Nice demo! I use a GK MB 210, so same size, weight and power, and I totally agree with you that this is probably the most versatile class of combos! I love my GK, great sound, very versatile and effective EQ. I also always liked Hartke, but I prefer the controls of the GK. And back when I bought it (1st generation), it was also very affordable, like 600 bucks or so. Now they are much more expensive, if available at all here in Europe. So if my amp would break, I'd check out the HD500 for sure!
Did you check out whether the 500W was r.m.s. or 'peak'. U.S.A. codes say that it should be made clear to the buyer. What's the difference? A 500W peak amp could actually be only as low as 100W of r.m.s. power. By comparisons Fender always quote r.m.s. power.
I'm choosing between this Hartke HD 500 or head Hartke HA (2500 or 3500) and a cab 2x10 hydrive. The Head has DI for pre and pos while HD 500 only pre.
The 2-10 is going to sound bigger because it has 350 more watts than the 15 and 2-10's have more surface area than a single 15. The frequency response is just different.
