Best match for Hartke 4.5XL (2 options)

[J.Nuno]

Assuming I get my hands on a Hartke 4.5 XL, what amp would suit it best:

Gallien Krueger RB-400 III

or

Hartke HA5000


(Rock/Hard Rock, studio, bars and small stages)

[Vince Klortho]

The one you like the sound of best.

[Ash Jazz]

I've got the HA500 and the 4.5xl and I find them to be a good combination.

[disp]

With only one cab the 5000 will only spit out half of its power. Meanwhile, GK head + hartke cab was THE backline for like a decade.

[J.Nuno]

Interesting, one of you says left, the other says right and the other points to the middle.

But, since I might not have the chance to try them beforehand (and never tried an amp/cab before so I don't know what to expect), I kind of like disp's argument more.

I could need more opinions though

[Vince Klortho]

The GK is a single channel amp that puts out 280W into 4 ohms. The HA5000 is a dual channel and each channel puts out 250W into 4 ohms. The HA5000 can be used in a bi-amp configuration or as two separate full range channels with volume controls for each. The HA5000 also has 10-band graphic equalizer and a built-in compressor. The RB-400 III has a 4-band active EQ.

If you think you might get another speaker cabinet later the HA5000 would probably be a better option. The 4.5XL is a fairly loud cabinet though so you may not find one necessary.

If this were my decision to make I would get the Hartke amp. I should mention that I have had one for over ten years and I really like it. I have a HA3500 which has a single channel of 350W.

[EpiRipper]

I'd go for a LH500 or LH1000. I currently use a LH1000 into 2 410XL Hartke cabs and it kicks arse.

[J.Nuno]

Originally Posted by EpiRipper

I'd go for a LH500 or LH1000. I currently use a LH1000 into 2 410XL Hartke cabs and it kicks arse.

I will only have 1 cab for now. Besides, the LH1000 would be too expensive, right?


There's one guy that sells HL5000+4.5XL or I can get the GK and 4.5XL from other 2 different people.

Buying the Hartke duo from the same seller should make the deal cheaper....

I'm just not sure I'll be getting a second cab anytime soon...so the GK seems more appropriate.

[schecter5string]

I play the same style music as you. I run Hartke also.
ha3500 into a Hartke 2200 pro( 2 12inch xl's) for lower volume stuff. But my go to rig is the ha3500 into a hydrive 410,
The 3500 plays nice with pedals, is loud, and dependable.
My vote..... Hartke!

[J.Nuno]

Something new just came up.
One guy contacted me saying he would sell HARTKE HA3500 + Hartke4X10 410TP + Hartke1x12 for 600€

Could it be a good deal?

[schecter5string]

The transporter series is the bottom of the Hartke line.
This is what I would pay in US dollars- $100 to $150 for the 410, $200 to $300 for the ha3500, if the 112 is also a transporter $80.
So I would say no.. (i also dont know the exchange rate betwwen our countries) The XL line of cabs are much better than the transporters.... IMO

[J.Nuno]

Thanks a lot schecter5string.

I'll just pass then.

Between the Hartke and GK heads... I think I'll just go with the one I can get the lowest price.

[J.Nuno]

I know it's a pain people asking about something that it's supposed to please them, not others.

So, since they are "similar" products, let me put it this way:

If it was for you, which would you choose if they costed the exact same price? and would you still with that one if the other costed, say, 50€ less?

[schecter5string]

I don't have any experience with the gk amp. I do know they have a "baked in" growl to them, and people love them.
I do have alot of experience with the Hartke ha series. They do not have a baked in sound. They are rather clean sounding. If I want some dirt I use a my sans amp pedal.
The Hartke has alot of tonal options, tube pre, solid state pre, 13 band equalizer, high pass, low pass, a compressor(not a good one).
I play in 2 rock cover bands, I've had zero problems copping the tones I need to play the songs, and I have had zero problems with the amp.
Ultimately the choice is yours, I don't thing you can go wrong either way.
What I am say though is I know the Hartke sound and it works for me and my bands.

[disp]

I would echo schecter5string's sentiment. In my opinion, the GK is at its best with a pick, or fingerstyle going for that sound. The Hartke is darker by default. I would say both could approximate the sound of the other with enough knob twiddling.

If you have plans for a second cab then power is a wash. If you're going to roll with one cab for awhile then the GK will give you more wattage. That said, the Hartke and a 4.5XL will still cover most any situation.

You can't really loose with either choice.

[J.Nuno]

Thanks schecter5string and disp, for your comments. If I can get the seller to sell the HA+XL for a fair price I think I'll go with it.

If I have plans for a second cab? I have no idea of how much volume a cab like this can put out, I never played through a cab before, let alone if I'll need a second one

It seems as the HA is the safer move, but If we end up playing harder rock and metal the GK could provide more power...

[schecter5string]

The power difference between these to amps is a moot situation. To get more volume you need to double the Watts, the best way to increase volume is with more speakers.
I run my ha3500 with the tube pre maxed and the master volume on 2. Plenty loud for a Drummer and 2 guitarist.