Advice on a new amp/cab setup for me

[lkngro]

I'm going to get a new amp and cab, but after I sell my MTD so that I have sufficient funds to do so.

The first option that I was pretty much set on was a Hartke LH500 and an Avatar 2x10.

...then I came across the new, awesome looking, Ampeg Portaflex amps/cabs. I'd definitely get the 2x10 cab, if I choose this path, and probably get the 500 watt version.

Just some comments/questions from me for you to base your responses off of:

1. I liked the Hartke/Avatar idea because it was simple. I refuse to get an active bass anymore because it just makes me go crazy with all the tonal options, so the Hartke would be good for me in that respect. Plus, it has a tube preamp.

2. BUT, the Ampegs look sweet.

3. ALSO, they're new and haven't really been given the test of time, and no one has them yet, so I don't know if it will be a good choice.

4. ALSO, the Portaflex 500 has more tone-shaping knobs and stuff, which may get in the way of me trying to not be neurotic about my tone.

5. BUT, getting a PF500 and the matched 2x10 will be cheaper than the Hartke/Avatar setup, because MusiciansFriend is selling them together for $699.

6. Is the Portaflex 500 head basically the Pro7, but 500 watts and with a MOSFET preamp? If it is comparable in quality to the Pro7, then it's probably a safe investment, right? I've never played a Pro7, so I wouldn't really know for sure.

7. Are there any other options that you think I should explore? My price range, if you couldn't tell, is $700-800 USD.

Thanks d00dz,
Luke