Dallas vs HXDA

[HANGAR18]

So now that I have a Dallas amp, I'm wondering if I need an HXDA.
Buy both you say? That's too easy. I'm not interested in buying something that I don't really need.

Both seem to specialize in vintage tone. One famous classic band in particular has one guy playing a Dallas and another guy playing an HXDA. So they must have some compatible similarities if both amps are played at the same time in the same songs. So are we now splitting hairs, trying to identify two different types of vintage tone?

I'm a much bigger fan of ZZ Top than the Allman Brother's Band. Nothing against ABB, I just like ZZ Top better. So if I intend to play lots of ZZ songs and zero ABB songs on my PRS guitars, then maybe I already have the right amp and I don't need an HXDA?

Thoughts?

 

[dkilpatrick]

Seems like you have what you need. Now put on some cheap sunglasses

 

[AP515]

Play the Dallas until you know you need something else. You may never end up needing anything. Problem solved.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

advice? Move your amp! It looks like someone is about ready to run over it.

 

[László]

No one needs both. Some of us just want every amp we see.

This is my current affliction.

On the other hand the Dallas was derived from Fender style amps, most notably the Super Reverb, and the HXDA is a Marshall style amp. The two different amps go together well and provide a nice blend in a band setting.

So there's your justification if you need one.

 

[Danerada]

I prefer the Dallas.

That being said, if you can swing both then I would...unless I wouldn't play one of them. So - if you are never going to use it, why have it? I would have the Dallas over the HXDA every time, but that's just me.

 

[Boogie]

What did you decide? FYI, that's why I like the Super Dallas: it has the preamp of the Dallas and the power stage of the HXDA. You can have both.

I still want an HXDA. But it will be in addidtion. The SuperD is my "cold-dead fingers" amp.

 

[Chester]

Get both - can't have too many great amps that have different tone signatures

Yes, most of us generally play one at a time. So yes, stick with the one that speaks to you most and covers your needs best. I did that for a while too. But for the last 20 years I have learned a lot from owning several amps at any one time, and my journey doesn't stop. I get more out of all my amps now than if I had the limited experience of owning / interacting with just the one - but that's just me

Still gassin' for an HXDA or 2 CH Custom head, but they are rare in the UK retail chain ... one day

 

[László]

Get both - can't have too many great amps that have different tone signatures

+1

You know, the odd thing is that for a long time I insisted that I only needed one amp, and blah blah blah...

However, having some variety has helped me create better tracks, because different amps really do layer well with each other. One more thing that proves I'm basically inconsistent.

 

[HANGAR18]

Sure, getting both is easy to say but the reality of the situation is that I could buy two Archons for the price of one HXDA. So the "need" REALLY needs to be justified in order to fork over nearly $xxxxfor a single amp. I'll keep thinking hard about the HXDA as to whether I really want one bad enough or not. I do see them show up on the used marked from time to time but even then they are still more expensive than a brand new Archon. I guess there is no need to rush since I've already got two PRS amps to hold me over a little while.

 

[László]

Sure, getting both is easy to say but the reality of the situation is that I could buy two Archons for the price of one HXDA.

Well, of course you could!

But then, two Archons would be overkill.

Having one Dallas and one HXDA is not overkill.

So there's that.

 

[HANGAR18]

Well, of course you could!

But then, two Archons would be overkill.

Having one Dallas and one HXDA is not overkill.

So there's that.

I'm using the fact that I have two PRS amps (in addition to other world class amps) to tell myself that there is no hurry and that I should just give it some more time to think about it.

 

[bodia]

I'm using the fact that I have two PRS amps (in addition to other world class amps) to tell myself that there is no hurry and that I should just give it some more time to think about it.

Lusting after the SA Studio!

 

[HANGAR18]

Lusting after the SA Studio!

And you should. hahaha

No, it is I who am not worthy to have the guitars that I have.

 

[veinbuster]

I'm using the fact that I have two PRS amps (in addition to other world class amps) to tell myself that there is no hurry and that I should just give it some more time to think about it.

You have great gear already...plenty to sit back and enjoy until something begs you to bring it home.

 

[Deleted member 5962]

Lusting after the SA Studio!

Ha, me too! Came so close to buying one before I found my NF3.

 

[Boogie]

Sure, getting both is easy to say but the reality of the situation is that I could buy two Archons for the price of one HXDA. So the "need" REALLY needs to be justified in order to fork over nearly $xxxx for a single amp. I'll keep thinking hard about the HXDA as to whether I really want one bad enough or not. I do see them show up on the used marked from time to time but even then they are still more expensive than a brand new Archon. I guess there is no need to rush since I've already got two PRS amps to hold me over a little while.

Without stepping into the forbidden "price" zone, I will add that HXDA and most other USA PRS amps are about the same on the used market. Persistence and patience are you friends in this pursuit. Unless you're in England, of course.

 

[László]

I'm using the fact that I have two PRS amps (in addition to other world class amps) to tell myself that there is no hurry and that I should just give it some more time to think about it.

Yes indeed, and very nice set by the way!

Just take your time, and you might find you don't really need the HXDA given what you already have.

 

[HANGAR18]

Without stepping into the forbidden "price" zone, I will add that HXDA and most other USA PRS amps are about the same on the used market. Persistence and patience are you friends in this pursuit. Unless you're in England, of course.

In a way it makes sense that the HXDA costs twice as much as... let's say an Archon. The HXDA is literally two different amplifier clones in the same box. There is a full and complete clone of the "Live at the Fillmore" amp, and there is also a a full and complete clone of a particular amp which was built to Jimi Hendrix's well known amp specs. Thus, you can dial in one, the other or both amps at your leisure. So, in a way, when you buy an HXDA, you are actually buying two amps and thus, it costs twice as much. Especially considering that even the transformers are hand built to custom specs. I'm not complaining about the price, but rather stating the obvious that it's twice as difficult to come up with the asking price.

 

[bodia]

In a way it makes sense that the HXDA costs twice as much as... let's say an Archon. The HXDA is literally two different amplifier clones in the same box. There is a full and complete clone of the "Live at the Fillmore" amp, and there is also a a full and complete clone of a particular amp which was built to Jimi Hendrix's well known amp specs. Thus, you can dial in one, the other or both amps at your leisure. So, in a way, when you buy an HXDA, you are actually buying two amps and thus, it costs twice as much. Especially considering that even the transformers are hand built to custom specs. I'm not complaining about the price, but rather stating the obvious that it's twice as difficult to come up with the asking price.

See, you've worked it all out in your mind. You've cleared the hurdle. Now you can justify buying one!