Hartke 3500 vs Hartke 5500

[dechristimo]

Well I want to get the 5500 but I'm on a budget (an ever decreasing one ) and I can find the 3500 for far cheaper than the 5500 and I was wondering if there'd be a significant volume between the 240W and the 350W of the 5500 at 8 ohms. (yes i realize there's no correlation between relative loudness and wattage) The places I'd be playing at would be anywhere from basement shows to Stage AE (major pittsburgh indoor venue)

So any input would be great/recommendations to which one i should buy.

[username1]

The hartke 3500 is a very loud amp for its wattage ratting. if you have a decent cab. i wouldnt worry about the power of the 3500.

[sad_katz]

Originally Posted by dechristimo

Well I want to get the 5500 but I'm on a budget (an ever decreasing one ) and I can find the 3500 for far cheaper than the 5500 and I was wondering if there'd be a significant volume between the 240W and the 350W of the 5500 at 8 ohms. (yes i realize there's no correlation between relative loudness and wattage) The places I'd be playing at would be anywhere from basement shows to Stage AE (major pittsburgh indoor venue)

So any input would be great/recommendations to which one i should buy.

Quick answer: 110W difference is negligible in volume. The 5500 would give you more headroom for slap and more articulate basslines, albeit not sure by how much. It's sure nice to have more power on reserve than none when you need it. Keep in mind that it's only 110W difference. Don't know if the two has different tones. The 3500 should be plenty enough - just need a sensitive cab (more speakers = more volume, more sensitivity = more volume).

Why not try the Hartke LH-500 head? More or less same weight, same/marginally cheaper as/than 3500 but with 500W power on hand. The tone controls are much more simpler (3-band vs 10-band) and sounds good for rock styles through a 410AK, imo.

[dechristimo]

Well, i really want the choice to blend the solid state/tube pre amp, and i enjoy having a 10 band graphic EQ over just 3 band, its just preference things.
Also thanks, I think I will end up going with the 3500, Thanks!
(just gotta find a cheap one now haha)

[krstko]

HA3500 is a good choice My friend has HA3500 + 410xl + 115xl and on giggs he has his volume on 7 (with thrash metal band) so it should be loud enaugh for you too

[Dustin Teel]

The main difference in my opinion would be based on the cab you're planning on using. You don't want to underpower the cab, because this will cause undesirable distortion.

Disclaimer: I know underpowering a cab is a myth in that you can't damage the speakers... but you can certainly damage your tone.

[Holliwood]

I looked hard at both these amps as well as the LH 500.

In the end I bought a gently used Traynor BassMaster400 for $150 less that sounded WAY better.

Unfortunately, Hartke today isn't that beautiful Hartke MosFet sound of the 80's.

[BurningSkies]

If you're looking for either a 5500 or a 3500, then you should look for an older used head. Look for an amp that is clearly imprinted "MOSFET" on the faceplate. Many of us believe that they not only sound better than the more recent versions, but also they're built a bit more solidly. They won't run you a lot of cash either. Its a 'hidden gem' of an amp.

[jumbodbassman]

I have one of those old hartke heads for sale. very loud and IMO appears much louder than its rating. my 3500 runs circles aound my new ampeg pf 500 as well as my old ampeg 500 watt SS heads. I also have a 7000 (700 watt hartke for sale). sorry for the sales pitch. i was just going to respond and then my dark side took over.. at least i resisted adding a link.

[grendle]

Originally Posted by BurningSkies

If you're looking for either a 5500 or a 3500, then you should look for an older used head. Look for an amp that is clearly imprinted "MOSFET" on the faceplate. Many of us believe that they not only sound better than the more recent versions, but also they're built a bit more solidly. They won't run you a lot of cash either. Its a 'hidden gem' of an amp.

+100

The 3500 sounds more like 500 -700 Watts @4 ohms. Seriously. It keeps up with my 1200 w power amp until the speakers run out of steam. Running that head through my svt 810 I have never had the tube pre over 5 and the master over 4. That's a loud ass drummer and 2 half stacks. Its damn loud.

Forget the SS pre, its junk. First thing is REPLACE THE TUBE! Put a good 12ax7 in there ( sylvania, mullard, EH etc. No sovtek, Ruby, jj ) or even better a good (GE, sylvania) 5751 tube. With a good hi fi tube the the pre that amp is magic. Cheap tubes in that amp sound no better than the SS side. That amp also dosent distort the pre like an ampeg it stays pretty clean. Good tube =killer amp

[rad bassman]

i tried 1 of these hartke heads for the 1st time tonight at rehearsal rooms, i forgot my amp head so hired a AH3500, i had my cabs, fEARful 15sub with a Headcase for the 6" mid driver, i was shocked! it was really, REALLY good! loud and punchy, plenty of the lows, very impressed