I'm an old H&K fan and I own an original Triamp but have played one of the newer models. The triamp will not disappoint. I use mine specifically for recording purposes because the direct out on these amps is ridiculously convenient and sounds amazing. Amp 2 has always been a subject for debate for likes/ dislikes with the triamp. There is so much tone in the amp 2, I'm finally starting to understand it, and I use it more than amp 3 for dirty. Both channels are distinct and completely different in my opinion. Live it is hard to use both channels in succession without a knob turn. I have used it live, but honestly it is a pain to tweak, the newer model is more stable in tone, but a studio environment is where this thing’s tone really shines. The eq does lack a touch and I do like using a boss eq to brighten it a touch or to make it extra chunky and smooth. With the boss 6 band, I haven't found a better sound. Live I like to switch between multiple amps anyway to keep tone from breaking up or to go from a jazz style clean to mud. Live I use Fender and Marshall or a couple Boogies.

I had seen a lot of bands playing with H&K amps over the years so I decided to look into them. Let me tell you when I plug my PRS into this thing it sings. It had beautiful tone, very rich and lots of balls. Each channel had so much character. There was enough gain to play most any metal and it's clean was pristine and clear. The only reason this amp gets 4.5 for features is because there are no effects but there are many features such as the built in red box which are great. One of my favorite amps, if not my favorite. Amazing tone..H&K continues to impress me.

This amp is the best sounding amp I've played yet. Except for mt Alex Lifeson Triamp that is. They both have a very clean sound. The sound is not muddy in the least. It is warm yet detailed. It does take some time to set all of the adjustments. But you just have to find a combination that works for you. For example, The classic channels, 2A and 2B, they are different and don't share the Equalizer that well. Channel 2B has more bottom end and not as much presence, if you know what I mean. In this case I drive the 2A channel and back the gain off on 2B so I only use 2B when I need it, like for a light, yet powerful lead. I like to back of the gain and the guitar's volume so I can make my sound heavy by how I play it. There's more style to be had that way.

Other than needing to understand and know what you want for a sound and how the Equalizer will affect the sound of the amp, Everything is pretty striaght forward. If you ever have a chance to buy on of these I can almost guarentee that you will love this amp. It has a sound that stands all on its own.

The two gain levels on each channel is cool but as useful as you might think. On each channel you can only turn the gain up maybe half way before it sounds completely artificial. You can get a variety of sounds but it's difficult to find lots of useful ones. The amp that I used seemed to not like pedal much, even with it's series/parallel effects loop. Oh, and lights for the control panel are really annoying, they're way too bright. Not anywhere near worth the money either.

I play guitar in a rock band. Some of our stuff is a bit on the heavier side so I require a tone that is very thick, very tight, and very clear.