The HB GA15, IMHO is a good amp for the money. Straight out the box it isn’t bad at all. With my Gibson LesPaul, it has a good warm sound. It responds like a tube amp should.If a person wants tons of distortion, a pedal will be needed. It doesn’t have quite the noise problem like the HB GA5H that I have. I only have tried the stock tubes, I have not changed anything.(Yet) When I put my GT-8(NO amp sims) in front, things get better. I use natural OD, the EQ, and just a hint of delay and reverb, and this little guy sounds good to me. I have used it in the bandroom this way with good results.(Vol about 12oclock)
When I hook my ext. cab to the amp like I asked, to me, it sounds great. The ext. cab really enhances the overall tone. the int. speaker is not total junk by any means, but it cant compare to my ext. cab. I like to have the int. speaker working so when I sit the amp on top of the cab, it brings some sound up closer to my ear.
I like the versitility the FX loop(serial) provides. I can run the GT-8 with amp sims direct to the return, and they sound pretty decent, but I doubt I will use this option much, because the amp sounds good on its own.
My only complaint thus far, is there is a little rattle coming from somewhere when I really crank it. Its not horribly bad, but I need to track it down.
Again. I don’t think you can go wrong for the money. I will say again, this is my OPINION!!! We all know how personal tone is to a guitar player. Just remember what it costs, and what it is, and I don’t think anybody could really complain. 160Euros(German cost) for a full tube amp. Not too shabby.