Need help picking class D amp.

[squeally dan]

Yes, I had a HA series and it was great.

My only experience with Hartke was several years ago when my crew got to open for another band and their bass guy let me use his big rig; HA-5500(?) pushing both a 4x10 and 1x15 cab. Very healthy!! I haven't tried any of their class D gear, but I've always rather appreciated the brand.

One option that could work for you is the GK MB 500. These heads have earned a reputation for punching well above their weight. I picked up one of these a couple years ago thinking that it would be my handy portable backup for my hefty Traynor DB-800 - more of an old-school lead sled. Once I tried it at a show, I quickly realized that this little GK head could outperform my Traynor in terms of its clarity and raw volume. Although it's rated at 500 watts, it gives me enormous sound.

I play through a pair of 2x10 cabs that I like to set up in a vertical stack. This setup has been terrific for me gigging for over two years with my rock/dance band without PA support. We've done at least a couple of outdoor shows and I've had no issues there either.

I can also say that a few years ago before I found this head, I upgraded my mediocre pair of 2x10 cabs to decent ones and that really brought my sound to a whole new level. I used to think that step #1 toward improving my amp layout would be going for higher power, but even using the preamp/power amp rack setup that I had maybe 10-12 years ago didn't make as much of a difference for me as switching into more premium cabs.

 

[Snert]

Saying “it uses an ICEPower module” tells us nothing about the amp’s performance at all: it just tells us what company made the power module.

It's a 700AS module. It tells me, from experience with using (as an EE) ICEPower modules that it's a well designed, reliable and clean well made unit (and I have the datasheet). Though it's much better these days, not all class D modules are designed the same.

The reason I mentioned it was though the HB is modestly priced, it uses an industry proven power amp stage, not some generic design of unknown performance.

 

[chadds]

Why do you need help? They aren't that heavy.

 

[bikeplate]

Bergantino. Youre welcome

 

[PotsdamBass8]

If you’re fairly flexible with the sound, it’s going to come down to what is available used around you (or with free shipping). I would put the Mesa d800, tone hammer 500, GK Class D, Quilter, all in the same category where if you can find one for 500, grab it.

 

[neuro512]

Genz Benz Streamliner 900 used if you can find one

 

[ctmullins]

If your primary concern is overall volume/SPL, then the number of speaker cones and their efficiency matters a lot more than amp wattage.

 

[squeally dan]

If your primary concern is overall volume/SPL, then the number of speaker cones and their efficiency matters a lot more than amp wattage.

Makes sense. Thinking 2 2x10s.