HI-TONE
DR 30/15
REVIEW BY YOEL KREISER
STREET PRICE
$1829.00 – $1969.00
Clayton Callaway and Mark
Huss of Hi-Tone Amplification
are quite possibly two of the
biggest Hiwatt nerds that
ever lived. Forging these
near perfect recreations
of vintage Hiwatts with
modern appropriations and
conveniences, they are without
a doubt the sweetest, fullest,
and most dynamic amps I
have ever played, true to the
legacy of Hiwatt's creator Dave
Reeves, as well as approved
and endorsed by his family.
Hiwatts are historically powered
by EL34 power tubes, but the
DR-30/15 is powered by four
6V6s, a power tube usually
used in old American circuits,
such as Fender amps. But don’t
let that fool you; this amp is all
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GEAR REVIEW
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British. Upon pulling this beast
out of its box, I was in shock
at the utter size of the head.
Clayton has said that the 30watt transformer in this amp is
the biggest he’s ever seen, and
I can attest to that. The head is
a proverbial tank, both in size,
looks, and function. Usually, I’m
very touchy and delicate with
my gear, but I had no problem
smacking around this monster
of an amp, because the build
quality is simply outstanding.
The 2x12 cab is loaded with
two DR-F speakers that are a
product of painstaking research
by some of the biggest Hiwatt
fanatics in the world. They are
specially made for Hi-Tone by
Eminence Speakers in nearby
Kentucky.
Hi-Tone DR 30/15
I never plug straight in. As a
writer for Tone Report and a
lover of all things stompable, it’s
hard to imagine a world without
any of my colorful little boxes.
When I got this Hi-Tone, I was
overcome with this strange
feeling to plug directly in, and
just get the feel of this amp.
Flipping on the hefty switches,
and setting all the EQ to noon,
I played the famous four note
tune of Pink Floyd’s “Shine
on You Crazy Diamond.” The
sound that rung out in my
house was utterly glorious.
I could not believe that that
sound was my guitar. The notes
were right there coming out
the speakers the instant I hit
the strings, and it commanded
such a presence and warmth