Buying my first nice head

[SharkMagician]

I'm looking at the Hartke 5500C.

Spec-wise, for the price, it seems like a steal (I particularly like the switchable EQ and blend knob for wet/dry effects loop), but just to be sure, am I missing any other good options at that price range ($500)? I've seen the Ampeg Portaflex but the whole Class-D thing makes me a bit iffy, specially considering I generally like more gain than less.

Also, my understanding is that you can run amplifiers that have a SS power section without a speaker load. The Hartke 5500C has a tube Preamp, but not power tubes, so I should be able to just use the DI output without a speaker connected for studio use correct? Because if it's not possible then I'd be more likely to buy the Portaflex, or whatever you may recommend.

 

[SharkMagician]

Bump..

 

[The Regulator]

For the same price range you should also look into the GK 400RB-IV & the Hartke LH1000.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm looking at the Hartke 5500C.

Spec-wise, for the price, it seems like a steal (I particularly like the switchable EQ and blend knob for wet/dry effects loop), but just to be sure, am I missing any other good options at that price range ($500)? I've seen the Ampeg Portaflex but the whole Class-D thing makes me a bit iffy, specially considering I generally like more gain than less.

The Ampeg class D heads will gain up and get a pretty decent amount of overdrive if you crank the gain knob past like 1:00. They don't have switchable EQ and blend for the effect loop, but the EQ's are plenty versatile IMHO and they weigh a lot less. Having said that, as the world's lousiest tube amp snob, I get the love for more traditional SS and hybrid builds. And while Ampeg amps sound more to my liking, Hartke stuff is very good, too, and Larry's a great guy and a friend. But if you decide to go with Ampeg you might want to look at the PF800, too. Sounds the same as the PF500 but the extra headroom makes it sound a little more badass. $600 as opposed to $400, but you can find sales fairly often if you're not quite there. Or you can get a PF500. Sounds great to me, too.

Also, my understanding is that you can run amplifiers that have a SS power section without a speaker load. The Hartke 5500C has a tube Preamp, but not power tubes, so I should be able to just use the DI output without a speaker connected for studio use correct? Because if it's not possible then I'd be more likely to buy the Portaflex, or whatever you may recommend.

You don't need a cab with either of them for DI usage. Only with amps that have output transformers do you need to hook up a cab, and that's tube amps, and the only solid state amp I know of that uses an output transformer is the Warwick Hellborg power amp (the real expensive one, not the cheaper line made in China). There isn't a single SS or hybrid amp I can think of that uses an OT other than the Hellborg, so you're in the clear.

 

[Jim Carr]

JimmyM's post is useful, and I like the PF amps. However, keep in mind you can pickup a used head for a lot less than a new head. I got a used GK MB800 for ~$500 US here on TB.