Hartke LX8500: 800 Watts of Tube-Driven Class D Power at 8.5 Pounds
The Hartke LX8500, released in 2023 at a street price of $599, combines a Class A 12AX7 tube-driven preamp with a Class D power section to deliver 800 watts of hybrid bass amplification in a package weighing just 8.5 pounds. This marriage of tube warmth and Class D efficiency gives bassists the organic feel and harmonic richness of a tube preamp with the lightweight portability and clean power delivery of modern solid-state amplification. The Tone Stack EQ, one-knob compressor, and footswitchable drive make it a versatile workhorse for any musical context.
Hartke LX8500 Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Hybrid Bass Head (Tube Preamp + Class D Power) |
| Street Price | $599 USD |
| Power | 800W continuous (Class D) |
| Preamp Tube | 12AX7 (Class A operation) |
| EQ | Tone Stack (Bass, Treble, Mid-frequency filter, Shape) |
| Compressor | One-knob design |
| Drive | Footswitchable (grit to fuzz range) |
| DI | XLR with pre/post EQ switching |
| Additional | Effects loop, 1/8″ headphone, 1/8″ aux input, 2 footswitch jacks |
| Weight | 8.5 lbs |
12AX7 Tube Preamp Character
The Class A 12AX7 tube preamp is the sonic foundation of the LX8500. Unlike solid-state preamps that clip sharply when pushed, the tube stage introduces natural compression and harmonic overtones as the gain increases, giving the LX8500 a warmth and musicality that purely solid-state designs struggle to replicate. This tube character is present at every volume level, from quiet practice sessions through the headphone jack to full-stage performance through the speaker outputs.
Tone Stack EQ and Footswitchable Drive
Hartke’s Tone Stack EQ goes beyond standard bass/mid/treble controls by adding a dedicated mid-frequency filter knob and a Shape control that reshapes the overall tonal contour. The mid-frequency filter is footswitchable, allowing players to shift their midrange focus on the fly during performance. The separate drive control, also footswitchable, ranges from subtle grit to aggressive fuzz, giving the LX8500 the ability to cover everything from clean jazz tones to grinding rock distortion.
800 Watts at 8.5 Pounds
The Class D power section delivers 800 watts of true continuous power with remarkable efficiency. At 8.5 pounds, the LX8500 can be tossed into a gig bag or backpack alongside cables and pedals. The XLR direct output with pre and post EQ switching ensures optimal signal delivery to front-of-house, while the aux input and headphone jack make it equally suited for practice and home recording.
Who Should Buy the Hartke LX8500
The LX8500 appeals to bassists who want tube preamp warmth without the weight and maintenance of an all-tube head, players who need high power output in an ultra-portable format, and musicians looking for excellent value at the $599 price point. Its footswitchable drive and mid-frequency filter make it particularly versatile for players who shift between clean and dirty tones within a single set.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hartke LX8500 have a real tube?
Yes. The LX8500 uses a genuine 12AX7 tube operating in Class A for its preamp section, providing authentic tube warmth and harmonic richness paired with a Class D power amplifier for efficiency and lightweight design.
What is the difference between the Hartke LX8500 and LX5500?
Both share the same tube preamp design and feature set. The LX8500 delivers 800W and weighs 8.5 lbs at $599, while the LX5500 delivers 500W and weighs 8 lbs at $449.
Also check out the more affordable Hartke LX5500 or browse our complete amp lineup.