Hartke vs. TC Electronic

[Crackle]

I'm considering a new Hartke LH1000 head with a Hartke HyDrive HD 410 cabinet, or a new TC Electronic BH550 head with a TC Electronic RS212 cabinet.

I'm not interested in the built-in effects that are on the TC head; I usually play with a clean tone.

The Hartke stack utilizes a sealed cabinet (around 65 pounds) and the head is class A/B (30 some pounds). Single 12AX7 tube preamp.

The TC stack utilizes a vented cabinet (around 45 pounds) and the head is class D (around 5 pounds). 100% solid state.

Pricing for these two rigs is virtually identical at $1200

Which do you choose and why? No alternatives in this case.

 

[Crackle]

I forgot to mention that Hartke has never sounded natural to me when playing a P bass. It seems to color the sound like an Eden or something. TC Electronic does sound more neutral / natural to my ears. That said, I have always thought Hartke sounded fantastic with something like a Stingray. I'm primarily a Fender P guy.

 

[svlilioukalani]

I loved my Hartke LH500. I never played through a TC amp but I love their pedals. My favorite bass player Melvin Davis uses a TC Electronic and he has an awesome tone. I think you can't go wrong with either. But if It were me I would get the Hartke, unless weight is a big factor.

 

[Sparky Mark]

The Hartke uses a Fender style passive tone stack which you may not like. I had an LH1000 and really couldn't get the sound I wanted. I sold it and bought a Markbass LM3 which had active EQ with greater tonal flexibilty. I think the TC would be my choice.

 

[TrevorOfDoom]

TCE.
Lighter weight, greater flexibility in tone.

 

[Wicked G]

I much prefer the TC RH heads over the BH (yes I have both), but the BH are still pretty solid heads. If you call some places like ProAudioStar, Phantom 48 and Sweetwater you can get better deals than what is advertised.

 

[Omega Monkey]

Why did you pick these 2 particular setups which are both pretty different in every way other than price? If we don't know your goals and preferences and thought process, we can't really offer useful advice.