Why so much Hartke?

[dhagler]

I have been browsing craigslist looking for a 4x10 cab.  Lots and lots of Hartke for sale out there.  What gives?

[ddwilkins]

I don't like to tone from these cabs. maybe they don't like them either.

[DWBass]

I think it's for 2 reasons. Firstly, Hartke makes way better amps than they do cabinets and the aluminum cone speakers offered a really shrill sound and was basically designed for slappers who wanted cabs without tweeters. Now that tweeters are the norm for cabs now, they're trying out other cabs. Their XL cabs are very heavy as well. Also their cabs do not have very high power ratings as 500+watt amps are just about the norm these days. Secondly, Hartke has some new cabs with a hybrid speaker design and better power ratings on the horizon and they may just be making room for those. I've been eyeballing their new amps but I'm hoping they jump in on the micro amp bandwagon.

[dhagler]

I think it's for 2 reasons. Firstly, Hartke makes way better amps than they do cabinets and the aluminum cone speakers offered a really shrill sound and was basically designed for slappers who wanted cabs without tweeters. Now that tweeters are the norm for cabs now, they're trying out other cabs. Their XL cabs are very heavy as well. Also their cabs do not have very high power ratings as 500+watt amps are just about the norm these days. Secondly, Hartke has some new cabs with a hybrid speaker design and better power ratings on the horizon and they may just be making room for those. I've been eyeballing their new amps but I'm hoping they jump in on the micro amp bandwagon.

Good analysis, DW, especially the part about the aluminum cones.  I have also observed that a lot of their cabs have 8 ohm impedance, whereas I need 4 ohms.  I've got my eye on an Aguilar 410 on craigslist for $325.

[trsmooth]

yea hartke is just evolving with the times of new age bass amp technology....and so are the hartke lovers!!!!!!! 

[hands5]

I think it's for 2 reasons. Firstly, Hartke makes way better amps than they do cabinets and the aluminum cone speakers offered a really shrill sound and was basically designed for slappers who wanted cabs without tweeters. Now that tweeters are the norm for cabs now, they're trying out other cabs. Their XL cabs are very heavy as well. Also their cabs do not have very high power ratings as 500+watt amps are just about the norm these days. Secondly, Hartke has some new cabs with a hybrid speaker design and better power ratings on the horizon and they may just be making room for those. I've been eyeballing their new amps but I'm hoping they jump in on the micro amp bandwagon.

DW, funny that you mention the cabinets with tweeters, because I've actually gone in reverse, I'm starting to play my ( late 80's ) rig for quartet, which is a 4x10 Hartke XL cab and a ( late 80's - the good ones ) 1987-88 Galien Kruger 800 RB, along with a Marcus Miller 4 string ( that I've been playing in its passive mode ) and the guys in the quartet  are loving it as much as I am.