Hartke HA2500 Bass Amplifier Head (250 Watts)
The Hartke HA2500 is a great-sounding, affordable bass amp head. With 250 watts of power and a 10-band EQ, the Hartke HA2500 is a winner.
Overall User Ratings (based on 40 ratings)
Submitted October 9, 2009 by a customer from hotmail.com
"BUY IT NOW"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If you want a great sounding amp with many professional features quit reading this and click buy now. This head kicks ass no matter what type of music you play. Like I said I don't plan on ever quitting on Hartke, I did once bought a more expensive Ampeg and played through a Hartke Cab.. Still like the Hartke better.
Sound
Got back with old band we are a metal band, I needed an amp so I went on a budget, bought this and it sounds amazing. I used to own the previous model of this amp and although its only 250 Watts this thing goes head to head with a Marshall full stack. I may upgrade the wattage as gigs get larger but the sound and versatilty of this amp for such a great price is outstanding.
Features
The active and passive imputs is just another great option as the graphic EQ lets you dial up just about any sound.
Ease of Use
There are a lot of options so dialing in your sound can take awhile, owning this amp before I was pretty familiar with it so it didn't take me long, once you find your sound you will be a Hartke man for life.
Quality
So far so good, rack ears could have been incorporated on the unit like the old one but no big deal. I have gigged with it and I play a very agressive style and it keeps up with me just fine. I have the Transporter Cab to and while light and feels week that thing is a tank as well.
Value
if your on a budget as I am or if you have the money to spend Hartke is the way to go. I bought this amp to use because of my past experience with it, out of the box perfect and I bough the factory resealed option Got this head and a cabinint for 500 bucks, not bad at all, from when I was a beginner to being well experienced if have used this amp and will only change when I need more wattage... I am still goign to keep this one handy for the sound.
Manufacturer Support
Never in the 10 plus years of owning a Hartke had I ever had a problem and I am pretty sure I never will.
The Wow Factor
the old model of this looked better being all black. The color of this is somethign that just has to grow on you, maybe its just me but I thought 80's when I saw it. Sex Appeal? well I don't think its going to get me laid but playing it sure is a blast.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Metal, Hard Rock, Thrash
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Submitted December 16, 2013 by Rod G in Peoria, AZ
"Excellent value"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I've been playing a weekly gig Thursday - Sunday and wanted an amp I could DI to the PA and run a small 2x10 for a stage monitor. This amp has given me all of the functionality I've needed and more, especially with the EQ and Tube Preamp. I'm very pleased.
Musical Background:
25 year professional
Musical Style:
REAL country.
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Submitted April 30, 2015 by Nazzo F in san antonio, TX
"Bass in the Key of Hart"
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Decent bass rig for my home studio necessitated bang for the buck. I'm a guitarist who needed keys, bass and drums to record decent demos. "Money no Object" would dictate Ampeg SVT, 8x10 cab and a coupla grand, cash, for my bass rig. ~ (fewer guitars) ~ For $500 I got portability, tonal versatility and "live" capability with this amp and the Hartke 2x10 XL cab. Amp offers broad spectrum sound sculpting and all the features needed for recording and live applications, like direct out, ground lift, effect send/return, plenty of power, etc. Dedicated "phones-out" w/volume would have been nice. Highly recommended, whether you're on a budget or not. Zzoom payment plan made it possible for me. Enjoy!
Musical Background:
Playing guitar since 1965, bass/keyboard/drum machine as necessary to demo original material
Musical Style:
Happy melodic jazzy monkey nerve rock 'n roll
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Submitted January 14, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"i plugged it in and had to look twice at the price tag!"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
simply awesome deal for its price i never thought it would hold up half as well as it did in terms of looks, sound and quality. Im forever a Harke bass player. love there amps, buy this you wont regret it.
Sound
Very unexpected volume and overall sound and tone for such a small price, it goes great with my Hartke VX410 i bought along with this head.
Features
Its definetly has everything you need to develope your unique sound, its got the 10-band EQ, solid and tube pre-amp and so much more. The only reason i gave it a 9 was for one small thing i felt it could have used which was simply a mute button.
Ease of Use
Even though i have had no trouble with the controls, i gave it and 8 for someone who has had no experience using the EQ's and such. i erge you to read the users manual good. but if have experience the EQ and contour and all the other crazy gizmos you'll be just fine.
Quality
TOUGH! first day i bought it, it fell out my car when i got home. it works perfect although i would suggest a rack case just for extra protection.
Value
Simply cant be beat. its a steal great volume, tone and quality.
Manufacturer Support
I heard they were great but i dont this ill have to use them
The Wow Factor
I personaly think it looks pretty shnazzy with the speckle pait, and with all the controls infront its looks pro.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Phycadelic/Rock/Atenative
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Submitted June 24, 2016 by Kai B in Rohnert Park , CA
"Fantastic head for the price!!!"
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This was the best $250 I've spent on gear hands down, it's a great first head and outdoes my expectations! It's pretty simple which may not be the greatest, but for the value and tone at said value, my pedals are enough to make this sound incredible. No pedals sounds good too, just basic and bare-bones. For metal (which I play) the volume is fantastic, and I only need it at 12 o'clock to break past the drums. Overall, a great first entry into Hartke and into more professional tone and volume at a great price. A bit basic but honestly it still sounds incredible and warm for the price.
Musical Background:
Bassist in a metal band
Musical Style:
Alternative metal, heavy metal, extreme metal.
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Submitted March 5, 2015 by Jesse McFarland in Berlin, CT
"My second HA Series - Still the best"
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I've owned the HA 3500 before which I coupled with the Traveler 4x10 cab, and that did everything I asked it to. This HA2500 is matched up to the 210XL cab for smaller venues, like clubs and halls. Hartke has never disappointed me, and this is no exception to that. Love the clean, crisp sound and wouldn't trade it for anything.
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Submitted August 11, 2023 by Russ M in San Antonio, TX
"Assessment after 17 years of use"
I've been using a Hartke HA2500 head for 17 years; paired with a VX115 cabinet. It's okay for practice, but not much else. The compression just muddies the sound. The graphic equalizer doesn't work well, and has absolutely no effect on the lower frequencies. On occasion, I've borrowed my daughters HA3500 head, and the difference is like night and day. The bass is punchier with greater coverage. The graphic equalizer actually works! But, the compression still leaves a lot to be desired. When I gig, I used to borrow a friend's SVT-3Pro. I finally got a Darkglass Microtubes v.2 - 900; outrageously expensive, but worth every penny.
Sound
The sound quality is disappointing. Do not use the compression. If you need compression, get a pedal. When setting preamps A & B, the summed value needs to equal 10. A Boss OC-5 pedal is a good investment. It definitely improves the sound quality.
Features
The least useful feature is the compressor. It acts more like a second volume control. It decreases attack. Its just a poor design. They really cut corners with the potentiometers in the amp. They have a narrower range of operation. The amplifier stage really doesn't have the power or the headroom to drive a 15 inch speaker. For decent sound quality, you're limited to a volume of 5.
Ease of Use
You're not going to get great sound out of this amp. You can get good sound out of it, with added pedals and adjustments. It can work in small venues. But, if there's more than 50 people in the audience, you might want to use at least an HA3500 head.
Quality
The HA2500 head has not deteriorated in quality or performance in 17 years. It performs as well as to did 17 years ago; which really isn't saying much.
Value
When I bought the HA2500 amp in 2005, the price was $248. The cost was roughly a dollar a watt. It was the cheapest bass amp in the store. At the time, it was the best value. Today both TC Electronics and Behringer have bass amp models for less than that. However, I would not spend my money on either. Over time, I'm convinced you need at least 350 watts for gigging. a Darkglass Microtubes v.2 900 head is 450 watts at 8 ohms. When you push in the 2 ohm button, the output is 350 watts at 8 ohms; perfect for a VX115 cabinet. It can also comfortably power 8 - 10 inch speakers in a 4 ohm cabinet; 900 watts at 4 ohms.
Musical Background:
Drums and Percussion - 61 years Bass and Keyboards - 17 years
Musical Style:
Rock, Oldies, Metal, Fusion, Experimental
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Submitted June 9, 2008 by a customer from usatoday.com
"She was hittin and holding until she died."
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This would be a 10 but it broke so its a 5. Its not a one because of the good support I got from zzounds and Hartke.
Sound
Damn good sound pushes my vx410 well which goes at 400 watts.
Features
I loved the features. The preamp selections for your sound shaping with the tube or solid state knobs you can mix the sound with that and have some fun. I love the low pass makes the 4x 10 cab sing.
Ease of Use
totally just plug this in and play
Quality
OK perhaps I got a amp that was built on a friday a long weekend heading into Friday. I treated this amp like it was a baby....One day while jamming to the Radio I had it up bout 5 had the EQ off and Im smelling smoke. CAPOOF.....she was gone..... :(
Value
I dont know since it quit on me within the first 2 months I dont know. I only played it a handful of times and miss it cause my walls dont rattle anymore. I wish they hurry up and call me and say its done.
Manufacturer Support
These guys took responsibility. I even lost the warranty cards but they told me all I needed was the bill of sale and IM str8. Gr8, so I have a service center less than 20 miles away so its going to be a happy ending. But I think I need the Hartke 3500 for more power my 4x 10 bass cab needed to be pushed a little more.
The Wow Factor
I want more power, it looks tough but mine was anything but tough, it lived a pampered life and died still.
Musical Background:
Active Musician.
Musical Style:
R&B, Jazz, Go Go pocket beats
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Submitted May 16, 2008 by a customer from aol.com
"MY OPINION OF THE 2500"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I like the review from the guy in Florida because I play alot of the same stuff!!!!! I got rid of three other combos (not hartke) due to weight not sound!! BUT , I like the tone of Hartke and for my budget and since I am not playing out currently I am using a 1400 for practice, With a 2/10 XL. I am looking to get another AND the 2500? I have been leary of the 2500 due to the lack of the TUBE but after reading these reviews it only solidifies my goals ( unless Hartke comes out with something better) So,,,,,, THANKS FLORIDA GUY FOR THE INPUT!!! And access your needs and you wont be disappointed!!! CALL ZzSOUNDS THEY ARE GREAT TO WORK WITH AND I WILL BE IN THE FUTURE FOR SURE!! ALSO, IF I GET A WINDFALL ITS THE 3500 FOR SURE,,, JUST TO ANNOY THE NEIGHBORS LOL HEHEHEHEHE! "my ratings are based on owning alot of diff hartke gear(I wish they would get away from all the plastic crap tho' because those of us who like them BUY THEM !!! GET THE HINT "HARTKE" time to wake up!!
Sound
I hope Zzounds post this for me and others??
Musical Background:
hobbyists
Musical Style:
Blues, jazz, classic rock !!
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Submitted August 1, 2005 by a customer from downwithzzounds.com
"Buy the 3500 instead!"
Sound
It's not very loud.. good for 2x10 cabs... the tube emulation is not very tube like! Blah
Features
tube emulation is not the same as the old tube sound
Quality
dont drop it... it seams light and cheep like a zoom pedal!
Value
err your money is better spent on a Hartke 3500 for the same price from American Musical Supply.. it has real tube sound!
Manufacturer Support
Samson tech is ok they take their time getting back to you!
The Wow Factor
I want to sell it!
Musical Background:
hobby
Musical Style:
punk
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Submitted March 13, 2010
"Great value for the price!"
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It's loud enough for smaller bands and shows. I will never replace it until I need more power.
Sound
I use it with a Hartke 410TP (Transporter) cabinet and I can get the sounds that I want quickly. I set the 10-band EQ in a "\" shape so I get the hardcore lows.
Features
It has a XLR line output and an effects loop. The line output level is controlled by the preamps, so I usually turn them down and turn the main level up. The only bad part is that the 2 buttons on the back controlling the ground lift and post/pre EQ for the line out are not labeled.
Ease of Use
I can get almost any sound that I want in a few minutes. You shouldn't be playing bass if you can't use this amp.
Quality
Feels solid to me.
Value
You need a 4 Ohms cabinet to get the full 250 watts. It has more than enough EQ for me.
Manufacturer Support
Hartke responded to my e-mails in a few days. The manual that came with the amp is not accurate about the features and connections of the back side, but it is only an inconvenience and not a problem.
The Wow Factor
I like the way that it looks. I wish that the power LED was blue instead of red.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock, Worship
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Submitted August 13, 2007
"decent"
ehh, can get good tone but not a loud piece of equiptment. i have a hartke b900 combo and its just as loud if not louder. and i was using cabs with the right ohms/watts
Sound
this amp does sound good. mess around with eq and compression you can get good sound with some good tone out of this amp. just one thing. IT IS NOT LOUD. not at all. you can turn of the eq or turn it all up but it then sounds like crap. every cab i played it through, including my own should have handled the 250 watts. no they all distort with eq off. just nmot loud enough for gigs. if you have a cab, but the head is too much power. this may be good for in home use, but who has the money for that?
Features
two speaker out, 10 band eq, solid state/tube modeling, they're good. wish it had better/ more handles though
Ease of Use
tricky if you can't work the 10 band eq
Quality
seems okay. they all come spotted up though, like funky paint, litterally right out of box
Value
cheap but not loud
Manufacturer Support
heard they're good
The Wow Factor
kinda ugly if you ask me but what does appearance matter?
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Submitted November 22, 2006
"Great amp for gigs."
What I like most about this amp is that I'm fairly certain that I won't blow out one of the VX410 speakers.
Sound
Full tonality with the entire bass guitar spectrum available to you.
Features
The equalizer is great. The option and blend between tube and solid state really sets this amp apart.
Ease of Use
Very easy. I'd read the owner's manual once over, though. Some important little things in there that make a big difference.
Quality
It is a smaller amp, so don't expect it to feel like a big ole Ampeg.
This amp looks promising as far as longevity is concerned.
Value
Excellent value. They tried to sell me on the 3500, but this thing is loud enough for most average size room rock and roll bar band gigs, excluding metal gigs, of course....in that case, you need to more power. We used it on a Roland electronic drum set outside, as well, and it had power to spare (vintage rock and roll).
Manufacturer Support
This really should be N/A, as I have had no contact with support, but going for the benefit of the doubt here.....
The Wow Factor
Actually, the cabinet looks better than the head.
Musical Background:
Weekend Warrior
Musical Style:
Classic/Vintage Rock and Country
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