Harley Benton has disrupted the bass amplification market yet again with the launch of its all-new BLOCK series. Comprising four lightweight Class-D amplifier heads and five versatile speaker cabinets, this series promises gig-ready power, professional routing options, and exceptional portability without breaking the bank.
Whether you are a touring professional looking for a lightweight backup rig or a beginner building your first stack, the Harley Benton BLOCK series aims to deliver maximum performance per dollar.
Class-D Power in Your Pocket: The BLOCK Amp Heads
The core of the BLOCK series revolves around four highly efficient Class-D amplifiers: the BLOCK-200, BLOCK-300, BLOCK-600, and BLOCK-800.
Built on the philosophy of maximum wattage with minimum physical weight, these heads eliminate the back-breaking strain of traditional tube or solid-state amplifiers.
- BLOCK-200: Delivers 200 watts of power while weighing a mere 1.7 kg (3.7 lbs).
- BLOCK-300: 300 watts of power with a 4-Band Equaliser and only 2,25 kg (4.9lbs)
- BLOCK-600: With 600 watts of power, a 4-Band Equaliser and only 3.28 kg (7.2lbs)
- BLOCK-800: The flagship model pushes a massive 800 watts at just 3.55 kg (7.8 lbs).
Intuitive Control & Professional Routing
Harley Benton kept the interface straightforward but highly functional across all four models. Each amp head features:
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Tone Shaping: Responsive EQ controls alongside a built-in compressor to smooth out your dynamics.
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Input Flexibility: A High/Low Pad switch to perfectly accommodate both passive and high-output active bass guitars.
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Pro IO: An XLR DI output equipped with a Pre/Post switch for seamless integration into studio consoles or live front-of-house (FOH) PA systems.
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Utilities: An effects loop (FX Loop), AUX input for backing tracks, headphone monitoring output, and dual Speakon speaker connectors.
Flexible Stage Coverage: The BLOCK Cabinets
To complement the heads, Harley Benton introduced five distinct bass cabinets available in 1×12, 1×15, 2×10, 2×12, and 4×10 speaker configurations.
A standout design feature is orientation flexibility. Three of the five configurations are VH (Vertical/Horizontal) models, meaning they can be positioned upright or on their side to accommodate tight stages or specific room acoustics.
The remaining two V models are strictly engineered for vertical layouts to optimize stage real estate.
Premium Audio Specs
Every cabinet in the lineup features an integrated RF driver to crisp up the high frequencies, boasting a wide frequency response stretching from a deep 28–39 Hz up to 17.4 kHz. They are also built road-ready with robust, recessed metal side handles for easy transport.
Pricing and Availability
True to the brand’s reputation, the value proposition here is staggeringly high.
- BLOCK-200 Amp Head: Starts at just $95 / £86 / €99.
- BLOCK-300 Amp Head: More power for only $143/£130/€149
- BLOCK-600 Amp Head: Double the wattage for only $240/£217/€249
- BLOCK-800 Amp Head: Retails at only $288 / £261 / €299.
The complete lineup of amp heads and matching cabinets is available immediately. You can browse the full range and check current regional stock directly via Thomann.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use active basses with the Harley Benton BLOCK amps?
Yes. Every amp head in the BLOCK series includes an input High/Low pad switch, allowing you to drop the input sensitivity to handle hotter signals from active electronics without unwanted clipping.
What is the difference between the V and VH cabinet models?
VH models are specifically braced and isolated to operate perfectly whether they are placed vertically or horizontally. V models are optimized to be used exclusively in a vertical orientation to maximize floor space.
Do these amplifiers support silent practice?
Yes, they feature a dedicated headphone output and an AUX input, allowing you to plug in your phone or media player to practice along with tracks silently.
The Verdict
The Harley Benton BLOCK series is an absolute home run for budget-conscious bassists. By pairing ultra-lightweight Class-D engineering with flexible, wide-frequency cabinets, Harley Benton has created an ecosystem where a gigging musician can acquire an 800-watt, professional-grade bass stack for less than the price of a standard boutique pedal.
The inclusion of essential pro features like an FX loop, built-in compression, and a switchable XLR DI makes it incredibly hard to fault.
Final Score: 9.2 / 10
#Harley Benton #BLOCK Series
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