Sparky Mark

As someone who has owned both at the same time for a couple of years I can safely say that the original mosfet AH3500 sounds easily as good as the LH and can produce useable tones that the LH cannot due to the limited EQ section. In valve only preamp mode the AH is practically the same head. I have heard that the latest bipolar output HA series isn't as good as the mosfet. I really really wanted to love the LH but in the end it didn't work for me. YMMV.

I too used Hartke for many years. Started with 3500 with XL cabs in the 90s then moved to LH1000 plus Hydrive cabs. The Hydive 410 was a good cab but the tolex was very fragile (cheap I guess) and the passive tone stack of the LH series very limited. I just couldn't get the deep lows or sculpt the mids as with the 3500 which I could adjust to any sound I could imagine. I got rid of the LH and Hydrives but still have my old 3500 although currently gig with either a LM3 or Trace Elliot AH200.

I've read a couple of threads recently where GP12 SMX owners report noise coming through independent of volume settings. I wonder whether the SMX series is more susceptible to mains hum or other interference than the earlier less featured series?

That's a good deal indeed. I used to have the 12" equivalent rig which could handle almost any indoor gig. I imagine the 500 watts into two fifteens will be even more capable.

Agedhorse is probably the best qualified BCer I'm aware of that may (if he's inclined) be able to advise. He has designed a lot of bass amps including the latest Mesa range and has forgotten more than most ever learn. You could message him but I hope for your sake that your electronics theory is adequate as Agedhorse (Andy) doesn't take prisoners!

I bought a LM2 from Tim and it couldn't have been easier. Speedy shipment and packed superbly to ensure everything arrived undamaged. Excellent and prompt communications throughout. A trustworthy Basschatter indeed, thank you Tim.

Ah, perfect thank you. Strange that even Tech 21 doesn't show that on its own website. So my version does have speaker sim permanently on.

I've read the user manual several times and it seems to imply that speaker sim is permanently on. Do you have a button specifically marked Speaker Sim?

Is there a newer version of the VT Deluxe? I've only seen the speaker sim button on the VT Bass v2 and the DI versions?

Jon was kind enough to "lend' me his beautiful Les Paul Bass for past 5 years. He finally agreed to pay the ransom last night and was reunited with her hopefully til death (or GAS attack) do they part. Cheers Jon.

As the design becomes more complex (dual band compression, valve pre, more presets, effects level, etc) perhaps it is more susceptible to mains hum or other interference?