Feature:
Both amps came with good manuals. Both amps have good tonal controls. Both amps have good input/output/pre/post ability. There is just a difference of quality that can be heard as well as seen and felt between these two products. The Ampeg is just built better and has mor "heft" when lifted it seems.

Quality:
The Hartke is made in China. Ampeg is made in the USA. Acording to Hartke, manufacturing in China is better than in the USA. Well, the two previous bottoms I received from Hartke, were defective, see my review on the VX 8-10 bottom. I have had personal experience with Hartke's lack of support and cheaply built products. The Ampeg has none of these issues. They are built to last and performe. My amp was delivered in perfect condition and sounds wounderful.

Value:
Expensive, no doubt, when compared to the Hartke, but then the Hartke is cheap. The Ampeg is worth the extra money. Quality ALWAYS costs more.

Desirability:
Built very well. Ampeg badging says it all. History and quality hand in hand. Well laid out controls and features. Modern day electronics. Ample power, (350 watts RMS), not much more you could ask for.

Sound:
I will compare this head to the Hartke 5500 that it replaced. If you want leds that look cool, buy the Hartke. If you want a head that is well built, sounds warm, is easy to use, has a transferable warrenty, is built in the USA, get the Ampeg. The Ampeg is rated at 350 watts as compared to the Hartke at 500 watts. The Hartke does play louder, however, it's like the bigmouth in the crowd that has to be loud to get noticed. It has nothing else going for it. The Ampeg speaks volumes in quality of sound over loudness of cheapness. The Hartke was sold to purchase the Ampeg. I lost money on the Hartke, (go fiqure) but it was worth it once the Ampeg was turned on. Warm, rich, low end sound. And lets face it, 350 watts of quality amplification compared to 500 watts of cheap amplification is a no brainer. The Ampeg has an eq as well as the Hartke. The Hartke has cool "LED's" the light up when you use the eq. That was the best feature of the Hartke. It looked pretty. Buy Ampeg, made in USA quality.

Support:
I have contacted the company about information on various bottom configurations. They are always friendly and helpful. Hartke's "lack of customer support team" was a nightmare. Contact me through my email and I will send email communications to you from them. What a joke.

Overall:
I have used Hartke, Gallen Kruger, Sunn, Peavey and just about all the bottom configurations out there. Ampeg has them all beat. I used it in the 70's and the 80' and I'm back with the brand again. I will always consider Ampeg to be the best amplifier out there.