Hartke Model 2000 (pleasantly surprised...)

[newtandemman]

Dear all,
I'm planning to get a new amp. The amp i gigged with for several years was a Tonehammer preamp pedal and a GSS Baby sumo power amp (into an Ampeg 410 HE cab). It served me well but i'm looking for a "real" amp now.
A friend of mine borrowed me an old Hartke 2000 and i must say ; it sounds really good (at home) compared to the tonehammer/baby sumo combination.
The Hartke let my Mercalli 4 shine! Very rich, punchy tone! Can it be that the Tonehammer preamp is kind of dark sounding?
I'm considering getting a new Hartke HA5500 but i'm in doubt...

My budget is +/- 700€
Weight (within reason) doesn't bother me

Therefore some questions :

My main question:
Is the Hartke still relevant anno 2023? They were all over the place when i started gigging 30 years ago. I honestly hate the dated looks but i'll get over it for sure. It seems to work well with the SVT 410 HE cab.

Another amp in my list is the Ampeg SVT3-Pro (there's one for sale in my area). This amp really intrigues me but i never played or heard it.
Will it be loud enough with that 8ohm 410 HE cab or does it need a 4ohm cab (like the 410 HLF) to work at it's best? I know "loud enough" is very subjective but i'm talking about moderate sound levels (think rehearsal, pub gig, small stage with PA support)

Go the Class D route with lots of options in the 700€ price range ? (ampeg PF series maybe?)



Best regards,
Francis

 

[6thplanet]

I've had my 7000 forever and still use it. Also have a 2500 at home that doesn't get used much since the VHT unit arrived. Love me some Hartke!

 

[RoadieP]

I've got the LX8500 and I won't stop recommending it, ever

 

[newtandemman]

Two people guiding me into the Hartke direction ;-)
I think my mind´s made up...
Played the Hartke trough the 410 few minutes ago and i really like it. The tube pre sounds remarkly different from the SS input. I thought it was only there for marketing purposes.
Wil try it next rehearsal just to check if it can keep up with the band. Tried input gain + master @noon and it surprises me how loud 120watts really are...

I can get it for 80 euro´s including the rack case. I think i just buy it and keep it untill a brand new hartke comes my way! After that, it can act as a spare, right?

Regards,