This seems to be the latest product getting astroturfed across the popular Youtube channels. I'm always interested in new types of amps, which use new technology and add cool modern features. This has to be the worst ad push I've seen in a long time though. The core of this amp is the "Spirit technology" In every video I've seen on it (even H&K's own content) they give zero details about what this actually does and mention that it's a totally secret PCB which is encased in epoxy inside the amp. I can't see why anyone would considering buying this at $799. I don't see any reason to think it's anything more than a really nice solid state amp, there is no detail given at all. It may sound and feel great, but I can't believe they're asking people to just take their word for it. It's just a bunch of flowery ad copy nonsense.

See this video at 1:13 and 2:00


This post has been edited by yoncopin: Sep 10 2018, 02:46 PM

They're copy'ing Boss/Roland as far as I understand cause they did the same thing only didn't mention it a secret

I'd say blend of digital and transistor (or unlikely but newer tiny tubes with digital). Be it Kemper, strymon etc. when they sound good no one cares about the tech but when it comes to amps the reflex is running away if digital.

I mean if that's the only detail they're gonna give, then in my mind they're competing with the Boss Katana but at double the price.

More affordable models will probably be released later, its like cars where some features are first seen on maybach then moved to mercedes high-class to the very lowest priced over time. Probably the affordable options will be revealed at namm.

The Katana v.1 didn't do so well but then sales exploded with v2 but I don't think the head or expensive combo didn't do as well, maybe thats another reason they're trying such sales tactic.

It's a solid state amp. Katana is digital, so if you're looking for something to compare it to, a Randall solid state amp could be considered something similar. It's definitely weird though, since, aside from practice amps, solid state for amps has largely been abandoned these days.

Maybe a Katana is a bad comparison, but yeah, it's still just a transistor amp

Speaking of Solid State amps, those vintage Randall ss amps are great as a clean 'platform'. The RG series from the late 70s and 80s.

Looks like they are just going solid state to save money and then charging way more than they should. Then again Diezel has some solid state models that they charge several thousand for. But those do sound killer. Either way, amps are sort of dead for me given how much I like plugin tones these days. The ease of recording and ability to change the tone during mix etc. Even for live stuff, folks are using kemper/axe fx etc. Still, there is a market for folks that want to lug around heavy gear because they honestly thing it sounds better and more power to em. They keep the amp industry alive. I do enjoy trying out new amps, I just can't see buying one. found the tone example! Was jumping around in the vid.

[Not one quote name='yoncopin' date='Sep 10 2018, 09:44 AM' post='761764']This seems to be the latest product getting astroturfed across the popular Youtube channels. I'm always interested in new types of amps, which use new technology and add cool modern features. This has to be the worst ad push I've seen in a long time though. The core of this amp is the "Spirit technology" In every video I've seen on it (even H&K's own content) they give zero details about what this actually does and mention that it's a totally secret PCB which is encased in epoxy inside the amp. I can't see why anyone would considering buying this at $799. I don't see any reason to think it's anything more than a really nice solid state amp, there is no detail given at all. It may sound and feel great, but I can't believe they're asking people to just take their word for it. It's just a bunch of flowery ad copy nonsense.

See this video at 1:13 and 2:00

[/quote]

This post has been edited by Todd Simpson: Sep 11 2018, 01:32 AM

Very true Also a pricey one at that!!! Seems like one could just go get a helix lt with just a bit more money. Still, one would need a power amp if one wanted to run to a cab or something. However, it seems many folks are skipping all that and using in ear monitors and just running direct. I have seen lots of shots of cabs on stage that are not plugged in. Having crazy stage volume is just a pain in the neck. For home use a 100 watt amp is almost pointless. You just don't need that kind of power in a home studio imho. Not to mention the neighbors calling the cops for noise pollution at 3am. I'd love to try one of these. But it would be a quick date, not a marriage.

Even REBEA is on the wagon with this amp. Here is a pretty full tone test. It doesn't sound bad, but honestly doesn't seem like it's worth that kind of money? Honestly my 11 rack and a power amp sounds better to my ears and sure costs less money.