The two reasons for buying this unit was price and output. I wanted a dual amp of at least 250 watts and it had to be under AU$1,500. This fitted both criteria. There are not many dual amps on the market that are suitable.
Given my time over I probably would buy the Carvin R1000. It is not as well laid out and only has a valve simulation circuit, not a real valve (in the new model) but it is higher output, it can be switched to bridging mode and has a better compression control. The quality of the Carvin is a little better than the Hartke.
Model Year: 2003
Price: $1400.00 AU (new)
Where Obtained: John Reynolds Music
This is the big brother to the HA5000 amp. The HA5000 is 2 by 250 watts wheras this unit is 2 by 350 watts.
It has both active and passive inputs fed into a preamp mixer contining a valve and semiconductor preamp. Each preamp has a seperate level control to allow the mix of valve/clean sound to be fully adjustable.
It has compression with adjustable compression ratio. This is pretty crude but it suffices for many situations. If more sophisticated compression is required a seperate unit will be needed.
The tem band graphic equlaiser is switchable. Its lowest frequency is 30 Hz and its highest is 8Khz so it is idealy suited to the bass guitar.
It also has adjustable low pass/cut and high pass/cut filters. These are at 100Hz and 10KHz respectively. The low pass compensates for subs that are too sensitive (pass) or insensitive (cut). The high pass can be used to get rid of some of the brightness or high frequebncy noise.
With the actice crossover in circuit it can be used to feed 350W each into a seperate woofer and mid/tweeter. With the crossover out it is simply a dual output wide band amp. It will drive 350 watts into 4 ohms or 240 watts into 8 ohms.
It has a balanced output to send the signal to a sound desk for FOH or recording. The balanced output can be switched pre or post eq (this includes the valve/clean preamp mix). The balanced output also has a ground lift to prevent hum loops.
Send and recieve jacks allow for effects units to be connected. This is not recomended for pedal effects, only rack effects units. The send can also be used to drive a tuner it it is not required for an effects unit.
I typically use the amp flat, with no eq and a 50/50 mix on the valve/clean preamp. As such it suites my style and requirements.
The amp is quite transparent when run flat and is very clean and free from distortion right upto the maximum output of my quad. It has no trouble at all driving my 350 W cab. I have not as yet driven both of my cabs. That test is yet to come.
The front layout is clean and relatively uncluttered considering the functions. The rear panel is also well laid out. I have one minor criticism. The three switches, crossover, di pre/post and ground lift mau be better placed on the front panel. It is tricky to find which is which when it is all plugged up.
Adjusting the amp is simplicity itself with clearly labled and defined controls.
It is reasonably well constructed. The new model comes standard without rack mounting brackets fitted, but these are supplied. Instead plastic corners are fitted.
The knobs are of reasonable quality but the eq knobs and the push buttons feel very cheap. They could have spend a few extra dollars and used better quality switches.
I have not had to repair it yet but I have not had it long and it is treated very well.
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