Mesa Boogie 750 Big Block VS. Ashdown ABM 900 EVO III

jordsmith87 · #1 02-21-2011, 12:35 PM

I have been searching and really have it narrowed down to these two. Any suggestions. I play a broad range of stuff from rock to jazz to worship music. I really like the warm tones of the tubes but need a cranking amp too. I think both will give me that, but I have only played the Ashdown.

But the reviews on the Mesa are amazing. Just don't want to drive 2 hours to play one really. Please weigh in!

Thank you!

locisbrelm · #2 02-21-2011, 04:51 PM

I have owned a Mesa big block 750 for years and it the best amp I have ever played. More power than I need. Warmth for days. Tho I haven't played a ashdown I highly recommend the big block. But that's only my opinion. If you can, try em both out.

RickenBoogie · #3 02-21-2011, 05:09 PM

The Mesa is king.

Gizmot · #4 02-21-2011, 05:14 PM

I've never played a Mesa and I have no doubt that it is a very fine amp - but the Ashdown is no slouch either. The Ashdown is fat, solid and has boatloads of power.

Shinyflavors7 · #5 02-21-2011, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

The Mesa is king.

+1

jordsmith87 · #6 02-22-2011, 07:30 AM

Okay the next thing is the price of the Mesa is about 1600 and the Ashdown is 1000. Money is not a huge object to me I am looking to just stay under 2k but really for 600 bucks is the Mesa that much better?

I really appreciate the feedback this helps a lot!

Matt Dean · #7 02-22-2011, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jordsmith87

Okay the next thing is the price of the Mesa is about 1600 and the Ashdown is 1000. Money is not a huge object to me I am looking to just stay under 2k but really for 600 bucks is the Mesa that much better?

Yes.

chris lykins · #8 02-22-2011, 01:31 PM

If youre going for a BB go all the way and get a Titan. That way you can have two totally different voiced channels and will have an amp thats being discontinued. The Titan is my favorite Mesa amp!

Calaverasgrande · #9 02-22-2011, 02:04 PM

I would concur about the titan over the BB750. I have also heard that the Mag/Evo/ABM series are kind of optimistically rated in terms of power. I've played through Klystrons and ABMs that were supposed to be the same power and could swear the Klystron had more oomph. Could have been the rooms though.

JimiLL · #10 02-22-2011, 06:39 PM

Mesa's stuff is overpriced, IMO of course

Calaverasgrande · #11 02-23-2011, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimiLL

Mesa's stuff is overpriced, IMO of course

Overpriced compared to what? I dont know of any amp builders that build their amps in the USA that are even competitive.
Most of the other tube/solidstate hybrids are not built stateside. Not trying to start a "they took our jobs" argument. Just pointing out that there are reasons why some amps are cheaper and others cost more. I will say that when I worked next door to mesa I never saw any employees leaving in Benzes or BMWs.