andy474x
Knows the Drill
The HXDA has always been on my "list." An amp from the prime-time era of CAD goodness, hand wiring, and the pinnacle of smaller batch PRS high-end amp production. But, since I had to buy used I wanted one that I was confident was in good condition. DIdn't think it was gonna happen for a while, and then out of nowhere, this fellow posts for sale not only his immaculate HXDA 30 head, but a matching 2x12 with it! I'm a sucker for the cabinets from that time frame, too. I had a couple guitars for sale myself, so I messaged him and let him know, "Hey, if these guitars sell, and you still have the amp, I'll want to buy it from you. If you get another offer in the meantime, take it, I'll understand, just wanted to let you know I'm interested."
Well, whaddya know, both my guitars sold over the weekend, and he found an amp that he wanted and needed to move the HXDA rig fast, so it was ON!
Happy to report it's in just as good of shape as he described, and functions perfectly - dead quiet (when it's supposed to be), and the build quality is just something else. Bonus, seller had the PRS branded soft cover for the head, and was nice enough to include a really good speaker cable, too. And, as you can see, it even matches my 594!
Wiener dog approved!
Betcha didn't know they make artist package wiener dogs?
Wait, were we talking about an amp?
The big question, for me, was how would the HXDA compare to the considerably more affordable HDRX 20 that I already have. The HDRX 20 is really a remarkable sounding amp, especially with the master turned up on the higher side, but I hoped the HXDA would sound a little better at all MV settings. I also suspected it would be slightly less rotund in the lows - not that the HDRX is boomy, but it is sort of tuned for single coils. Well, I'm happy to say both things are true! The tones from lower MV settings on the HXDA are warmer and closer to the sound with the amp wide open - it still sounds best opened up, but it's really close. I probably wouldn't use the HDRX in a lower volume setting, but I definitely would the HXDA. Also, the bass gain on the HXDA is more useable than on the HDRX, without having a bright cap on the bass channel of the HDRX, on its own, the bass channel can be a little dull, the HXDA it can be mixed higher and still cut. The HXDA has just a little bit more of that barking midrange overall. Credit where due, the HDRX 20 is still a fantastic amp, it's crazy to see this being available at such a price compared to what was around even 10 years ago in that more affordable range. How well it compares overall to the HXDA is really impressive.
So far I like the first switch in the HX setting, second switch both ways depending on how much gain I want, and third switch in the DA setting.
Really happy to have added such a great, clean example of the HXDA to "the wall." I think it's going to see a ton of use!
Well, whaddya know, both my guitars sold over the weekend, and he found an amp that he wanted and needed to move the HXDA rig fast, so it was ON!
Happy to report it's in just as good of shape as he described, and functions perfectly - dead quiet (when it's supposed to be), and the build quality is just something else. Bonus, seller had the PRS branded soft cover for the head, and was nice enough to include a really good speaker cable, too. And, as you can see, it even matches my 594!
Wiener dog approved!
Betcha didn't know they make artist package wiener dogs?
Wait, were we talking about an amp?
The big question, for me, was how would the HXDA compare to the considerably more affordable HDRX 20 that I already have. The HDRX 20 is really a remarkable sounding amp, especially with the master turned up on the higher side, but I hoped the HXDA would sound a little better at all MV settings. I also suspected it would be slightly less rotund in the lows - not that the HDRX is boomy, but it is sort of tuned for single coils. Well, I'm happy to say both things are true! The tones from lower MV settings on the HXDA are warmer and closer to the sound with the amp wide open - it still sounds best opened up, but it's really close. I probably wouldn't use the HDRX in a lower volume setting, but I definitely would the HXDA. Also, the bass gain on the HXDA is more useable than on the HDRX, without having a bright cap on the bass channel of the HDRX, on its own, the bass channel can be a little dull, the HXDA it can be mixed higher and still cut. The HXDA has just a little bit more of that barking midrange overall. Credit where due, the HDRX 20 is still a fantastic amp, it's crazy to see this being available at such a price compared to what was around even 10 years ago in that more affordable range. How well it compares overall to the HXDA is really impressive.
So far I like the first switch in the HX setting, second switch both ways depending on how much gain I want, and third switch in the DA setting.
Really happy to have added such a great, clean example of the HXDA to "the wall." I think it's going to see a ton of use!
