A 70s classic of solid state LOUD!

The H&H amps are fabulously warm and inviting solid state power amps favored by 80s guitarists (thanks Bob Bradshaw) in their wet/dry/wet rigs. And that's exactly why I acquired mine. I replaced my ASR systems amp with this guy for more warmth but in the end it proved too heavy for non-roadie gigs and I went to a Carvin ultralight stereo amp in 1RU. This sounded better than the Carvin but from the audience it was no biggie. Now it powers my Tannoys with which it pairs well although I have to be cautious because it could blow them if I crank my PC output too high. I usually use the Tannoys very low though so I feel safe... just in case I have a shitty limiter in line between the DAW and amp so if I turn it up it starts limiting and warns me I am approaching blown tweeter turf. At low levels this amp is warm and flat and has very low THD. In a guitar context turned up for big venues it adds subtle odd order harmonics to your wet channels that are very interesting. I think these days the better bet is the Matrix stuff for guitar or even an old 90s valvestate power amp in 1RU just for weight concerns. They will get you the tone and not kill your back when you have to moce your own rack. I am done with wet/dry/wet with a line out and power amp though. I have a more vintage setup now but this will never leave me as a great reference amp in my home studio. I've used it for sound reinforcement to great effect too. Its served me well in that role indoors and out while my ASR powered passive wedges. These are collectible though because they used to be favored by EVH and Steve Stephens among others! But you see them cheap sometimes in stores and if you see one BUY IT even if you don't need it.

At 200 watts per side its not a total beast. I also like that there's an RC network providing 'thump' protection when you power up so you don't smack your drivers with a deep and sharp voltage spike as audio. Another reason I have her on the sensitive Tannoys (and when I wanna get all studio standard my NS10Ms). I don't wanna rely on the limiter to save me.

Fun fact, H&H has been owned by Laney for years and the older Laney solid state line was designed by the old H&H engineers. An early linebacker bass amp ahs a great sound thanks to the H&H warm mosfet power amp. Interestingly Crest bought Arbiter/Sound-city in the 80s and the head engineer there was Dave Foxx of FoxxRoxx. Reissue silicon fuzz faces for Crest after the Arbiter buy out inspired Foxx to create the famed Captain Coconut heandrix-inspired multi-effect.... anyway. H&H? they rule. This is the one to have.