Amp shopping. Hartke/Ashdown content

[ilovenofrets]

Well, my beloved GK700RB/112 is on the fritz(fixing/keeping her). Interestingly enough, I have been considering a change in my tone for the current project I am in. Now that I am faced with needing an amp rather quickly, I guess tone-change it is.
I have thus far narrowed it to two choices. I just tried out the Hartke HyDrive 5210 combo(LH500 amp), and I gotta say I was very impressed. The tone was much bolder than I would have expected from Hartke. I guess that could be attributed to the sealed cab. What really impresed me was that those two 10" speakers kept their composure at a decent volume.
2nd choice- my local Music Go Round has an Ashdown MAG 300 C210. It's the original model, not the EVOII. I have almost no experience w/Ashdown. I know they are known to be on the deep/wooly side, but I have read here and elsewhere that the EQ on these is really good, and deliver a good range of brightness and punch. I am going to check it out hopefully today.
The Hartke definitely has more power, roughly 350 watts internaly @ 8 ohms, 500 @ 4 ohms with ext. cab. The Ashdown is 180 watts internaly, 300 @ 4 ohms with ext. cab. Sheer power isn't necessarily an issue. I'm concerned with tone, and just as importantly, reliability. Anyone's thoughts, feedback, and opinions on these amps is greatly appreciated.
To elaborate on my opening line, I love GK very much(and will always keep one in my arsenal), but for what I'm doing right now, I need a more classic deep bold sound, but still get some aggressive punch when it's called for. Thanks in advance to my fellow TB'ers for your thoughts/opinions/advice.

[RickenBoogie]

I think the hartke has the edge, not only power-wise, but customer service-wise as well. Larry stands behind his amps 100%, and has the best CS in the biz, (alongside Genz benz).

[MOTORHEADBANGER]

+1 to RickenBoogie.

Until this year, I have been using GK rigs (either a 700RB-II or BL600 through Neo cabs) almost exclusively. Over the summer I was introduced to the LH/Hydrive series and since September I have completely discarded my 700RB-II for a LH500. It's just so articulate and punchy, yet it has that vintage Bassman warmth.

[ilovenofrets]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I think the hartke has the edge, not only power-wise, but customer service-wise as well. Larry stands behind his amps 100%, and has the best CS in the biz, (alongside Genz benz).

I have heard about Larry's reputation, and everyone says what you have mentioned here. Another thing I should have mentioned, the HyDrive amp I tried is new, and thus would come w/warrnty. I haven't ever minded buying used if I'm getting a geniunely good deal on quality gear. But buying new does come with that peace of mind that if something goes wrong, your wallet isn't the warranty. Thanks for your input.

[ilovenofrets]

Originally Posted by MOTORHEADBANGER

+1 to RickenBoogie.

Until this year, I have been using GK rigs (either a 700RB-II or BL600 through Neo cabs) almost exclusively. Over the summer I was introduced to the LH/Hydrive series and since September I have completely discarded my 700RB-II for a LH500. It's just so articulate and punchy, yet it has that vintage Bassman warmth.

Ok, that's two votes for Hartke. And yes, that vintage warmth was there in spades, and the punch was still there as well. The Class A tube preamp along with the sealed cab makes for an impressive amp. I must also say I like the simplicity of the front panel. Less tweak, more play. And if I really need more EQ variation, the GT-6B's parametric EQ is quite powerful. Thanks for your feedback.

[ilovenofrets]

Anyone else?