HD500: FRFR or Real Speakers?

[Metallicdream91]

I love my HD500 for it's versatility and quality of the tones compared to what I paid for it. That being said, because it's "budget" gear compared to something like an Axe Fx, I still personally feel like it's missing some "realness" and warmth to it's tone going through a traditional FRFR. My eventual goal is to get a tube power amp/212 cabinet set up to run it through, but I just can't figure out what I want to do speaker wise. Part of me wants to put in PA speakers to have it be a tube powered FRFR (like what Atomic Amps offers), and part of me wants to use traditional speakers, using the HD500 has strictly a pre-amp/effects unit. Any opinions/success or failure stories with either of these choices?

[Lolasaurus]

I'm in the same predicament (but I haven't even been able to try a FRFR monitor); I feel the HDs ultimately need the DT series to be the most they can be.

[Axe-Man]

Well, this is just MHO but I've tried FRFR with the HD500, SS poweramps, amp FX returns and two solid tube poweramps.

If you wish to stay with the HD500 as the basis for your rig, IMHO I'd save your money and just plonk down the cash on a DT25 or DT50 amp and enjoy.

In regard to the HD500: FRFR missed a load of tone (couldn't bear playing through it TBH), SS poweramps were average at best (for emergency backup duty they are fine), tube poweramps sounded good to great but it was a tweakfest and I hated this and the DT series 'just worked' straight out of the box.

They are also cheaper than a quality tube poweramp by itself.

If you already own a cab (or 3), grab one of the heads. I've had both the 25 and 50 and if you want clean headroom, the 50 is the go. For portability the DT25 1x12 combo is fantastic but whilst it is actually a loud unit for it's size, its headroom will only do you for blues to rock/metal playing as you just won't get loud cleans.

Plus, you then miss out on all the cool stuff in the DT amp like class A, triode etc which cuts the DT25 down from 15 watts (it's not able to push out 25 consistent watts...just quick transients) to about 5 watts in A/Triode.

I'd recommend you test drive one anyway to see what you think.

The DTs are in themselves, killer tube power sections.

[Axe-Man]

Originally Posted by Lolasaurus

I feel the HDs ultimately need the DT series to be the most they can be.

This is very true from what I've personally found. Together they really are a killer rig.

[wenbinbin2010]

If you're playing in a mic'd or direct into PA situation though, would it that useful to get a DT amp? I read from a previous thread that the direct out of the DT amps sounded better than the HD by itself, but in the end it's still going through PA speakers. Maybe it would be better in those situations to get a better cab simulator? Like the upcoming Torpedo C.A.B. pedal that can load custom IRs.

[coderKen]

Originally Posted by wenbinbin2010

If you're playing in a mic'd or direct into PA situation though, would it that useful to get a DT amp? I read from a previous thread that the direct out of the DT amps sounded better than the HD by itself, but in the end it's still going through PA speakers. Maybe it would be better in those situations to get a better cab simulator? Like the upcoming Torpedo C.A.B. pedal that can load custom IRs.

Even the torpedo is going to be coming through the PA speakers in this situation. Either way, unless you're carrying the room with the amp, the Pa is going to be a factor.

[Metallicdream91]

Originally Posted by Lolasaurus

I'm in the same predicament (but I haven't even been able to try a FRFR monitor); I feel the HDs ultimately need the DT series to be the most they can be.

I've heard so many great things about the HD500/DT series combination, my only question is, since the DT series uses traditional guitar speakers, does that color the tone if I use cab/mic sims?

[Metallicdream91]

I just checked the price of the DT50 212 (definitely what I would go for)...yikes is all I can say. I get why they're that expensive, but I was definitely trying to amp my HD500 for less than $1,000...

[Pietro]

I use acoustic sounds a lot, sometimes layered with electric, so FRFR is a must.

If you want to hear what is going to the PA, the FRFR gives you that, so you have more control over the sound the PEOPLE hear. That, for me, is key, as much as I'd love a DT25.

[Axe-Man]

Originally Posted by Metallicdream91

I just checked the price of the DT50 212 (definitely what I would go for)...yikes is all I can say. I get why they're that expensive, but I was definitely trying to amp my HD500 for less than $1,000...

How many watts do you need?

If this works for you, check out a second hand DT25...you prob could even get a SH DT50 head within your budget.

Saying this, even a single QSC cab is around the price of a DT25 combo so it's pretty much comparable.

A 'good' poweramp will be at least a grand. If you're thinking poweramp I'd just go and get a VHT 2/50/2 or 2/90/2 and be done with it. They are expensive but there is a reason for this.

[Metallicdream91]

Originally Posted by Axe-Man

How many watts do you need?

If this works for you, check out a second hand DT25...you prob could even get a SH DT50 head within your budget.

Saying this, even a single QSC cab is around the price of a DT25 combo so it's pretty much comparable.

A 'good' poweramp will be at least a grand. If you're thinking poweramp I'd just go and get a VHT 2/50/2 or 2/90/2 and be done with it. They are expensive but there is a reason for this.

I was looking to go 50 watts (I surely don't need anything more)...I was looking into the Atomic Amps Monoblock 50 watt tube power amp that's $500. I can't seem to find much on it though.

[lspaulsp]

Try the 44 Magnum. $150 if it doesn't work not that big of a deal. Several people around here use em.

[LHanson]

I'm using a Roland KC300 Keyboard amp with my X3/Variax rig. Sounds great with both electric and acoustic sounds if you watch the highs.

[rezidentura]

So my last live setup included a Spider Valve 112 as the poweramp and speaker for my HD500. My current setup, I bought a VERY cheap powered monitor from GC its a Harbinger. I can without I doubt that the HD sounded better through the Spidervalve.. However, my person reasons for using this setup are lower stage volumes and forcing my Hd to be in the PA.

I've always used the HD studio direct mode. I've gotten nothing but compliments about the FOH sound. I've decided to add a bit more sag to some of my patches to try and allow the tone to "give" a bit more.