Tone Hammer 500 : Aguilar's reputation is not a fake!

I wanted to change my old (and beloved) Trace Elliot GP12SMX to drive my DB112WH. It was really complicated to choose a new amp. I hesitated between this one, the AG700, the Mesa D800, the Eich T-900 and the Genzler Magellan. I finally decide to take this one for two main reasons: 1. I don't really need a lot of power (like the AG700), 2. I really trust Aguilar in their product quality.

Handling: Perfect, lightweight, one star less because there's no factory way to rack it. Not a big problem for me I don't use a rack. But good to mention.

Features: Two big regrets here; no headphones out like on the Mesa D800. You can't record by the DI with the amp muted. I like this kind of feature. That's OK. the EQ is outstanding, once you get how it works with the drive. I read some critics about the fans (cooling); after using a Trace's fan, I can tell you that is QUIET.

Sound: I expected to be far from my 90's Trace very colorfull sound but no, it can be as neutral as hot. Once again, not disappointed by Aguilar;

Quality : perfect.