PRS HDRX 50 Head
Black Tolex
50 Watts | PRS “Hendrix” Circuit | EL34 Power Tubes
The HDRX 50 mimics the 100 watt power supply while using its own custom 50-watt transformer, which makes it much closer in output and tonal character to the 100 watt amplifier than a normal 50
The PRS HDRX 50 captures the flexibility and balance of late 60’s British inspired tone in a powerful 50-watt amplifier. A continuation of PRS’s
popular HXDA amplifiers, PRS HDRX amps feature a refined control layout
and a newly-documented “Authentic Hendrix” Touring Circuit. This circuit
is heavily inspired by one of Hendrix’s personal amps, purportedly used
at Woodstock, which Paul Reed Smith and PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell
were able to study in 2018.
Designed to push the high-end so it is very clear, but not so much that it’s
harsh, the PRS HDRX shines without glaring and allows for aggression that
can be backed off for smooth, sweet tones. The PRS HDRX 50 is driven by a
pair of EL34EH power tubes, the best pre-amp tubes available, and a
custom-designed Straight Edge output transformer. The HDRX 50 has the
documented 100 watt power supply, which makes it sound much closer to
the 100 watt amplifier than a normal 50 watt amp. The power supply and
filament design also make the HDRX 100 remarkably quiet with little to no
amp “hum or hiss.”
The PRS HDRX 50 features a 3-band TMB tone stack, 3-way bright switch, highmid gain switch, and presence controls. These features mirror the historic
amp and give players flexibility and increased control of their tone. The PRS
HDRX 50 is also designed with internally bridged channels with individual volume
controls. This eliminates the need for a jumper cable (historically used
on the outside of the amp) and allows players to more easily dial in their
distortion level and tone by blending the lead and bass channels’ individual
volume controls, bringing more modern convenience to the amp.
Made in PRS Guitars Stevensville, Maryland, USA factory, PRS HDRX 50
amps are an exhaustive recreation of tone, a celebration of history, and a
monument to modern technology. PRS has also designed matching 2x12
and 4x12 cabinets for the HX Amp family. Loaded with modified Celestion
G12H-75 Creamback speakers, these cabinets push and punch to complete
the package.
“Designing the PRS HDRX was not an exercise in over-engineering – it’s a fairly
straightforward build with the right parts and circuit. We kept historic specs
where it made sense, and we made substitutions based on availability,
safety, and experience. In the end, I think we have made a great-sounding
amplifier with exceptional build quality and enough power to blow your
pantleg when you play it,” Paul Reed Smith.
Please note: This is a vintage stock volume amp. PRS recommends using a
volume attenuator with these amplifiers. There are several good choices
on the market. PRS recommends the Koch Loadbox LB120 II. Please note,
these come in 16 and 8 ohm versions; make sure the resistance matches the
cabinet being used.
SPECS:
ELECTRONICS
TUBES
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
BACK PANEL FEATURES
MATERIALS/COVERING
MEASUREMENTS
