Mesa Boogie D800+ vs Markbass F500

Wasn't the F500 discontinued many years ago?

 

I’ve owned both. The markbass was a very good amp but the mesa is on another level. No brainer mesa.

 

Mesa for the win. There really is no comparison here.

 

You don't have a choice. For starters, the F500 has been discontinued for a decade. And it won't work on your nation's voltage.

The Mesa is in production and will work on 220/50, so I guess that's what you're buying.

If they still made the F500 I'd buy one. The sound is spectacular, like nothing else Markbass has ever done. But they don't.

 

Here is the Mesa D800+ manual. http://www.mesaboogie.com/media/User Manuals/070533-Subway_D800_Plus_171106-download.pdf

I strongly suggest downloading and reading it. Check out Page 2.

Here is a drawing of part the the rear panel. It'll handle 220V / 50 Hz.

 

It'll work on your local power, but it will come with an IEC power cable for North American outlets if you buy one from the US. You'll want to pick up a power cable (or steal one from a desktop computer/monitor) that is compatible with your outlets.

 

@agedhorse designed the Mesa D800, he can verify.

 

Just an informational note... any product bought in the US market must be returned to the US for warranty service. Products purchased through local market distribution are eligible for warranty service within that market.

I say this so there's no confusion or ill will in the unlikely event that there is an issue with the product.

 

I'll just add to the chorus...Mesa D800+ for the win.
I have more than a few amplifiers and I find myself plugging in to the Mesa more than any others.

Andy (@agedhorse) really did an outstanding job in designing this unit. The HPF feature gives an additional level of control over room acoustics, cabinet differences, and mix issues, and the controls are relatively intuitive.

I find that I'm able to get that warm "round" tone that is typically only attainable with tube amps.

I admit to not being a Markbass fanboy, but I expect that you can cop just about any tone you wish, with a D800+, the right bass, and the right fingers.

Best of luck,
ELG

 

You may be able to find a used example of either amp in the EU if you are patient and search for them. You'll save some money that way and if you get a Mesa you'll avoid any (unlikely) warranty problems if it comes from the EU. I've got an F500 and its been a good reliable amp. The Mesa, being a much newer design, it probably a better amp. And being designed by Andy (agedhorse) it's got to be good. I've also got a Genz Benz Streamliner that he designed and its great and reliable.

 

F500 was a really good amp in it's time, and for what it did - clean, hi-fi sound, lots of punch. 800+ is a whole other ball game - superior EQ capability with dual variable midrange and variable HPF control - and the benefit of 10 more years of experience in design and implementation of Class D power modules.

 

MESA MESA MESA

 

Yikes! Just check that ordering from the US won't be the same scenario once you take shipping, exchange rate and customs into account.

Are you absolutely set on either of these amps? What is available locally?

 

Two excellent questions.