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Sound:
I own two hybrid amps: 1 Marshall AVT50W and one VOX AV30VT-XL. The AVT has an 12AX7 in the preamp and the VOX has one in the poweramp. The HK 1st stage warms up the signal/sound very well. I use a Carl Martin Plexitone with 2 separate stages of crunch/lead and keep both amps on their clean channel. It's pretty much like adding/stacking tube sound to solid state. So, despite other reviews I read, it does help solid state amps. Tube snobs will tell you otherwise, but I've owned a circa 80's 50w Marshall head (sold stupidly), a DSL401 (ditto), a Peavy 50w 112 and most recently a Blackstar 5w halfstack. This thing works, period. The only thing I'd change is to add a 2nd output level control for the 2nd "factor"; otherwise it hits a least 10-20db above factor 1.
Feature:
Again, make channel or "factor" 2 have an output control so it doesn't hit so hard. I've heard it's a clipped diode for this.
Ease of Use:
This comes 2nd in my pedal order, right after the Boss tuner, and before the Plexitone. It's a perfect fit. It reacts differently based on the clean channel's gain, volume, my Les Paul's volume position and the Plexitone's settings. You can play clean with tube warmth, kick in the Plexitone for crunch, then choose either the 2nd Plexitone distortion stage or the "factor" 2 position on the HK for a real solid Marshall drive. It's beautiful.
Quality:
I don't gig much; I play 2 Sundays a month at my church where the music is very contemporary Christian praise. The clean setting is mostly a lead-in to crunch rhythm and finally some boost or extra OD for melody/lead. The quality of this unit is fine and I wouldn't hesitate to put it in my gig bag with my other pedals and cords. It's a great looking piece with a machined aluminum look and that awesome blue backlit branding.
Value:
Lots of other distortion and ODs out there; a few with tubes. The only other ones I've A/B'd is the Blackstar Boost and Drive units for my particular purpose. If you're looking to heat up a solid state to sound like dimebag, look elsewhere. If you're looking to top off your all tube amp with some more drive or distortion; again, look around. You'll save some money for sure. This unit stands out by itself, like an H&K all tube head.
Manufacturer Support:
Swapped a couple of emails with them and had less than 24 hour response.
The Wow Factor:
Tube preamp, so it is practical; but, I'd buy it over another similar product just because of the blue backlighting.
Overall:
l'll be satisfied until I can afford a $2000+ H&K 1/2 stack! I would not sell or trade for anything equivalent (unless they add a 2nd output control). This unit lets my Les Paul sing like a real Gibson should. If it were lost or stolen, I'd take the insurance money and replace it. I like its tube-like warmth the best; the lack of control over the 2nd channel the least.
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Sound:
the sound is absolutly amazing, quality and everything. it just makes everything i do sound ballsy, balls to the wall but your head off in your face distortion, perfect for any metal head(especialy 80s). and then you can get a real sweet crunch out of it. it sounds amazing live as well as recording. pretty versatile. im using this pedal with a crate blue voodoo 120 watt tube head along with an 80s rocktron inteleverb effect processor(screamin set up, esspecialy for a 17 year old). its verry easy to use so just mess with it a lil bit and ull find what your lookin for
Quality:
SOLID AS A ROCK, never let me down. and is very roadworthy. hughes & kettner are great i have no doubt in my mind this will last me a looooooooong time. my dad has his equipment from 20 years ago and its still perfect
The Wow Factor:
its ggreat
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