new mesa vs mesa bass 400+

thrashcomics · #1 09-27-2010, 11:09 PM

how do they compare? should i buy a used 400+ and worry about a billion tubes or can i get a similar tone from the new hybrids?

BillJarrett · #2 09-27-2010, 11:11 PM

The new Mesa amps are great. Good tone, very versatile and built like tanks.

That being said, an all tube amp, is an all tube amp. =)

thrashcomics · #3 09-27-2010, 11:18 PM

that being said, what in the new line will bring me closest to the d180, 400, 400+ heaven(but with a warranty)

**garmenteros** · #4 09-27-2010, 11:25 PM

I own the 400+ and owned the bigblock 750. I ran both these amps on a powerhouse 1000 cabinet. Totally different animals, what they do share in common is their control layouts are very simple and intuitive. The 750 is very fast and articulate. The 400+ being a tube amp obviously has more warmth. I dont think the hybrids are going to get you close to the all tube sound. Many people love the mesa walkabout and its tube like tone but I haven't tried it so I can't comment on that. I'd look a for good used mesa tube amp and have it serviced.

BillJarrett · #5 09-27-2010, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thrashcomics

that being said, what in the new line will bring me closest to the d180, 400, 400+ heaven(but with a warranty)

These amps are remarkably well made. I own a 400+ and was astounded to find that the power section uses no PC board. None.

Mine has been played 4-5 times a week for hours at a time for almost 4 years now and the worst I've had is a fuse and a preamp tube go bad. (although I may be about due for a fresh set of 6L6s)

If you are looking for a D-180, 400, 400+ sound. In the interest of saving you the hassle of buying something "close" and still missing that sound you're searching for, I'd say suck it up and shop for any of those 3 amps in good shape on the used market.

brocco · #6 09-28-2010, 02:34 AM

WA Scout x 15.....superb

check the megathread.

rayzak · #7 09-28-2010, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garmenteros

I own the 400+ and owned the bigblock 750. I ran both these amps on a powerhouse 1000 cabinet. Totally different animals, what they do share in common is their control layouts are very simple and intuitive. The 750 is very fast and articulate. The 400+ being a tube amp obviously has more warmth. I dont think the hybrids are going to get you close to the all tube sound.

I definetly disagree on the 400+ control panel being "very simple and intuitive"

(2-10-2 being flat). I do agree with the rest of your post. The hybrid amps are much faster and more articulate, yet still give you a nice, gritty sound, if you wish. I loved the 400+ when I had it(for about 5 years), but wanted an amp that could get louder and sound the same at medium/higher volumes. I got that in the Titan. I didn't care for how the 400+ sounded/broke up at high volumes. But, many people love it.