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GK Legacy 800 vs. Mesa Boogie D800+ Series

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PleyswethSqwerl

Dec 22, 2021
558
498
#1
Fellow Bassist. I have a dilemma. Does anyone have experience with both the The GK legacy 800 or the Mesa Boogie D800+. If so, which one did you prefer?

if you can give me some outlook on tone, and the differences between the two that would be awesome. It’s hard for me to decide which one I want to buy.
 
#2
I did this dance earlier this year. Both amps use the same ICE power module for the power section, so it mainly comes down to what EQ flavor you like. The GK is a brighter amp up top. I've seen a few users switch from the D-800+ to the Legacy when they've wanted extra zing. The D-800+ gets you semi-parametric mids though, so it's highly tweakable in that regard.

FWIW I demo'd the D-800+ through a 410 and was blown away by it. I took a chance and ordered the Legacy based on my style leanings (metal/progressive). It's been my main amp since. It doesn't come with a carrying case like the Mesa does, so you have to order a $50ish SKB mixer bag if you go in that direction.

Either way, you can't go wrong. This is the golden age of gear.
 
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#3
musicmansf said:
I did this dance earlier this year. Both amps use the same ICE power module for the power section, so it mainly comes down to what EQ flavor you like. The GK is a brighter amp up top. I've seen a few users switch from the D-800+ to the Legacy when they've wanted extra zing. The D-800+ gets you semi-parametric mids though, so it's highly tweakable in that regard.

FWIW I demo'd the D-800+ through a 410 and was blown away by it. I took a chance and ordered the Legacy based on my style leanings (metal/progressive). It's been my main amp since. It doesn't come with a carrying case like the Mesa does, so you have to order a $50ish SKB mixer bag if you go in that direction.

Either way, you can't go wrong. This is the golden age of gear.
Click to expand...

hey man, this is actually a stellar breakdown of both. Thanks for the reply. So let me ask you prefer the GK or boogie? I was leaning toward the GK with the 212 cab.
 
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#4
PleyswethSqwerl said:
hey man, this is actually a stellar breakdown of both. Thanks for the reply. So let me ask you prefer the GK or boogie? I was leaning toward the GK with the 212 cab.
Click to expand...

I preferred the GK for the extra zing, but the Mesa really is a top tier amp. Take a look at the EQ points of the lo-mids/hi-mids/treble on both amps and see if you like how those frequency ranges resonate. That's how I made the choice.

I run a Legacy 800 through a Mesa Subway 115 for my grab and go rig. It has no problems leveling with progressive drummer and 2x12 guitar cab at 1/4 of the amp power.

No experience with the GK Neo IV cabs, but the 212 seems to be the winner in that lineup from what I've read on TB. FWIW my Subway cab weight is right on what was spec'd, but the GK Neo IVs seem to be maybe a few lbs. heavier than quoted.
 
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#5
PleyswethSqwerl said:
hey man, this is actually a stellar breakdown of both. Thanks for the reply. So let me ask you prefer the GK or boogie? I was leaning toward the GK with the 212 cab.
Click to expand...
You hit the nail on the head th GK 212 is what everyone is saying 800watts at 4ohms. That’s killer. The 212 is the perfect in between for 410 and 1x15. I think im going with GK. But man the mesa is hard to pass on.
 
#6
Just ordered a legacy 800. I've got a d800+ on order as well with a mesa 115. Those won't be here as soon. I'm hoping to love the legacy, cancel the mesa head and keep the 115 cab coming. Glad to run across this thread and see I wasn't the only one that has had this dilemma. How did that 212 cab work out?
 
#7
I have owned the Mesa D800+ for a while now and I wanted to give the GK Legacy 800 a try. I have a Revsound 212 and while the GK sounds pretty good to me the Mesa just has a bigger and fuller sound. I've actually tried all 4 of the newer Mesa amps and I keep leaning on the 800+. I'm gonna keep messing with the GK as I'm not ready to give up on it yet. They are definitely two different animals.
 
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#8
PleyswethSqwerl said:
hey man, this is actually a stellar breakdown of both. Thanks for the reply. So let me ask you prefer the GK or boogie? I was leaning toward the GK with the 212 cab.
Click to expand...
I have a GK Legacy 800 combo (2x12) with the GK NEO IV (2x12) hooked up to make it a 4x12 rig. I have never looked back! It's the only amp and cab I tried where when you raise the volume it doesn't sound like it's working hard and it's still crystal clear. I highly recommend you try it and let your ears decide. -Bill
 
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#9
mam1862 said:
I have owned the Mesa D800+ for a while now and I wanted to give the GK Legacy 800 a try. I have a Revsound 212 and while the GK sounds pretty good to me the Mesa just has a bigger and fuller sound. I've actually tried all 4 of the newer Mesa amps and I keep leaning on the 800+. I'm gonna keep messing with the GK as I'm not ready to give up on it yet. They are definitely two different animals.
Click to expand...
Bump for some news about this thread.
Need a new head, I owned the 800+ and loved the sound but also owned few GK MB series heads and liked them too so I'm a bit torn.
Any suggestion will be great, thank you
 
#10
Which one is easier for you to use on the fly? I like the interface of the 800+, it makes it easy for me to make adjustments, before and during a performance. You might prefer the GK in that regard.

I don't know... I wouldn't overthink it. Sounds like you'd be happy with either.
 

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