New Hartke TX600 - noisy fan

[Nightwing]

Hi guys.

Took delivery of a new Hartke TX600 today, wanted a backup/alternate head. Love this amp, particularly enjoy the nice warm tone I can get out of it, but find myself wondering about the fan. The manual says that the (variable speed) fan may not even switch on initially, and suggests that it will only run when needed. It's a relatively moderate day here, around 22 degrees (celsius) but the fan switches on immediately when the amp powers up and stays on constantly, seemingly at the same speed. It's also pretty noisy. My Little Mark 3, by comparison, is almost inaudible, and the only time the fan comes close to matching the Hartke in speed/volume is when I've played a couple of long sets on a very hot stage.

I'm wondering if this is normal for the TX600, can anyone share their fan experience with this amp? I'm playing a passive Fender jazz (plugged into the passive jack) and running gain at around 12, master barely at 8, so very polite rehearsal room volume.

Obviously at gig volume this won't be an issue, but just in case anything is up, I'd prefer to return it sooner rather than later.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Pizza1988]

Contact Hartke or the distributor sooner than later and ask them. Either they should explain why it is ok or (hopefully) send you a replacement. Heads are always a pain to deal with since usually it gets pawned off on the maker for manufacturer warranty rather than a simple exchange. All the music stores near me will laugh amp problems out the door, unless it was defective out of the box. Even then, you're lucky if they swap it out.

I do know that variable speed fans, even when stating that it may not come on at first, usually do for a few minutes. (Ex: Welding machines will do this to blow any settled dust off of the electronic components since it really doesn't know the last time it was on.)

Either way, best of luck! That's a nice amp!

 

[Nightwing]

Either way, best of luck! That's a nice amp!

Thanks! I have a pretty good relationship with the guys at the store I bought it from, and I'm pretty sure they'll swap it out (and deal with the supplier), the only bummer is I'll need to wait for a replacement, but it's not as if I am without options!