommendations on a good shop for this is welcomed.

So, what do you think?
 
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I have heard them, and they're a very good amplifier. While this is not the forum for value, I would suggest that those prices are on the extreme high end.
 
Those amps most likely would be better for the subs , with horns you won't need over 10 watts a channel and you be operating the amps in the power range whee they sound the worst .
 
I am using a 250C for my bedroom system and I love it but I am not the guy to go over the differences.
 
vinyldavid said:
I have heard them, and they're a very good amplifier. While this is not the forum for value, I would suggest that those prices are on the extreme high end.
Click to expand...

I gathered the prices are inflated due to condition and the "cleaning". But I agree with what you're saying.
 
battradio said:
Those amps most likely would be better for the subs , with horns you won't need over 10 watts a channel and you be operating the amps in the power range whee they sound the worst .
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm thinking along the same lines. The 250 series being around 100W per channel might be the right way to go. If I ever needed more power, I could always bridge and add more amps.
 
timsclips said:
I am using a 250C for my bedroom system and I love it but I am not the guy to go over the differences.
Click to expand...

I suspect, though I could be wrong, that they are sonically very close if not identical. It seems like, other than the 750D upgrade, the changes were mostly cosmetic.
 
Well I snagged a 250D on ebay earlier for $130 after shipping. Pics indicate it is in decent shape, compared to the scarred warhorses I've seen. So I'll use this as my eval unit. If it performs as well as others have said, I will have less trepidation about purchasing more units a slightly higher prices.

Thanks to everyone here who has responded so far. Still hoping to hear from Loach at some point. :/
 
Unless you have an aversion to MOSFET, take a look at Ashly, FTX models in particular, or CFT models for passive cooling.

With the number of amplifiers you are looking at maintaining, it would behoove you to choose a manufacturer that is still in business and well supported.

Don't get me wrong, i am a big BGW fan, have used several of their amps over the years and still have a couple rare ones on hand.
 
bowtie427ss said:
Unless you have an aversion to MOSFET, take a look at Ashly, FTX models in particular, or CFT models for passive cooling.

With the number of amplifiers you are looking at maintaining, it would behoove you to choose a manufacturer that is still in business and well supported.

Don't get me wrong, i am a big BGW fan, have used several of their amps over the years and still have a couple rare ones on hand.
Click to expand...

Behoove... there's a word I don't hear often. :D

The 250 is passively cooled, but I understand what you're saying about using a manufacturer that still supports a specific product. While BGW is still in business, though owned by ATI, I'm sure they don't support products from 30 years ago.

I will start down the road of researching Ashly amplifiers. Thank you for the advice.
 
There seems to be very little information regarding Ashly for home theater use, at least as far as I could tell. I have used QSC DCA amplifiers in the past, and they worked very well. Would that be a viable alternative?
 
QSC DCA amps are commonly used in professional installations. As were BGW, when they were new. I have a contact that regularly gets theater cleanout gear, and last trip he got 4 racks of BGW, which were all sold before they even got off the truck.
 
I sent you a PM vinyldavid.

Thank you all for your input and advice. I have a lot to consider as I put this together. Your input gives me multiple directions to continue my research.
 
vinyldavid said:
QSC DCA amps are commonly used in professional installations. As were BGW, when they were new. I have a contact that regularly gets theater cleanout gear, and last trip he got 4 racks of BGW, which were all sold before they even got off the truck.
Click to expand...
That should tell you something. The reason so many people are drawn to "Vintage "gears they certainly don't make them like they used to.
I read somewhere in an issue of Stereophile is" What's new is not always true. And what's true is not always new"
 
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