I've got one!!!
Finally on Saturday I managed to try it at PMT in Brum. Played it instore with a Marshall 4x12 as close to mine as possible and boy is this thing loud! Even on the stealth setting that drops it from 30w down to 2-3w...and still it's capable of some pretty awsome volume. I might get a 1x12 cab for home use and keep the 4x12 for gigs.
The stealth switch is a stroke of genius as there's no way I could even consider using this at home without it.
First impressions and really great. Through a Les Paul it's so easy to get a great Marshall tone (think ACDC) but maybe slighly smoother. Full on gain and m.o.f.o (a sort of extra gain knob) get to metal levels of distortion, more than enough for my needs. Cleans seem really nice and clear, chimes really well and sounds lovelly using the single coil in the neck of my Godin Exit22.
Looks really great having quite an open case (all metal not wooden) and you can see those tubes glowing away. It just looks tiny on top of a 4x12, but as soon as you hear it you'll be amazed.
Haven't used the FX loop yet as you need an insert cable (single jack as opposed to a seperate send and return, I assume to save on space), but then I've always had all my pedals infront of the amp as it's easier to set up and down for gigs, and limits the cables running across the stage.
RRP is £429, but PMT are doing them for £385, which is amazing for a UK handwired all valve head.
Highly recomended. If Hayden get their marketing right they could clean up with these things. The Blackstar HT5 has been such a success, but they're not quite loud enough for giging, where as the Hayden gives you the best of both worlds.
Love it, so get out there and try one!
Col
Here's a link to the Hayden site with the spec etc Hayden
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Gibson The Paul '78 / Les Paul Smartwood / Godin Exit 22 / Simon & Patrick Folk CW / Hayden M.o.f.o
