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Any difference in sound between Mesa D-350 and D-800?

#23
Marko 1 said:
The context of the question AH was addressing was a low-volume home practice situation. :)
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No, not addressing low volume home practice. The D-350 is a gig-worthy amp for moderate volume applications. Provided it’s enough rig for the gig, there’s no difference in low end between the D-350 and D-800 (without the deep switch engaged).
 
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#24
Peter - Oregon said:
Thanks to all for the great feedback on the D-350 and PJB cabs. You all cemented for me that it's the head I want. Also leaning toward a C-2 or 4.
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Paired a D800 with two C2s and did not care for the tone. PJB is some spiffy looking gear, and I was intrigued enough with the idea of a micro stack to give them a try. A PJB head into those C2s sounded a lot better, but still didnt quite do it for me. I would up going with a SW112 for my "micro" rig.

YMMV, just sharing my own :thumbsdown: impression of a Mesa head + PJB cab paring.
 
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#25
Verb the Noun said:
Paired a D800 with two C2s and did not care for the tone. PJB is some spiffy looking gear, and I was intrigued enough with the idea of a micro stack to give them a try. A PJB head into those C2s sounded a lot better, but still didnt quite do it for me. I would up going with a SW112 for my "micro" rig.

YMMV, just sharing my own :thumbsdown: impression of a Mesa head + PJB cab paring.
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The D-350 combined with the Subway 112 was our benchmark test rig and it went out on gigs around the SF bay area (both as a 112 and 212 configuration).

The small PJB cabinets just don’t have the combination of sensitivity and LF extension that the Subway 112’s have.
 
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#26
Peter - Oregon said:
Great feedback on the PJB cabs from both of you, greatly appreciated! I am thinking of going with C-4 for more bottom end and power handling. Assume the difference with the C-2 on the bottom end at very low volume wouldn't be very noticeable, but would at moderate volume? Also, liking the red for something different. Any opinions on that vs the black?
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at moderate volume, i haven't noticed anything lacking from the C-2, but it never hurts to have more, right? i only tried the C-4 once, and i don't really remember it... let us know what you think.

Verb the Noun said:
Paired a D800 with two C2s and did not care for the tone. PJB is some spiffy looking gear, and I was intrigued enough with the idea of a micro stack to give them a try. A PJB head into those C2s sounded a lot better, but still didnt quite do it for me. I would up going with a SW112 for my "micro" rig.

YMMV, just sharing my own :thumbsdown: impression of a Mesa head + PJB cab paring.
Click to expand...

personal taste as i've owned and played through many rigs and like my D-350 and C-2 best.
 
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#30
HelpImaRock said:
Would love to know how the GKs compare to the Mesa cabs, if anyone has that experience.
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Ran GK 212 neos for quite a while. Silver face line before the black face one you linked. Rock solid cabs I had zero complaint with. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and in this case the Mesa cabs ARE that much better, yes.

Edit: If you are patient and cruse Craigslist and the like, you can sneak in used SW cabs for the new GK cab price. 2 of my SW cabs were used "WOAH! I'm not letting that pass!" listings I stumbled upon.
 
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#31
Verb the Noun said:
Ran GK 212 neos for quite a while. Silver face line before the black face one you linked. Rock solid cabs I had zero complaint with. Sometimes you get what you pay for, and in this case the Mesa cabs ARE that much better, yes.

Edit: If you are patient and cruse Craigslist and the like, you can sneak in used SW cabs for the new GK cab price. 2 of my SW cabs were used "WOAH! I'm not letting that pass!" listings I stumbled upon.
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I bought my Ampeg PF-50T and 15" cab, never gigged and in perfect condition for $800 from my local shop. Was pretty happy with the deal. Always scanning for some nice stuff. Also bought brand new cobra blue Ultra Jazz for $1,500. Not a steal, but a nice price, on Craigslist.
 
#32
I understand everyone has different taste, we wouldn't have all these great options otherwise, obviously. I have read a lot of reviews on PBJ stuff. Some people love them, others call them a "different thing" and don't fancy them. I too really like the look, and the handle. I would also like to be able to take the amp on my annual beach vacation, etc. The 10 inch size is good for the space I want to use, and the low volume practice it will primarily be used for. I have also read about the TE Elf, and the Genzler BA10-2. The Genzler sounds really nice, but spendy for this use. If you have any feedback on this, would be interested in hearing it. I would like to be able to try some out, but like most, my local GC is very hit and miss, and not likely to have in stock a 10, or PJB, I would think. I wanted to post a picture of my set-up, but the site did not like the JPEG I was trying to upload, for some reason.
 
#35
agedhorse said:
The D-350 combined with the Subway 112 was our benchmark test rig and it went out on gigs around the SF bay area (both as a 112 and 212 configuration).

The small PJB cabinets just don’t have the combination of sensitivity and LF extension that the Subway 112’s have.
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Curious why Mesa chose to pair the Subway 112, not the 115 as a benchmark.

Recently I'm gaining an appreciation for the depth of tonal quality of the D-350. A friendly pre-amp mated to a surprisingly muscular power amplifier. Completely outclasses 200W micros.

I run mine most often through one or two Genzler BA12-3 SLT and imagine the Subway 112 in comparison would warm up the lows.
 
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#36
ImTheOnlyOne said:
Curious why Mesa chose to pair the Subway 112, not the 115 as a benchmark.

Recently I'm gaining an appreciation for the depth of tonal quality of the D-350. A friendly pre-amp mated to a surprisingly muscular power amplifier. Completely outclasses 200W micros.

I run mine most often through one or two Genzler BA12-3 SLT and imagine the Subway 112 in comparison would warm up the lows.
Click to expand...
Initially for size, but we also tested with the other models and the 115 went out on gigs plenty too.
 
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#37
I ordered a D-350 from the local shop, waiting to get it. I like to support them when the pricing makes sense. I just hope it doesn't take a lot longer to get it than they said. I will most likely get the Mesa 115 in the near future. I have an Ampeg 15 that I am currently using with my PF-50. Based on online reviews, I decided to purchase the Trace Elliott Elf 10 cab. This is for my low volume practice, and it works great for that. Sounds good with the PF-50.

Thank you to all that participated in this thread.!
 
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