Boston Acoustics GT-20 GT-222 User manual

GT-20
GT-22
2-Channel, High-Current/High-Power Amplifiers

2
Table of Contents
Parts List 3
Features and Specifications 3
Control Functions 4
Control functions (cont.) 5
Mechanical Functions 6
Recessed RCA inputs 6
Control cover removal & reinstallation 6
Multi-position mounting feet 6
Vents (side & rear) 6
Mechanical functions (cont.) 7
Amplifier linking 7
Wire connection 7
Fuses 7
General Installation Precautions 8
Before you install 8
Battery & charging system 8
Wire routing 8
Installation—Amplifier Mounting 9
Choose the mounting location 9
Height, width, and depth diagrams 9
Installation—amplifier mounting (cont.) 10
Passenger & trunk compartment mounting 10
Installation—Fuses & Wiring 10
Amplifier fuses 10
Wire gauge 10
Installation—fuses & wiring (cont.) 11
Power/B+ & power/ground (GND) connection 11
Remote input connection 11
Speaker output connection 11
Installation—fuses & wiring (cont.) 12
Mono subwoofer operation 12
Setup Tuning—Full-range Speakers 12
Music 12
Sensitivity controls 12
Highpass & lowpass crossover controls 12
Setup tuning—full-range speakers (cont.) 13
Head unit 13
Volume 13
Input sensitivity control 13
Crossover controls 13
Setup tuning—full-range speakers (cont.) 14
“Q” control 14
Setup Tuning—Rear Fill Speakers 14
Setup Tuning—Subwoofers 14
Input switch 14
Setup tuning—subwoofers (cont.) 15
Head unit 15
Volume 15
Input sensitivity control 15
Lowpass crossover control 15
Phase 15
System Examples 16,17
Amplifier Troubleshooting Guide 18
Contact and Warranty Information 19

Included Hardware: GT-20 & GT-22
(1) owner’s manual
(1) female quick-connect terminal
(1) 2mm hex wrench (for speaker input)
(1) 3mm hex wrench (for power input)
(4) mounting screws
3
Parts List
Technical Specifications
GT-20 GT-22
14.4VDC Power
@ 4 Ohms 2x55W 2x100W
@ 2 Ohms 2x100W 2x175W
@ 4 Ohms (mono) 1x200W 1x350W
@ 2 Ohms (mono) 1x250W 1x500W
12.6VDC Power
@ 4 Ohms 4x45W 2x75W
@ 2 Ohms 2x80W 2x135W
@ 4 Ohms (mono) 1x165W 1x275W
@ 2 Ohms (mono) 1x220W 1x375W
Frequency Response (-3dB) 10Hz–95kHz 10Hz–95kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A Weighted) >100dB >100dB
Dimensions (HxWxD) 21/4x77/8x87/8” (57x200x225mm) 21/4x121/8x87/8”(57x308x225mm)
GT-20 & GT-22 Features
2-Channel, High-Current Amplifier
2ΩMono Operation
Power Increase with Input Voltage Rise
Advanced Cooling Allows Varied Mounting Positions
Adjustable Feet for Varied Mounting Surfaces
Continuously Variable Crossover and Q-factor Settings
Selectable Highpass, Lowpass, and Bandpass Settings
Bandpass Configurable for Midbass or Subwoofer
Terminals Accept Bare, Heavy-Gauge Wire
Screw-Down Security Cover Protects Tuning Controls
Features and Specifications

4
Control Functions
RCA Inputs
RCA cables from head unit or from other line level device should be connected
here. Use both inputs (L & R) for stereo; use “L” input for mono.
Remote Input
Use the supplied FEMALE quick-connector to connect the REMOTE trigger lead
from the head unit to the amplifier. Amplifier turns “ON” when head unit is turned
“ON.” One FEMALE .210" connector is supplied with amplifier.
Input Switch
In the left position, the L & R inputs go to the L & R channels of the amplifier. In
the right position, the input is for mono operation.
Input Sensitivity Control
Turn control clockwise to increase the amplifier sensitivity to incoming signals. Turn
control counterclockwise to decrease the amplifier sensitivity.
Highpass Crossover Controls
To use 12dB/octave crossover, move switch to right-hand position. Highpass
crossover frequency is adjustable from 20Hz to 350Hz by rotary control. (Moving
switch to left-hand position will bypass crossover functions.)
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
4
8
6
7
5
3
2
1
GT-22 Top Panel Shown
GT-22 Front Panel Shown

5
Control Functions (cont.)
Lowpass Crossover Controls
To use 12dB/octave crossover, move switch to right-hand position. Lowpass
crossover frequency is adjustable from 50Hz to 350Hz by rotary control. (Moving
switch to left-hand position will bypass crossover functions.)
“Q” Control
The “Q” Control is active when the highpass crossover is engaged and is cen-
tered on the selected crossover point. The range of operation is 0.7–1.2.
Status LED Indicators
GREEN indicates the normal operating condition; the amplifier is “ON.” GREEN
and RED together are normal when the amplifier is first turned “ON”; RED will
turn off after a few seconds. When both GREEN and RED remain on, the ampli-
fier is in thermal shutdown condition. RED only indicates a fault condition, “SAFE.”
6
7
8
(tuned crossover frequency)
0dB
+1.6dB
-3dB
t
1.2.95.707
dB
Q

6
Mechanical Functions
Recessed RCA Inputs
The input jacks are recessed into the body of the amplifier to provide clear-
ance in tight mounting locations.
Control Cover Removal & Reinstallation
The cover panel is secured with two (2) captive coin-slotted screws. Coin-slotted
screws allow a coin edge to be used as a screwdriver to remove the panel.
Multi-position Mounting Feet
The mounting feet are designed to slide in both directions to clear installation
obstructions on the mounting surface.
WARNING! Before driving the mounting screws through any surface, be sure
of what is behind that surface. Check for the gas tank, brake lines, and any vehi-
cle wiring harness.
Vents (Side & Rear)
The cooling vents must be kept clear of obstructions once the amplifier is installed. Failure to do this could
lead to premature thermal shutdown or amplifier failure.
upper side vent lower side vent
1 inch 1 inch

7
Mechanical Functions (cont.)
Amplifier Linking
The design of the side panels enables multiple amplifiers to be used together without additional hardware.
Wire Connection
Amplifier accepts stripped wire directly into the terminal blocks. Speaker outputs accept 8-gauge, and the
DC power and ground accept 4-gauge. Tighten with supplied hex wrenches.
Fuses
Amplifier accepts standard AT-style automotive blade fuses.
GT-22
GT-20

8
Before You Install
Before you install the unit, disconnect the negative (–) battery cable in the engine compartment of the vehi-
cle. Doing so will prevent damage to both the electrical system of the vehicle and the amplifier during
installation.
Wire Routing
Do not run the power wire near any low-level signals or audio cables such as the RCAs from the head
unit. (Noise can be introduced into the amplifier when this occurs.) It is helpful to diagram the wire layout
first before any installation is attempted.
Battery & Charging System
In order for the amplifier to function correctly, the electrical system of the vehicle should be professional-
ly checked for overall electrical capacity. When used, the amplifier will increase the demand on the battery
and alternator. Therefore, both should be thoroughly evaluated before installing the amplifier to ensure they
are in normal operating condition and able to handle the increased demand the amplifier will present to
the vehicle’s electrical system.
General Installation Precautions
WARNING! Before driving the amplifier mounting screws through any surface, be sure of what is behind
that surface. Check for the gas tank, brake lines, and any vehicle wiring harness. Never run wires outside
or under the vehicle or where they could become broken or interfere with the safe operation of the
vehicle.

9
57mm (2.5")
Choose the Mounting Location
Plan your installation so that the amplifier is mounted where adequate ventilation is available.
Never mount an amplifier in the engine compartment of a vehicle!
WARNING! Before driving the mounting screws through any surface, be sure of what is behind that sur-
face. Check for gas tank, brake lines, and any vehicle wiring harness.
Installation—Amplifier Mounting
200mm (8") 308mm (12")
57mm (2.5")
GT-20 GT-22
225mm (9")
13mm (0.5")
GT-22 GT-20

10
Passenger & Trunk Compartment Mounting
If the amplifier is mounted under a seat, be sure that the vents do not become
blocked. Do not allow seat padding or other obstructive material to press
down on the amplifier.
All Boston GT amplifiers have top panel controls. If the amplifier is mounted
under a seat, position the amplifier so the cover panel can be removed with
the seat forward or back to allow adjustment of the audio settings.
When mounting in a trunk, choose a location that will be protected from slid-
ing cargo or other materials. Mount the amplifier to solid surfaces only. Do not
mount to plastic trim panels. Do not mount the amplifier with Velcro, double-
stick tape, or by wedging into position. Amplifier should be mounted using
the movable mounting feet and the provided mounting screws.
Installation—Fuses & Wiring
Installation—Amplifier Mounting (cont.)
Amplifier Fuses
Although the amplifier has internal fuses, additional fusing should be provided
at the battery on the positive (+) power wire going to the amplifier. An inline
fuse should be installed at no more than 18" (46cm) on the positive (+) power
wire. The rating of the inline fuse should equal the value of the internal fuses
of the amplifier if only the amplifier is connected to this wire. If other devices
are connected to this wire, the fuse value should be of sufficient capacity to
handle the demand.
Wire Gauge
The amplifier accepts up to 4-gauge stripped wire at the DC power and ground input terminals, and 4-gauge
is recommended. Wire runs should be kept to the minimum practical length.
GT-22
GT-20

Power/B+ & Power/GND Connection
Strip approximately 5/8" (16mm) of insulation. The positive (+) power wire
is installed into the amplifier terminal marked “B+”. The negative (–) wire
is installed into the terminal marked “GND”. The ground wire should be
as short as possible and connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle.
Make sure that the chassis connection point is free of rust, grease, dirt,
paint, and other materials that may insulate the ground wire from making
proper connection. Tighten the B+ and GND terminals with the supplied
3mm hex wrench to secure the wire into the terminals. If the power wire
must be routed through a drilled or existing hole, use a nylon panel grom-
met to prevent fraying the wire insulation. Failure to do so could lead to
an electrical short if the wire insulation is worn through and the power wire
is shorted to ground.
Installation—Fuses & Wiring (cont.)
Remote Input Connection
Use the supplied FEMALE quick-connector to connect the REMOTE trig-
ger lead from the head unit to the amplifier. Crimp connector to wire from
head unit that controls remote turn-on (refer to head unit owner’s manu-
al). Once the quick-connector is crimped into place, carefully push con-
nector onto recessed MALE REMOTE terminal adjacent to the RCA input
pair. Only one (1) remote turn-on terminal should be connected.
Speaker Output Connection
Prepare each wire by stripping approximately 5/8" (16mm) of insulation. The positive (+) speaker wires are
installed into the amplifier terminals marked “SPEAKER OUTPUT” / “+”. The negative (–) speaker wires are
installed into the amplifier terminals marked “SPEAKER OUTPUT” / “-”. Tighten the “SPEAKER OUTPUT”,
“+”, and “-” terminals with the supplied 2mm hex wrench to secure the wires into the terminals. If the speak-
er wires must be routed through a drilled or existing hole, use a nylon panel grommet to prevent fraying
the wire insulation. Failure to do so could lead to an electrical short if the wire insulation is worn through
and the speaker wires are shorted to ground.
1/4"
Strip 5/8" (16mm)
11

12
Mono Subwoofer Operation
When the amplifier is configured for mono operation, use the speaker output terminals marked for
mono use.
WARNING! Subwoofer impedance must not fall below 2 ohms when in MONO mode.
Installation—Fuses & Wiring (cont.)
1) Music
The material chosen for head unit/amplifier system setup must be both clear in recording quality and dynam-
ic in amplitude. Many audiophile “test” discs have musical tracks with both of these characteristics and should
be used.
2) Input Sensitivity Control
Turn control all the way counterclockwise (minimum position). In this position,
the amplifier will be less sensitive to the input signal from the head unit.
Setup Tuning—Full-range Speakers
Highpass Crossover Control Lowpass Crossover Control
3) Highpass & Lowpass Crossover Controls
Crossovers should be turned “OFF” during this phase of setup. Move the HIGHPASS and LOWPASS
switches to the “OFF” position—with these settings, full-range signal is sent to the speaker outputs. If bot-
toming is detected from speakers, move HIGHPASS switch to “ON” and slowly rotate clockwise until bot-
toming is eliminated.
2-ohm minimum

13
Setup Tuning—Full-range Speakers (cont.)
4) Head Unit
The head unit should have all controls such as bass, treble, balance, and fader set to the flat or centered
position. The volume control should be at the minimum setting. If the head unit has any equalization or bass
management features such as boost, they should be defeated at this time. Turn head unit on, and verify
that the GREEN status LED is lit on the amplifier.
6) Input Sensitivity Control
Slowly rotate control clockwise until maximum undistorted playing level is
heard from the speakers. Listen closely for bottoming from the speakers. If
detected, rotate Input Sensitivity control counterclockwise until it is eliminated.
7) Crossover Controls
To achieve higher undistorted playing levels from the main speakers, the high-
pass crossover must be engaged. Rotate crossover control fully clockwise. The
highpass crossover point is now set at 350Hz. Rotate “Q” Control fully coun-
terclockwise. Move crossover switch to the right (ON) position.
Slowly rotate the Input Sensitivity control clockwise until maximum undistorted
playing level is heard from the speakers. Listen closely for bottoming from the
speakers. If detected, rotate the input sensitivity control counterclockwise until
it is eliminated. Slowly rotate the highpass crossover control counterclockwise
while listening for bottoming. You are lowering the crossover point, which
means that more bass signal is being sent to the speakers. If bottoming is
detected, rotate the input sensitivity control counterclockwise until it is eliminated and/or rotate the high-
pass crossover control clockwise to raise the crossover point.
5) Volume
With the chosen musical track playing, turn the head unit volume control up until the maximum level of
undistorted signal is heard from the speakers. (For most head units, this will be near the end of the volume
control range.)
WARNING! A distorted signal from the head unit sent to the amplifier can cause loudspeaker failure at high-
er listening levels!

14
8) “Q” Control
Once the highpass crossover point has been determined, use the “Q” control
to increase the bass information centered around the crossover point.
Setting the “Q” control is done in conjunction with setting the levels on the
input sensitivity and highpass crossover frequency controls. You may find while
setting the “Q” that bottoming may be detected in the front speakers; lowering
the “Q” input sensitivity or raising the highpass crossover point will eliminate
this. Minor adjustments to each setting are required to fine-tune the system.
Setting the “Q” is a subtle process. It is recommended that the “Q” setting be
left in the 0.7 position and adjusted only after the input sensitivity and highpass crossover ranges are known.
Small adjustments to the “Q” setting are all that are required to fine-tune the system.
Setup Tuning—Full-range Speakers (cont.)
Setup Tuning—Rear Fill Speakers
You may set the channels for summed mono operation from the L & R RCA inputs by setting the INPUT
switch to the right-hand, MONO, position and then connecting the L & R REAR loudspeakers normally
as you would for regular stereo operation. This configuration is beneficial for rear fill in some applica-
tions.
Setup Tuning—Subwoofers
1) Input Switch
Move switch to the right-hand (MONO) position; the inputs are summed to mono. Connect the subwoofer
to the SPEAKER OUTPUT terminals marked for MONO operation. NOTE: Subwoofer impedance is 2 ohms
minimum.

15
4) Input Sensitivity Control
Turn control all the way counterclockwise (minimum position). In this position, the amplifier will be less sen-
sitive to the input signal from the head unit. Slowly rotate this control clockwise until maximum undistorted
playing level is heard from the subwoofer(s). Listen closely for faults such as bottoming from the subwoofer(s).
If fault is detected, rotate Input Sensitivity control counterclockwise until fault is eliminated. At this point,
the maximum undistorted subwoofer playing level has been defined.
5) Lowpass Crossover Control
Move the selector switch to “ON.” In this setting, lowpass signal is sent to the speaker outputs. Experiment
with the crossover point setings while the subwoofer is active. A higher setting will increase the perceived
output, and a lower setting will make the bass response more omnidirectional. Find the balance between
the two that works best for the vehicle.
6) Phase
Subwoofer phase is relative to the front loudspeakers. Correct electrical phase does not always mean
correct acoustic phase. Swap positive (+) and negative (-) connections at the speaker outputs where the
subwoofer is connected to the amplifier. It is beneficial to listen to the subwoofer connected in both phase
conditions. The subwoofer should be left in the condition in which the strongest bass response is noted.
Setup Tuning—Subwoofers (cont.)
2) Head Unit
The head unit should have all controls such as bass, treble, balance, and fader
set to the flat or centered position. The volume control should be at the
minimum setting. If the head unit has any equalization or bass management
features such as boost, they should be deactivated at this time. Turn head unit
on, and verify that the GREEN status LED is lit on the amplifier.
3) Volume
With the chosen musical track playing, turn the head unit volume control up until the maximum level of
undistorted signal is heard from the speakers. For most head units, this will be at the end of the volume
control range.
WARNING! A distorted signal from the head unit sent to the amplifier can cause loudspeaker failure at
higher listening levels!

16
System Examples
System A—Full-range Front Speakers
fuse
to +battery terminal
to ground
6.5LF
6.5LF
System B—Rear Fill Speakers
fuse
to +battery terminal
to ground
6.5LF
6.5LF

17
System Examples (cont.)
System C—Single Subwoofer (2Ω)
System D —Parallel 4ΩSubwoofers (2Ωload)
fuse
to +battery terminal
to ground
10.5LF
2Ω
fuse
to +battery terminal
to ground
10.5LF
4Ω
10.5LF
4Ω

18
Amplifier Troubleshooting Guide
Status LEDs on Amplifier not Lit—Head Unit (Source) Turned “ON”
Verify Remote turn-on wire from source to amplifier has proper voltage
Power (B+) connections at amplifier, terminal blocks, and battery are secure
Ground (GND) connections at amplifier and vehicle chassis are secure
Battery B+ fuse is OK
Amplifier fuse is OK
B+ at battery and B+ at amplifier have proper voltage
Status LEDs Lit, no Output from Speakers—Speakers in Normal Operating
Condition
Verify High-level cables from speaker(s) to amplifier are securely connected
RCA cables from amplifier to source are securely connected
Sensitivity adjustment on amplifier is correctly adjusted
Engine Noise from Speaker(s)
Turn source “OFF”
Disconnect RCA cables at amplifier
If noise stops, check equipment and cables leading to amplifier
Verify RCA cables are of good quality with no breakage to internal shields
RCA cables from source to amplifier are not run alongside power
Amplifier Output Distorted—Music not Recorded with Intentional Distortion
Verify Source output to amplifier is not distorted
Amplifier input sensitivity is correctly adjusted
Amplifier Shutting Down, Red and Green LEDs Lit—Amplifier in Thermal
Protection Mode
Verify Amplifier is mounted with adequate air circulation around vents
Amplifier does not have obstructions blocking back or side panel vents
Amplifier is not mounted under carpet
Speakers meet correct impedance for application (mono or stereo hookup)
Amplifier not Turning “ON”, Red LED Lit—Amplifier not Connected to a Shorted
Speaker
Verify Speaker crossover is not defective
High-level cables from speaker to amplifier are not shorted
Amplifier not Turning “ON”, Red LED Lit—Speakers, Crossovers, and Cable OK
Amplifier requires service

19
Contact and Warranty Information
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
[phone]
Boston, Boston Acoustics, and the Boston logo are
registered trademarks of Boston Acoustics, Inc.
© 2003 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
P/N 042-001565-2
www.bostonacoustics.com
Limited Warranty (US)
For one (1) year from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any defect in materials
or workmanship that occurs in normal use, without charge for parts and labor—when purchased from an authorized
Boston Acoustics retailer.
If an authorized Boston Acoustics retailer installs your amplifier, the warranty will be extended one (1) additional year.
Installation of the amplifier must be noted on the original purchase receipt. The receipt must be presented at the time
a warranty claim is made.
Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure
transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the form
of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping, or repairs or modifications
by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative.
This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the amplifier. If that is not possible, write to:
Boston Acoustics, Inc., 300 Jubilee Drive, Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.,
or your authorized Boston Acoustics distributor
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your unit to the factory, please ship it pre-
paid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S.A. and Canada.