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- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,062
- 5
- 221,097
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
To clarify this (before it gets all twisted around), While I designed the Mesa Subway line, I did not design any of Genzler's amps, nor did Jeff design any of Mesa's amps.
I'm a huge fan of Ampeg tube amps, and their SVT-CL is the amp I use most. But Mesa's Class D amps (the entire Subway line) is what I'd get if I was shopping for a new Class D. Personal preference.
I am a fan of some Ampeg products and pretty much anything Mesa. The PF-350 I had was grossly underpowered unless the Master was dimed and even then, it sounded like a good 100 watt amp. My old 85 watt 1967 Dual Showman into the same 4 ohm cabinet totally annihilated the PF-350.
I bought my Mesa D800 when they first came out, before the D800+ was in production. I absolutely love the way it sounds, it has more power than I will ever use and achieving "my" sound is a simple process as it has a built-in high pass filter, no knob needed. That amp, with a Mesa Subway 1x12 and 1X15, just plain works and if you don't play big venues, the Subway 1x15 by itself is plenty.
A few months ago I replaced the PF-350 with an Ampeg SVT 7PRO. If you prefer the "Ampeg sound", that is the one I would recommend although it is more expensive than the PF-series Ampegs. But if you try one out, you will see why. I use it with an Ampeg 1x15 cabinet and it is an outstanding rig that nails the classic Ampeg SVT sound in a much smaller, lighter package. The built-in compressor is a nice feature, too.
But between the two, I still like my D800 better. If you enjoy tweaking knobs and are after some additional high end sparkle, try the D800+ as it is only $100 more. And if possible, it is a good idea to test drive whichever amp you are considering before handing over the cash or credit card.
I bought my Mesa D800 when they first came out, before the D800+ was in production. I absolutely love the way it sounds, it has more power than I will ever use and achieving "my" sound is a simple process as it has a built-in high pass filter, no knob needed. That amp, with a Mesa Subway 1x12 and 1X15, just plain works and if you don't play big venues, the Subway 1x15 by itself is plenty.
A few months ago I replaced the PF-350 with an Ampeg SVT 7PRO. If you prefer the "Ampeg sound", that is the one I would recommend although it is more expensive than the PF-series Ampegs. But if you try one out, you will see why. I use it with an Ampeg 1x15 cabinet and it is an outstanding rig that nails the classic Ampeg SVT sound in a much smaller, lighter package. The built-in compressor is a nice feature, too.
But between the two, I still like my D800 better. If you enjoy tweaking knobs and are after some additional high end sparkle, try the D800+ as it is only $100 more. And if possible, it is a good idea to test drive whichever amp you are considering before handing over the cash or credit card.
I rock mine with pre gain at like 4:45... good and gritty... it sounds very warm and natural
If you choose the Mesa, spend the extra 100 bucks and go for the 800+ so YOU can define your mid-freq points and boost/cut them as you like. When people say the Ampeg has a baked-in tone, it's because of the frequencies THEY pick. To many they're just right for old-school bass tone. To others it's limited. I have a PF-350 and I like the tone but it is what it is. You should be able to find tones very close with the 800+ but you can get plenty others, plus more power of course.
I am 100% in agreement with you about the value of sweepable freq centers.
However, if you play through a V4 and a V4-B there are difference in their mid frequencies but they sound near enough to the same thing if you add a little more or less to the mid knob. I think the baked in tone is more than just the frequencies on the selector.
That said I would LOVE a V4-B or (real) SVT with a sweepable mid mod.
However, if you play through a V4 and a V4-B there are difference in their mid frequencies but they sound near enough to the same thing if you add a little more or less to the mid knob. I think the baked in tone is more than just the frequencies on the selector.
That said I would LOVE a V4-B or (real) SVT with a sweepable mid mod.
I know 1x15 is the 'Golden Child' of Subway line for a lot of TB'ers and for good reason
But I believe you might want to listen to 2x10 Subway; to my ears it sounds somewhat Vintage[Ampegish] compared.
This might help; there are other video comparison but Mesa seems to use Avant-garde players in demo's
But I believe you might want to listen to 2x10 Subway; to my ears it sounds somewhat Vintage[Ampegish] compared.
This might help; there are other video comparison but Mesa seems to use Avant-garde players in demo's
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To answer the original 4 y.o. question, I own a PF-800 and a Subway D800. To my ears they do not sound much alike - the PF-800 has Ampeg tone built in from the get go. Just plug in, turn on, and it's there (although I have no experience with the PF-500). The Subway can get dirty but it's a much more refined sound IMO, and also more versatile - but that could be because I fiddle with it more and don't tweak the Ampeg as much since the tone I want from it is easy to dial in; set it and forget it.
I would not consider the Subway D800 to be a substitute for the Ampeg sound, but I'm not familiar with the D800+ so it may get closer than the D800.
If you want Ampeg sound, just get Ampeg - the PF-800 delivers.
