HH Electronic VX Series Amplifiers : eBay Guides

In their day HH Electronic where one of the leading names in PA and amplification equipment. The VX range is a testament to the excellent build quality and superior technical specifications of HH amplification. Although the VX series dates back to the late 1980s the specification of these amps is very much up-to-date, so much so I have heard a VX900 outperform a modern amp from one of the currently popular manufacturers.

VX amps are conservatively rated such that that amp will perform continuously even at full power. These amps don’t mind being left running and where popular with broadcasters such as the BBC and Granada TV. I have also seen VX1200s that have survive over 10 years of constant clipping and general abuse in a night-club. These amps where designed to be tough! On removing the lid of a VX series amp you can’t help noticing the size of the power supply components, of specific interest is the size of the mains transformer. This is a huge component the occupies most of the right hand side of the case and, combined with an array of large capacitors, contributes significantly to the physical weight and weight of the bass response. The rest of the amplifier design is fairly simple, giving the amplifier a very clean sound and allowing the qualities of the MOS-FET output transistors to shine.

Points to note

These amps are reliable but old. Watch out for noisy cooling fans, worn-out power switches, dirty input attenuates and ageing power supply relays (VX900 and VX1200 only). Fans and switches are easily obtained but parts such as the power supply relay, input attenuators or plastic grills are more difficult to obtain.  As mentioned above, VX amps have huge power supplies so if weight is of concern to you then you might be better off looking for a switch mode amp! If sound quality is the priority then you’ll probably like the HH VX series.

Brief specifications

Power Output Per Channel At Clip
VX150   80W (4 Ohm) 60W (8 Ohm) 170W (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX200  100W (4 Ohm) 65W (8 Ohm) 205W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX300  155W (4 Ohm) 100W (8 Ohm) 315W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX450  240W (4 Ohm) 150W (8 Ohm) 500W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX600  325W (4 Ohm) 200W (8 Ohm) 650W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX900  475W (4 Ohm) 285W (8 Ohm) 965W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)
VX1200 630W (4 Ohm) 375W (8 Ohm) 1300W  (8 Ohm Bridged Mono)

T.H.D.  <0.03% (<0.08% for VX1200) at rated o.p. 20H-20KHz

I.M.D.  <0.03%

Inputs XLR and Jack. Electroic Balance, transformer balanced (optional) or unbalanced selected by switch.

Damping Factor >300 at 100Hz. 8 Ohm load.

Hum and Noise -100dB (20Hz - 20KHz)

Slew Rate 60V/uS

Outputs Binding posts (VX200 - VX600 also fitted with XLRs)

Protection  Short circuit, open circuit, load missmatch, thermal and DC.

Cooling VX150-VX300 Convection cooled. VX450-VX1200 2 speed fan*.
*runs silently on slow speed and rarly runs full speed.