Ive not been a fan of Ashdown since getting a ABM head years ago. Loved my EB and MAG combos before it though. Tried/used a few ABM's since and never liked them. I just form the ABM' to sound too round and lacking in power compared to similar rated heads. Even in to my Schroeder 1212L it lacked the volume and punch my MB Little mark II put out.
Today i was blown away with a mates new Original HD-1. We compared it with my Fender Rumble and his new MB Little Mark Valve, and even at living room legal this gave us a kick in the chest. This was first in to the amps cab (its a combo), and then direct in to my Berg CN212.
What also struck us was how loud this little head is, especially in to my 212. He normally runs the combo with an external 1x12 at 4 on the master. We couldn't get it over two in to my cab. Cabs aside, this head was a real eye opener.
There is a 500watt version out soon, and if my return to GK doesnt work out ill be going back to Ashdown.