SWR Headlite - any long term users ?

[Soliloquy]

I've read a couple of threads on here about people buying them.

Do they still use them ?

How do they compare with Eden WT550's or the older SM models ?

There doesn't seem to have been a lot of fuss made about this. There are very few threads over on Talkbass about it.

I'm looking for a small class D head, with a valve pre. I tried the Shuttle 6 and hated it, it was very aggressive sounding, I want something smoother and warmer.

I've had SWR gear in the past and quite liked it. That was years ago though, I think it was a 'Basis black' combo. I've never owned a top end amp of theirs before.

The prices seem to vary enormously -

[url="http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categories/swr-heads-and-combos/swr/headlite-bass-amplifier/"]http://www.mansons.co.uk/shopping/categori...bass-amplifier/[/url]

[url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/SWR_MM2.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...ts/SWR_MM2.html[/url]

That's a whole £100 difference !

There's a used SM500 in the sale ads section, that's going for the same price as a new 'Headlite'.

[JTUK]

IIRC, that SM500 looks VGC.
Big fan on the SM series and would love another SM. Having the 400, I think the 500 is a duplication for me.
The SM900 on the other hand....

My SM400 is about 20lbs unracked which is no problem.
The SM900..I believe, is 38lbs.

Don't know enough about the Headlite, but if in that market, many compare the MB LMlll to an alternative
SWR sound and this route is the most likely with my time on them.
I haven't explored the SWR sound on a MB, I like its other tones....but by the same token I haven't tried messing around with the SWR lately either.
I see them as different beasts, myself but maybe I should have a play again as the SM has very powerful EQ.