HARTKE VS. GALLIEN KRUEGER

[emo panda]

Hello Everybody!

I'm new on this forum and i would like to ask you professionals about two amps. First is HARTKE HA3500 with 350W power on 4 ohms, the second amp is Gallien Grueger 700RB (first serial of this amps, without II at the end, just 700RB)... now i would like you to help me with this... which one is better to buy, because Hartke is about 100€ cheaper than Gallien but everybody says that Gallien is better quality and it's much more reliable than Hartke...

So... which one should i take (please don't write "Try both and decide" i just want to hear what your experience are and which of this two you recommend more)?

Gallien Krueger 700RB, Hartke Ha3500?

[BillyIVbass]

Both are good heads. GK has sort of a signature growl with a top end I've never got into, Hartke is a very clean and a little more versatile amp.

Really I'd gig with either.

[spaz21387]

look at the hartke lh 500 better and I own one and love it. and cheaper Atleast in the us it is. 300$ shipped on amazon.

[emo panda]

I have two offers now...

1. Stinger 4x10, 400W at 4ohm bass box with Hartke HA3500 for 450€ (and the price will be reduced a little more probably)

2. Gallien Krueger GK 210RBS 2x10 200W at 8ohm with GALLIEN KRUEGER 700RB for about 550€

Which you would take?

Thanks a lot!

[spaz21387]

id go with with hartke and stinger although i have never heard of stinger. More handing power and its cheaper.

[cheezewiz]

I'd buy the GK. I like some Hartke gear, but I don't much like the 3500 head. To my ears, its very sterile and characterless.

[emo panda]

More opinions please...i would like to see at least ten opinions, because i really can't decide which one to take, i'm so confused

Thanks

[Femto]

I'd definitely go with the GK. Bags more power (if I remember correctly) than the Hartke 3500.

I always found that Hartke's sounded good but quite thin sounding and quite underpowered.

That's just my opinion though. The best thing to do is to go try the same or similar models out with your bass and see which one you like best...if that's possible.

[dougjwray]

I definitely prefer GK. Much more character than Hartke.

[DWBass]

Can you get the GK with the 4x10 cab?

[brettson]

I would also definitely go GK. The Hartke 3500 is one of the least favorite bass amps I've played through.

[allexcosta]

GK > Hartke

[milklounge]

GK for sure!

[benji1138]

I was planning on getting an rb700, tried one out, loved it.
(exactly what I wanted an upgrade form my rb400)

Went back to the store to get it and it was gone.
ended up grabbing a Traynor Dynabass 400h.

Would still grab the GK in a heartbeat, although the preamp tube in the Traynor gives some great tone, the gk is a bit punchier to my ears.

[Billy K]

4 ohms ? cool

[93Jazz+]

From the GK manual for the 700RB:
380W power amp output for Full-Range operation
only. They deliver 380 watts into 4 Ohms. Lower
impedances should not be used. Each jack has a
minimum of 8 Ohms each. Higher impedances such
as 8 Ohms, 16 Ohms, or No Load are acceptable. No
damage will result from operating the amplifier with
the speakers disconnected.

Perhaps something to consider.

Also, 225w at 8ohm into 200w cab, shouldn't really be an issue unless you run wide open all the time ... maybe snag another 8ohm cab?

[tdub0199]

GK!!!!!

[kpc]

GK hands down

[Livewire]

GK...

I own the GK 700RBII head and play it through an Avatar 210 cabinet. Great, full, versatile head. I've played through the Hartke 3500 head numerous times at studios and even a couple weeks ago at a gig. The tone's just not there for me, it's boomy, characterless, no mojo. Sure it has a graphic EQ over the GK, but it still sounds too sterile and bland.

YMMV, and as with every piece of gear you buy, go to the store and try it out.

[georgestrings]

G-K...


- georgestrings