NAD Hughes and Kettner Black Spirit200

[Metalhex]

So I've been very hesitant to order one of these because I have had the Grandmeister40Deluxe in the past and retirned it because I wasn't satisfied with the Ultra channel high gain distortion sound; it was just too loose and flubby aounding, so back it went.

However, I love the idea of these amps. They are a lightweight, portable solution, 4 channel, built in FX and a binch of other goodies. The FX are not the best in the world but I don't need the best in the world. They are very doable, passable and useable. After not being satisfied with the majority of the demos on youtube, I came across this one, https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=yNBri4LbzKQ
I think that this sounded really damn good, much better than I could get my GM40 to sound. So i bit the bullet and picked up a used BS200.

I think the Ultra channel is def better and mine sounds much like the one in that demo. I haven't been able to shut it off because it is inspiring me to play. When I bought my Amp1 Iridium, it sounded absolutely amazing, however it didn't inspire me to keep playing the way that the BS does. Idk, maybe it's the looks? Its just so damn aesthetically pleasing! Maybe it's a honeymoon phase! Either way I've had it for a week now and I just want to go home and play it!

Ok its telling me the file sizes for the pics are too large. Oh well. You know how they look

 

[Metalhex]

Right now I play it through an oversized Mesa 4x12. I am wondering if there is a better match for the amp. I am looking for a cab that will be tighter and less boomy and dark. Perhaps a 2x12 would be better for it but I would like to know what 4x12 cab you guys would recommend?

 

[bonedish]

Thanks for your review on this. I’ve been very curious about these compared to the GM40. Your review of the Ultra channel on both the GM and the BS help.

Not sure about the cab though. I’ve read that the H&K cabs sound brighter.

How are the other channels compared to the GM40?

 

[Detroit1973]

Right now I play it through an oversized Mesa 4x12. I am wondering if there is a better match for the amp. I am looking for a cab that will be tighter and less boomy and dark. Perhaps a 2x12 would be better for it but I would like to know what 4x12 cab you guys would recommend?

The Standard Size Mesa Cab would work great. They are less dark & more focused & punchy.

 

[311boogieman]

Great to see another good review.

HNH&KD Congrats on your amp

Guitarjon just got one too and did a real good demo.

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=211149

 

[Metalhex]

@bonedish I don't spend a ton of time on the other channels but to my ears they are basically identical. Clean is very good. Crunch can do hard rock easily. Lead can do high gain and of course is good for leads. Ultra channel is a completely different sound than the lead channel. It is heavier, beefier and leads also sound really good on it.

Disclaimer, this amp has it's own sounds. It cannot do the tight boosted 5150 sound. I have a 6505+ 120w, a Valveking 100w, and a Bluguitar Amp1 Iridium that I can get all 3 of these amps to get very close to each other. I love that sound. However, the GM40 and the BS200 are completely different beasts than those. It will not get as tight and jagged sounding. The distortion on these H@K amps is a bit rounder. The boost on these amps is a level boost and doesn't act like a tubescreamer would....its not that kind of boost. When I had my GM40 I tried so hard to make it sound tighter like my other amps, I put my Bad Monkey in front of it and it made it better but still not super tight. However, the BS with the internal boost engaged, sounds as good as my GM40 with the BM made it .I am learning to appreciate it for what it is, as I have my 5150 sounds from other amps.

I'm familiar with Guitarjons channel....he makes some of the best demos.

 

[Metalhex]

Just ordered the footswitch too...im so excited!