Thank you both. Will try dialing these in first chance I get. What do both of you do with the top cut on the back?
The top cut is an interesting control. Like the presence control, it's in the power amp section, and according to the tech notes, but it adds phase cancellation to the high frequencies.
I use the top cut the way I use the cut control on a Pultec style EQ; I can re-shape the treble control's curve if needed to accommodate a guitar, mic or room. I have some mics that are bright. So I can dial in a lot of treble bite, but use the top cut to eliminate the 'geez, that's painful' part, as they operate on different parts of the frequency spectrum.
On the amp settings in the pic, I have the bright switch on. I use the bright switch and presence controls to adjust how the high frequencies behave as well.
I can already see why you like the DG30 as a different and equal sound to the HXDA.
It's hard to believe they've been here for 9 years this fall. I still think of them as new and exciting amps.
They get a lot more use than the Mesas.
If you ever have to re-tube the power section be sure to use only 7189 tubes; the Russian versions are called 6P14P-EV, and they seem to be the most plentiful. 7189As aren't recommended; EL84s will literally melt.
Also, the tech notes recommend leaving at least a foot of airspace in front of and behind the amp so the fans can work, because the amp was designed to run hot. The good news is 7189s are rated at 50,000 hours - they were designed for military use. I've yet to have to change the ones that came in my amp.
I did buy an NOS backup set for all of the tubes (the amp was one of the 'First 25' that came stock from the factory with NOS Brimar preamp tubes and 7189 Russian output tubes).
Preamp tubes can go a long time, and Brimars are hard to find, but I have NOS Mullard, Siemens and RCA preamp tubes on hand should they ever need replacing. I figure I'll do a little experimenting - assuming I live long enough to actually need to replace the tubes!