Hartke LH500

Rickenhofner45 · #1 07-21-2011, 08:36 AM

Alright. I absolutely love this LH500. Best sounding head I've ever used. I bought it on here, actually.
There's one problem though. After a few minutes of playing, it gives me a decently loud static hiss and crackling sound. What do you guys think is causing this?

It'll make the sound for anywhere between 2 and 30 seconds. I'd say the sound happens at least once every 10-15 minutes.

I'm willing to do some work inside, as I have a good deal of electronics experience. (I'm currently in a tech high school taking electrical engineering, and am in training for the USAF).

Thanks guys!

wagdog · #2 07-21-2011, 08:50 AM

I'm betting it's the tube. I've heard others complain about the noisy tubes in their LH500/1000. Some seem to come from the factory that way.

I have a LH500 too and love it. No problems so far (knocks on wood).

Rickenhofner45 · #3 07-21-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagdog

I'm betting it's the tube. I've heard others complain about the noisy tubes in their LH500/1000. Some seem to come from the factory that way.

I have a LH500 too and love it. No problems so far (knocks on wood).

I don't think it's the tube- I replaced it with a brand new tube when it first started giving me the issue. I actually tried 3 different tubes.

Broomwinkle · #4 07-21-2011, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagdog

I'm betting it's the tube. I've heard others complain about the noisy tubes in their LH500/1000. Some seem to come from the factory that way.

I agree most likely the preamp tube, and they are great little amps tried better but there the best amp in the price bracket of £250

wagdog · #5 07-21-2011, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rickenhofner45

I don't think it's the tube- I replaced it with a brand new tube when it first started giving me the issue. I actually tried 3 different tubes.

Sounds like it's time to call Larry.

Rickenhofner45 · #6 07-21-2011, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagdog

Sounds like it's time to call Larry.

What should I ask? I doubt it's under warranty, I bought it used on here about a month or so ago.

wagdog · #7 07-21-2011, 09:09 AM

Let him know, he'll tell you straight up what your options are.

Have you tried the obvious stuff first? Like making sure it's not the cable, or wiggling the input and speaker jacks to make sure they are not loose or bad? Sometimes a light rap on the chassis with your knuckles can show a bad internal connection.

Rickenhofner45 · #8 07-21-2011, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagdog

Let him know, he'll tell you straight up what your options are.

Have you tried the obvious stuff first? Like making sure it's not the cable, or wiggling the input and speaker jacks to make sure they are not loose or bad? Sometimes a light rap on the chassis with your knuckles can show a bad internal connection.

Tried everything. Called Larry and left a message.

wagdog · #9 07-21-2011, 01:52 PM

Good deal. Keep us posted.

Rickenhofner45 · #10 07-21-2011, 09:12 PM

Didn't get a phone call from Larry today. Hopefully tomorrow.

Rickenhofner45 · #11 07-22-2011, 07:58 PM

Great news. Spoke with with Larry a few hours ago, and he gave me a person's phone number in which to call of course to get the amp fixed. Talk about great customer service!

wagdog · #12 07-24-2011, 06:33 AM

Good news! Keep us posted as to what the problem turns out to be.

Rickenhofner45 · #13 08-01-2011, 08:33 PM

Update: Sending it out to the repair center tomorrow.

Rickenhofner45 · #14 08-24-2011, 03:09 PM

Got it back last week, they replaced the pre amp, as well as the power amp fan.

keiththebassist · #15 08-24-2011, 05:26 PM

Larry is the man! say what you want about any bass amp on the planet but with how many companies can you get straight to the ceo with only one phone number? Customer service is unbeatable!

Rickenhofner45 · #16 08-24-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keiththebassist

Larry is the man! say what you want about any bass amp on the planet but with how many companies can you get straight to the ceo with only one phone number? Customer service is unbeatable!

Hell yes it is! The people that I spoke to from Samson Tech (the own Hartke) said that the repair would take 3-4 weeks. I was ok with that. I called Joe Antonelli (the tech in charge of the repair center), and he said he'd have it to me in a few days. WOW! And sure enough, there it was, 4 days later, on my front porch.

rodl2005 · #17 08-24-2011, 08:22 PM

+1! Great to hear of the excellent CS.
Was it a costly repair?

Rickenhofner45 · #18 08-24-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodl2005

+1! Great to hear of the excellent CS.
Was it a costly repair?

Nope! Absolutely free!

wagdog · #19 08-25-2011, 06:14 AM

Great news! I'm glad to hear they took good care of you.

suddenlysane · #20 08-25-2011, 08:34 AM

+1 for Larry Hartke. He does his best to take care of his clients. It's great to know you were taken care of like so many of us have been.

I love my LH500 that currently resides in my setup (5210c and HX115). I had an issue with my first combo amp and he made things right. I have had zero issues with my current setup. I'm a Hartke fan for life.

I intend to purchase an Ampeg PF-500 to see what all the fuss is about but even if I love it, it won't replace my Hartke rig, it will just be an addition to my "home sound buffet".