PRS's HDRX 20 captures the flexibility, power and balance of late '60s British-inspired sound in a lower-wattage package. The HDRX 20 features a newly documented “Authentic Hendrix” tour circuit. This circuit is heavily inspired by one of Hendrix's personal amps, supposedly used at Woodstock, that Paul Reed Smith and PRS amp designer Doug Sewell were able to study in 2018. Designed to push the treble in such a way that they are very bright, but not so much that they are harsh, this head shines without being dazzling and allows for a dynamism that can be toned down for soft tones.
The PRS HDRX 20 is powered by two 5881 power tubes. Chosen for their low power, small size and organic voice, the 5881 tubes deliver a thick but articulate sound that drives well and breaks beautifully in this low-power amp. power. The PRS HDRX 20 features a 3-band TMB tone stack, 2-position Bright switch, mid-high gain switch, and presence controls. These features reflect the historic amp and provide guitarists with increased flexibility and control over their tone.
The PRS HDRX 20 is also designed with internally joined channels with individual volume controls for treble and bass. This eliminates the need for a crossover cable (historically used outside the amp) and allows guitarists to more easily dial in their distortion level and tone by mixing the individual volume controls of the Lead and Bass channels, which brings more modern convenience to the amp. The addition of a master volume control on this head, a new feature for HDRX amps, is another modern convenience. Guitarists can use the master volume to control the HDRX's power amp section, making it more user-friendly for people who don't want to add a volume fader to their setup.
Description
• 2 5881 power tubes
• 3-band TMB tone stack
• 2-position Bright switch
• Gain switch for mid-high and presence adjustment
• Internally joined channels with individual volume controls for treble and bass
• Master volume control
Specifications
Electronic system
Power: 20
Tubes
Power Tubes: 5881
Preamp Tubes: Three 12AX7
Preamp positions: V1: input, V2: slave cathode, V3: phase inverter
Front Panel Settings
Channel 1 – settings: Bass volume
Channel 2 – settings: Treble volume, Bright (off/on)
Common settings: Presence, master volume, bass, mid, treble, mid-treble gain (off/on)
Back panel
Input: IEC with integrated fuse
Output/configuration/resistor selection: 2 x 4, 2 x 8, 1 x 16
Polarization: Adjustable (accessible feedback bias sockets and adjustment potentiometer)
Channels: 2, internally joined
B+ fuse holder: T500 mAL/500 V fuse
Materials
Housing: Black Tolex
Border: Black
Trim panel: Black Tolex
Dimensions
Width: 43.82 cm (17.25 in)
Depth: 22.86 cm (9 in)
Height: 22.86 cm (9 in)
Weight: 12.52 kg (27.6 lbs)
Configuration available
Head only