BGW GTB, newbie on this forum but old sound cat.

[BrunoStevens]

Hello all,

Bruno from Brussels in Belgium here. I am an ex pro-sound engineer (live and studio). I just found a BGW GTB amp in great condition at rock bottom price. I have known and used most ‘big’ pro amps since the mid seventies so I know how good most BGW’s are. However I don’t have any direct experience with the GTB, I would love to get some feedback by someone in the know.
I also would be very much interested with a service manual for the beast since I intend to recap it. I can’t seem to be able to find that on the net from my end, can anyone help? Thank you in advance!

 

[bowtie427ss]

You likely won't find a service manual. BGW didn't share that stuff until Brian Wachner had passed and the company traded hands.

GTB is basically the same amplifier as the GTA, except it only has half the power supply, or you could say that the GTA has twice the power supply of the GTB.

Carefully observe the input pinout, most of the "GT" series use "pin 3 hot" convention.

I took this image circa 2007. It is amazing how many different websites it has appeared on over the years. I found this one at audiofanzine.com. Completely independent power supplies including power switches and cords(dual 120VAC for USA) in the GTA.

Since the 70's?

Did you ever encounter BGW models 1000, 1500, or 2000?

Someone has graciously hosted a pic of my 1000 on facebook for us, i still have this beast.

 

[BrunoStevens]

Thank you for you answer, I wasn’t sure that GTB was the same amp (less 1 transformer) as the GTA, so I am good as I have a GTA manual.
Do you have other pictures, maybe of the electronic modules themselves?

I am actually quite curious to compare it to high end ‘hifi’ amps...
Any opinion/first hand experience on that?

 

[bowtie427ss]

Sorry, i no longer have the GTA's and cannot find my own image files.

I do have an original sales slick sheet for GTA/GTB. I'll get the SO to scan it for me and eventually get it posted here.

 

[BrunoStevens]

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[BrunoStevens]

Boy, oh boy!

I just brought this baby (BGW GTB amp) home. What an incredible surprise.

That thing is a killer. Ultra analytical, impressive 3d rendering, the stereo image is about the best I have ever heard, at any price. Initial listening makes you think it is a bit bass light until you realize that it is in fact controlling the bass INCREDIBLY tightly. Even at very moderate hifi level, ultra low frequencies are present, tight, precise and controlled.
My system (blue ray reader optical output into Benchmark DAC1 straight into the BGW and onto B&W Matrix 804’s) has just become TRANSPARENT.
All that for... 170€.
Steal of the year.
I am a happy customer.