I made a modification to this amp when I first got it and I think that eveyone that plays through this amp will benefit from making this simple modification: I replaced the stock 12AX7 tube with a JJ/Tesla "high gain" ECC803s tube. I purchased it for $15 @ tubedepot.com. I can;t begin to tell you the difference that this tube mod made. It takes the output and almost doubles it and gives tha amp more bite and growl as well as brighter highs. When Hartke says Transient Attack they aren't lieing!!!

Sound
This amp rules. I have used it for live gigging and studio work. It has performed brilliantly in both areas. If you go direct the amp itself has so much tonal control you can find a great sound just through the 10-band EQ. Then you can blend a tube and solida state preamp section to give you the type of tone that you want. Throw in a high and low pass contour filter and on the fly adjustments are just a knob twist away. I use Hartke cabs also and I find that this amp head sounds massive. It cuts through a two guitar/double bass drum metal band with ease. Talk about headroom - I barely go above one on the amp which is awesome! The amp is so clean and clear, every note I hit rings true. Everyone in my band loves it's tone and most importantly it has made our band sound better and to me is the most important feature - Pro sound! I also use a Digitech BP-8 processor through my Spector Europe Rebop 4DLX FM bass and I couldn't be happier with my tone.… read more

Features
For the price that I paid you wouldn't expect all that it comes with. Active/passive inputs, compression, tube/solid state preamp blend, 10-band Graphic EQ, low/high pass contour filtering, XLR out with pre/post and ground lift, and effects loop with effect blend knob. Could you ask for more?

Ease of Use
The manual tells the whole story. Plug in your bass, adjust the preamp blends for the type of amp tone that you want (ie. tube or solid state), adjust the low and high pass contours to get the overall sound that appeals to you, then zero it in with the 10-band EQ. You really can't ask for more control. I found myself playing my first notes with the bass tone that I've always wanted within 5 minutes. Brilliant!

Quality
Very well made. Seems heavy duty. I have seen more expensive amps that don't appear to be as rugged. Everything seems to be working well and the new wooden case ads even more durability to an already solid product.

Value
No amp gives you all of this pro-quality for the price. And the headroom is the key to all of this! You are buying pure headroom which could be the best feature overall.

Manufacturer Support
I have not ever had to deal with Hartke or Samson for product issues but I did call Larry Hartke on his cell phone to thank him for making a great amp. How many companies give out their cell phone number on their website?!?!

The Wow Factor
The hybrid design of the preamp is pure genius. The Hartke faceplate looks great along with the lights on the 10-band EQ. It stands out that's for sure! Hartke has long had a great reputation for making a great amp and I owned an older HA3500 about 10 years ago - but that amp wasn't this good!

Musical Background:
Active Original Musician

Musical Style:
Original Rock/Metal read less