What are RT's opinions the Line 6 POD HD series?

[Spaceboy]

I'm seriously considering getting a member of the new POD HD series instead of another 5150. I'm more than content with an Ampeg VH140C, and having a direct recording tool that is capable of passable amp simulations and can double as an effects unit for my main rig seems like a handy swiss army knife to have around. I have no practical use for a 5150 right now other than personal satisfaction and having it around for studio purposes.

I've been rewatching Ola Englund's Axe FX/POD HD comparison video repeatedly and, honestly, the POD sounds like it's getting better tones suited for my style of music, for a fourth of the price of the Axe FX. I am almost ashamed that I'm considering a Line 6 product, and a POD of all things, after years of shit-talking them, but if it's going to get me decent tones in a convenient packages for recording at home, then I'm willing to give the company another chance.

Here's the video, if you haven't seen it:

What are RT's opinions on this line? I'm still debating the purchase, and not too sure if I need to spring for an HD500 or if the HD300 has everything I would need. I might take the 2 hour drive over to Guitar Center this week to grab the HD300 (assuming it's in the store), so that I can get a full 30-day trial period to decide if it needs returned.

 

[jlbaxe]

I had the M13 and really liked it. The only thing for me was the lack of midi capability with my rack. I have an Axe-fx and still thinking about a HD500 and DT50, combo or head unit still debating. I look at line6 as an affordable, flexible, system and have been happy with the products and tone from what I have used so far. It won't replace my Bogners, Marshall, Mesa and Axe-fx but still hangs with my high end gear.

Now bring on the flame war cause I have an Axe,11R and thinking about jumping in on the new Line6 gear

 

[Ancient Alien]

I think it is a great unit. It does sound really good direct and for effects with an amp.
(There is one in the classified right now for $345, which is a steal)
I think it is a great tool and the effects are excellent.
The amp models take a bit of tweaking, but they sound great.
Plus, Line 6 will be doing updates all the time as per customers requests in the near future.
To me, it's a no brainer compared to the AxeFx.

This is a really small clip I did direct with the HD500 to show long panned delays and a subtle phaser.
Gain control was just the volume on my guitar.

 

[Spaceboy]

I just sent a PM about that HD500 a couple minutes ago. Hopefully I'm not too late.

 

[jlbaxe]

I just sent a PM about that HD500 a couple minutes ago. Hopefully I'm not too late.

Damn I missed that?!?!?

 

[polaris20]

I'm planning on getting a 400. Honestly, The A-FX doesn't sound "better" to me, it just sounds different. And for the cost difference, the HD's a no-brainer.

 

[cyndicate]

Theres a 20% Off coupon at Sam Ash today in store if anyone was going to purchase one, i can forward the email to anyone. I don't think it excludes Line 6.

 

[Motorpud]

What are RT's opinions on this line? I'm still debating the purchase, and not too sure if I need to spring for an HD500 or if the HD300 has everything I would need. I might take the 2 hour drive over to Guitar Center this week to grab the HD300 (assuming it's in the store), so that I can get a full 30-day trial period to decide if it needs returned.

You should just PM Ola, I'm sure he'd give an honest, non-biased opinion for you

 

[Spaceboy]

Theres a 20% Off coupon at Sam Ash today in store if anyone was going to purchase one, i can forward the email to anyone. I don't think it excludes Line 6.

There's no Sam Ash out here. Any chance this works online, because if so I'll order an HD500 today. The one is classifieds has already been sold.

What are RT's opinions on this line? I'm still debating the purchase, and not too sure if I need to spring for an HD500 or if the HD300 has everything I would need. I might take the 2 hour drive over to Guitar Center this week to grab the HD300 (assuming it's in the store), so that I can get a full 30-day trial period to decide if it needs returned.

You should just PM Ola, I'm sure he'd give an honest, non-biased opinion for you

I saw something on another message board that he quickly sold his after making those videos, if that's to say anything about his opinion on the HD line.

 

[Motorpud]

Theres a 20% Off coupon at Sam Ash today in store if anyone was going to purchase one, i can forward the email to anyone. I don't think it excludes Line 6.

There's no Sam Ash out here. Any chance this works online, because if so I'll order an HD500 today. The one is classifieds has already been sold.

What are RT's opinions on this line? I'm still debating the purchase, and not too sure if I need to spring for an HD500 or if the HD300 has everything I would need. I might take the 2 hour drive over to Guitar Center this week to grab the HD300 (assuming it's in the store), so that I can get a full 30-day trial period to decide if it needs returned.

You should just PM Ola, I'm sure he'd give an honest, non-biased opinion for you

I saw something on another message board that he quickly sold his after making those videos, if that's to say anything about his opinion on the HD line.

Fair enough.

 

[rsm]

IIRC, the HD500 provides more flexibility, and will likely have more improvements going forward...if I was in the market for one, I'd go HD500 just like I did going for an Axe-Fx Ultra (now sold) over the Standard.

IMO. Then again, I just picked up a new Zoom G2.1Nu and I'm digging it. I don't do metal / high gain FWIW. Zoom is not my Vox tube amp tones, or at my TC Electronic G-System / Nova System level, but it does what I wanted and expected it to do. I'd say go for it, there was thread on TGP a few weeks ago about a price match from some online seller...something like $50 off list on the HD500? Maybe $425 new for the HD500? Search is your friend, there are deals out there for new ones.

Here's the place and price: http://www.wwbw.com/CustomerService/Reply.aspx?id=700953&tok=h783809151&did=1314930

 

[Spaceboy]

Awesome, thanks! Any idea how long this sale is going on? I'm a hair short of being comfortable spending that amount of money, but Monday everything would be smoothed out.

Since these PODs can double as effects units in the loop of an amp, does that mean I can use the onboard EQs in the loop and get rid of the EQ I'm currently using, assuming it sounds good enough?

 

[cyndicate]

IIRC, the HD500 provides more flexibility, and will likely have more improvements going forward...if I was in the market for one, I'd go HD500 just like I did going for an Axe-Fx Ultra (now sold) over the Standard.

IMO. Then again, I just picked up a new Zoom G2.1Nu and I'm digging it. I don't do metal / high gain FWIW. Zoom is not my Vox tube amp tones, or at my TC Electronic G-System / Nova System level, but it does what I wanted and expected it to do. I'd say go for it, there was thread on TGP a few weeks ago about a price match from some online seller...something like $50 off list on the HD500? Maybe $425 new for the HD500? Search is your friend, there are deals out there for new ones.

Here's the place and price: http://www.wwbw.com/CustomerService/Reply.aspx?id=700953&tok=h783809151&did=1314930

Cool link, thats cheaper than doing the 20% in store at Sam Ash, I would do this

 

[Spaceboy]

Wouldn't 20% off the 500 price tag be cheaper? I'm going to be grabbing that HD500 sometime this weekend, most likely. Thanks again for posting that!

 

[cyndicate]

Wouldn't 20% off the 500 price tag be cheaper? I'm going to be grabbing that HD500 sometime this weekend, most likely. Thanks again for posting that!

After tax it wouldnt, but I live in CA, so after tax it would be $435 here. Other one is $425 free shipping/no tax. Only a $10 diff for me, but I ended up ordering from that one link posted here, the coupon I have is only valid for today, and the Sam Ash is about 20mins away from me, but I'm stuck at work all day

 

[Spaceboy]

Ah, yeah with tax it would be close to 440 here in Tennessee. I didn't take that into account.

 

[cyndicate]

Ah, yeah with tax it would be close to 440 here in Tennessee. I didn't take that into account.

Yeah, at 425 its a great price, can't really hurt to try it at that price, if anything if you sell it you can get your money back most likely Can't wait to try it out to use for just night time playing

 

[Rob Tahan]

Sounds great. Thanks for taking the time to compare the two. Id really like to try one out now.
Especially since im in the studio as we speak.
Pretty satisfied with the Diezels though

 

[gibson5413]

I think it is a great unit. It does sound really good direct and for effects with an amp.
(There is one in the classified right now for $345, which is a steal)
I think it is a great tool and the effects are excellent.
The amp models take a bit of tweaking, but they sound great.
Plus, Line 6 will be doing updates all the time as per customers requests in the near future.
To me, it's a no brainer compared to the AxeFx.

This is a really small clip I did direct with the HD500 to show long panned delays and a subtle phaser.
Gain control was just the volume on my guitar.

Great sounding clip! Tone is great and the playing is better!

 

[Jeff Hilligan]

I think it is a great unit. It does sound really good direct and for effects with an amp.
(There is one in the classified right now for $345, which is a steal)
I think it is a great tool and the effects are excellent.
The amp models take a bit of tweaking, but they sound great.
Plus, Line 6 will be doing updates all the time as per customers requests in the near future.
To me, it's a no brainer compared to the AxeFx.

This is a really small clip I did direct with the HD500 to show long panned delays and a subtle phaser.
Gain control was just the volume on my guitar.

Great sounding clip! Tone is great and the playing is better!

I agree...but for the heavy shit the OP is tuff!