Ampeg SVT 4 Pro vs Mesa WD-800

[Bassman1775]

I currently play an American Jazz Deluxe on a Mesa WD-800 through 2 fEARful 12/6/1 cube cabs. I’m fairly new to playing through bass amps because for years I’ve just been playing through DIs. Most of my favorite bands in the 90’s and even 2000’s played active basses through Ampeg SVT CLs. I’ve always loved the tone. Seems like these days a lot of people are switching to Class D power amps with a tube pre-amp and they can get pretty close in tone without the weight.

Wanted to hear some thoughts on the 1200W Ampeg SVT 4 Pro vs the Mesa WD-800. I wouldn’t mind the extra watts so I have more headroom. It says the SVT 4 has 3 preamp tubes and my WD-800 has 1 preamp tube. Just curious about tone control and pros/cons or any other recommendations. Thanks.

 

[Raw N Low]

I've only had short exposure to the Mesa Class D amps, so I can't and won't give you an answer that will crown one over the other. I wouldn't let the number of tubes in the preamp section deter you over the sound quality on either amp. Both amps were designed to sound good and meet an industry standard.

What it's going to boil down to are your needs and practical application. I own a 4pro and I can tell you that it a great amp to be on tour with and does fantastic for recording. That is what the amp was built from the ground up to do. If your working with sound guys and running effects processors, multiple cabs (to justify 1200w), and need dual DI's the 4 pro is a great amp. The Mesa can do most of those things, sound good, and is easy to setup.

The comparison of these two amps isn't apples and oranges. It's more like apples and watermelon. Bass players are switching over to class D because it's convenient, they sound good, and they're light. Paired with an efficient lightweight cab, it makes even more sense to go that route. On the other hand, guys like me who can still hump tube amps and lead sleds don't mind the older amps. They can take advantage of the new cabs designs and still sound great. I own 2 class D amps and have owned a few others. When playing a late-night bar gig, I wanna get in and get out, especially if the pay is peanuts. If I'm making big-time money, I may opt to bring out SVT's, Bassmans, and hybrids because those amps "move me" in a way class D doesn't.

Hope this helps.