BGW Systems

BGW Systems, Inc.

Company type	Private
Industry	Audio electronics, computer hardware, sheet metal fabrication
Founded	1971
Founder	Brian Gary Wachner
Headquarters	Montebello , United States
Products	Audio power amplifiers, audio crossovers, rack-mounted computing hardware, fabricated sheet metal products
Parent	Amplifier Technologies, Inc. (since 2003)

BGW Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer and designer located in Southern California, specializing in audio power amplifiers along with various other audio electronics, computer hardware, and fabricated sheet metal products.

History

Established in 1971 by Brian Gary Wachner, an entrepreneur who was then employed as a field applications engineer at National Semiconductor, BGW gained significant recognition in 1974 when Universal Studios selected its Model 750 and 750A amplifiers for the Sensurround subwoofer systems used in cinemas. This pivotal endorsement broadened BGW’s footprint across venues such as movie theaters, theme parks, and nightclubs. By 1978, BGW had become the leading amplifier provider for discotheques.

Wachner played a role in shaping industry standards by co-authoring a 1975 paper for the Audio Engineering Society (AES) that highlighted discrepancies in amplifier power ratings and supported the establishment of Federal Trade Commission guidelines. The company diversified its offerings by introducing audio crossovers in 1979 and releasing additional amplifier models during the early 1980s. By 1983, BGW had developed a profitable sheet metal fabrication sector that produced finished metal components and launched the "Rack and Roll" series of 19-inch rack hardware in 1991.

In 1985, Wachner presented AES recommendations concerning power amplifier testing methods. The launch of the Grand Touring series in 1987—recognized for its durability and conservative power specifications—led to widespread adoption among concert sound providers, some of whom became official BGW dealers. Wachner’s extensive interaction with dealers nationwide informed his AES presentation in 1988 on integrating signal processing with amplification to deliver consistent power response across multiple frequency bands.

BGW serves as an example of successful small business expansion; after obtaining a $200,000 loan from the Small Business Administration in 1991 to support global growth, by 1995 international sales accounted for 60% of total revenue. In 1992, the company expanded into rack-mounted computing with the U86 model and enhanced its sheet metal product range through the Universal Chassis line.

The firm achieved THX certification for its M2200 powered subwoofer in 1993, followed by the M1100 subwoofer in 1995 and the Millennium amplifier series in 1996, solidifying its position within professional audio markets.

After Brian Wachner passed away from cancer in 1997, his widow Barbara Wachner took over as president, providing ongoing strategic direction alongside their son Jeff Wachner who managed public relations. In 2000, Steve Lyle was appointed chief engineer, continuing BGW’s commitment to innovation.

Present

On October 20, 2003, BGW Systems was acquired by Amplifier Technologies, Inc. (ATI) based in Montebello, California. Under ATI’s ownership, BGW introduced new amplifier models but has diminished its visibility within the industry; its most recent participation at a trade event was at the NAMM Show held in January 2003.

Several BGW products met THX certification standards from the mid-1990s until 2002; however, the company is no longer listed among THX-approved equipment providers.

External links

• BGW