GT Audio Works GTA 2 Planar Magnetic Loudspeakers

[Audio_Karma]

I was wondering if anyone heard these speakers at any of the shows?

http://www.gtaudioworks.com

 

[cjfrbw]

Dunno, it is going to be hard to find somebody who has heard these boutique speakers.

Price is a bargain for the technology. Holy Apogee, Batman! Ribbons, planar magnetics, powered subwoofers and 90db efficiency, at 3.5K plus tax and shipping it would almost be worth it just to buy a pair and check them out. That is high efficiency for ribbon tech.

Of course, manufacturer provides some encomiums:

http://www.gtaudioworks.com/blog/2012/07/18/NYC-Show.aspx

 

[Audio_Karma]

Here's some more feedback

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=111001.msg1148071#new

 

[bonzo75]

I recently traveled from London to New York to listen to these. I have owned Martin Logan summits, and have heard Apogees, Quads, Soundlab Ultimates, Analysis Audio, and Maggies (not 20.7).

I found these to be a close second to the Analysis. the Analysis Omega and Amphitryon with their updated Duelund crossovers retail around 30k, this around 6k. It is a hybrid like Logans, but it's ribbon is beautiful and the speaker is extremely dynamic. A Stat can't get to such dynamism, nor can a Maggie. The Analysis is my favorite speaker and will be, but I think it might make more sense for me to the buy these

 

[BobM]

Greg's GT speakers are exactly what you are saying about them. They are the bargain of the century for what they can do vs what they cost. Heard them at shows and at local NY club meetings. They just sound "right". Punchy and dynamic. Transparent to the source. Balanced.

And the manufacturer is a great guy who will stand behind his product.

 

[awsmone]

"Veni, vidi, vici" is latin quote so you got the verbs misspelt

in latin what you are trying to say

Veni vidi "velcro" = i carbarundum [i stuck around]

 

[KLH007]

I own an early pair of the GTA2s and love them. Magneplanar and ML fans should try to audition these and find out how much dynamic excitement they are missing. He has made some dramatic improvements to the GTA2s, and the pair that bonzo75 heard is the current design, transparent, punchy, focused imaging, expansive soundstage, great realism on percussion/drum kit, it's a shame more people haven't had a chance to hear them, especially the latest version. The GTA2s are emotionally involving and often I listen to an entire CD when I started to listen to a single cut, my feet move, and I smile when a favorite song plays. If you can drive to Northern NJ, please get a chance to hear them at Greg's home, they sound terrific!

 

[allvinyl]

I own an early pair of the GTA2s and love them. Magneplanar and ML fans should try to audition these and find out how much dynamic excitement they are missing. He has made some dramatic improvements to the GTA2s, and the pair that bonzo75 heard is the current design, transparent, punchy, focused imaging, expansive soundstage, great realism on percussion/drum kit, it's a shame more people haven't had a chance to hear them, especially the latest version. The GTA2s are emotionally involving and often I listen to an entire CD when I started to listen to a single cut, my feet move, and I smile when a favorite song plays. If you can drive to Northern NJ, please get a chance to hear them at Greg's home, they sound terrific!

I am seriously considering the GTA2(.5) speakers. Even to the point of buying unheard. I was a panel speaker guy for almost 30 years and have a lot of experience with Maggies, ML, Acoustat, Apogee, and the like. My one reservation is that of amplification. What are you using to drive the panels? I have 30 watt Berning amp and am concerned I'll need more power.

John

 

[bonzo75]

I think Bernings won't work on a panel, but they sell off easily in the used market. You can buy any 100w amp, tube or SS, as your preference

 

[allvinyl]

I think Bernings won't work on a panel, but they sell off easily in the used market. You can buy any 100w amp, tube or SS, as your preference

Are you concerned about the low power of 30 watts/channel or another concern? Greg seemed to think, as I, a Berning OTL driving the panels would be really transparent, but he did express concern about 30 watts being robust enough to really drive them.

John

 

[LL21]

I am seriously considering the GTA2(.5) speakers. Even to the point of buying unheard. I was a panel speaker guy for almost 30 years and have a lot of experience with Maggies, ML, Acoustat, Apogee, and the like. My one reservation is that of amplification. What are you using to drive the panels? I have 30 watt Berning amp and am concerned I'll need more power.

John

Based on what people have told me about Berning amps, and what i am told about these panels...perhaps give Vitus a try? I know Kog (your Stillpoints & Entreq distributor here) also distributes Vitus...perhaps speak with them for further advice? I know people who have owned both Gryphon and Vitus Masterpiece level, so have some idea of what Vitus is like...and imagine they are every bit the world class amps that is their reputation.

 

[bonzo75]

Yes, about 30 watts being too low. Those amps are fantastic. But then I know a guy who drives his Maggies with 40w and loves it. Greg at least has powered woofers.

But i really wouldn't worry about that. I would just try it with the Berning, if not will sell the Berning, and get another one. Unless of course your decision is driven by the amp and you want to retain the Berning

 

[allvinyl]

Based on what people have told me about Berning amps, and what i am told about these panels...perhaps give Vitus a try? I know Kog (your Stillpoints & Entreq distributor here) also distributes Vitus...perhaps speak with them for further advice? I know people who have owned both Gryphon and Vitus Masterpiece level, so have some idea of what Vitus is like...and imagine they are every bit the world class amps that is their reputation.

Agreed. I have used a smaller SIA-025, that is very nice in Class A mode. It was driving Focal Scala Utopias. Vitus distributes Stillpoints so we already have a relationship with Hans-Ole. Not sure what to take away from your comment on Berning amps...

John

 

[LL21]

Agreed. I have used a smaller SIA-025, that is very nice in Class A mode. It was driving Focal Scala Utopias. Vitus distributes Stillpoints so we already have a relationship with Hans-Ole. Not sure what to take away from your comment on Berning amps...

John

Simply that the Berning is known for incredible alacrity while maintaining a beautiful tonal color. Based on what i've heard about Vitus (and what i know from owning Gryphon, also a Class A amp whose owners often go back and forth between Vitus and Gryphon...look at Jeff Fritz for example)...they might offer that same quality for you...while being able to deliver the current capability you require to really drive those panels...

 

[Mike Lavigne]

Agreed. I have used a smaller SIA-025, that is very nice in Class A mode. It was driving Focal Scala Utopias. Vitus distributes Stillpoints so we already have a relationship with Hans-Ole. Not sure what to take away from your comment on Berning amps...

John

not sure what your budget might be, but last fall I had the pleasure of enjoying a weekend with the Berning 211/845 ZOTL Monoblocks which are 60 watts class A and more in push pull. it's a great amplifier.

very holographic, beautiful tone, linear at the frequency extremes, and dynamic. I used to own 75 watt Tenor OTL's so I know my OTL's.

can it do those speakers justice? don't know.

 

[audioarcher]

Berning Quadrature Z's would do the job, but are very spendy. http://davidberning.com/products/qz

 

[LL21]

not sure what your budget might be, but last fall I had the pleasure of enjoying a weekend with the Berning 211/845 ZOTL Monoblocks which are 60 watts class A and more in push pull. it's a great amplifier.

very holographic, beautiful tone, linear at the frequency extremes, and dynamic. I used to own 75 watt Tenor OTL's so I know my OTL's.

can it do those speakers justice? don't know.

Another thought...a lot of people say Atmasphere amps drive big panels like Soundlabs extremely well. But given Stillpoints corporate relationship with Vitus, i do think that could be quite a nice route to take if the Bernings are not up to driving the panels...

 

[bonzo75]

If you want to spend more just get a used Lamm M2.2, around 7k on the Gon. It's valves plus hybrid current plus power (220w), Panels like that sort of thing. But I really wouldn't worry too much about these amps, because once you get a Panel, just get a powerful amp, cheap and used, either like a Krell FPB, Bryston, Parasound, or Audio Research, and then demo some amps over the next year. Then sell these normal ones. They sell so easily in the used market. Also Sanders.

 

[Barry2013]

Hi John. I have had my Vitus SIA 025 for a year or so and it is the best amp I have ever owned.
I have heard a range of other amps at Munich and none persuaded me that they sounded better overall.
Initially I was unsure whether the 25 watt Class A output (100 watts A/B) was enough. Fraser assured me there would be no problem and he was right and I know my experience has been mirrored by that of other owners. My Carmels' sensistivity is 85 so not the most efficient but in class A I still have power to spare.
Have a word with Fraser.

 

[Barry2013]

Hi John. I have had my Vitus SIA 025 for a year or so and it is the best amp I have ever owned.
I have heard a range of other amps at Munich and none persuaded me that they sounded better overall.
Initially I was unsure whether the 25 watt Class A output (100 watts A/B) was enough. Fraser assured me there would be no problem and he was right and I know my experience has been mirrored by that of other owners. My Carmels' sensistivity is 85 so not the most efficient but in class A I still have power to spare.
Have a word with Fraser.

PS
The Vitus replaced a Naim 500/Naim 552(DR) which are rated at 140 watts. Not only is there no power deficiency and better sound quality but they control the speaker cones at higher volumes far better than the Naims.