Describe the Audiophile HD-500 tone

[JLW]

Can anyone describe the 500-watt HD-500 tone for me?

Is it a punchy and warm and fat vintage tone? Or is it articulate, defined, cutting and hi-fi? Or is it somewhere in between?

Also, how loud is it for its power setting?

I did a search and all I really heard was "I like it". No real description on the way it sounds and its reliability.

How would it compare to an Ashdown MAG series head? That is what I currently own and am thinking of upgrading. But I wanted to see if it was really worth it.

-John

 

[Dr Stankface]

It's amazing, that's what it is.

 

[INMT]

Here's my question...where you going to buy one LOL

 

[Aussie Mark]

Here's my question...where you going to buy one LOL

Well, for starters he could buy the one that is currently for sale by Travis in the For Sale thread at the top of the forum LOL

 

[TSanders]

Indeed I do have one for sale.

In the last 2 years Ive tried about every brand name of amp made, after giving up a GK endorsement.

The HD-500 is a versatile amp. Like my for sale info at TB says, it has 2 footswitchable 4 band EQs. So straight of the bat you can have two eq settings for different styles, or even have different settings for a couple basses.

The EQ is POWERFUL in each band. Flat with the "LVR" off, the amp can do the crisp clean solid state thing well. Kick the "LVR" knob in and up, and its OLD SCHOOL tube bump.

This is really the best amp that never got huge. I played it last night at a quick jam with a GK Neo115 and asked myself why I had it on the market. Honestly, I should keep it. So ACT NOW!!!

As far as the Ashdown, well I ran an ABM500 EVO II right before the HD-500 and IMO, Andrew may agree, the HD-500 flat out leaves the Ashdown in the dust.

 

[TSanders]

Here's my question...where you going to buy one LOL

These are getting harder to come by.

Anyone considering it, ACT NOW!!!

 

[Fred E.]

Since I now own Travis's Ashdown, I think I can speak frankly--I was very tempted when I saw Travis's HD-500 for sale this morning & was a bit relieved when I saw that he had it flagged as sold, pending payment.

BTW, Travis, I had the Ashdown's sub-octave effect fixed--there were just a couple of bad solder joints--cool amp, but I'm coming to realize that the Ashdowns are just too "dark" sounding for me. I'm now looking to try out a Mark Bass.

 

[INMT]

I'm still finding my Mesa's with 12's hard to beat for a clear full rounded sound. Although the MM amp I tried a few years ago left me with that "hmm, I should get one of these sometime" feeling.
I have the same opinion of the Ashdowns, great amps just a little on the dark side. I feel the same way about the Aguilar amps, dark,great quality stuff though.

 

[TSanders]

Well Fred, I bleeb you have liked the HD-500. The Ashdown is a good amp, and has its strong points. However, the HD-500 can hit the Ashdown vibe then some. Really a great amp.

 

[nationalmanslo]

Lightning Joe in Arroyo Grande, California has one.(new old stock) He also has an audiophile 4x10 and 2-2x10 cabs. LIGHTNING JOE'S GUITAR HEAVEN

 

[JLW]

I really like the dark tone of the Ashdown. My main problem with it was that while it was dark, it wasn't really very round or thick. Even though it was deep and bassy, it always sounded a little thin to me compared to tube amps that I really liked.

The main thing that attracted me to the HD-500 was the tube pre-amp and the fact that it has two channels.

Often what happens is i switch from slap and pop to mellow fingerstyle from song to song. It's a pain getting an EQ that is "balanced" for both. So I always end up having to compromise and have it sound decent but not great for each song.

I kind of bought the thing on an impulse. Hopefully it gets the warm round vintage tone I was looking for. I can always sell it if I don't like it.