I am huge fan of Ampeg tube amps (SVT and V4B). As for my lightweight rig, I have picked the WD800 because of the preamp and EQ that you can dial an Ampeguish sound. YMMV.
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Mesa Boogie Subway D-800
- Thread starter Digits Molloy
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- mesa boogie amps
Yep, me too...
Once I plugged in, and turned up, my search was over..
It's definitely warm sounding, but does more... to my ears, there's not a bad sound it it..
You won't be disappointed
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I have the TT and a Subway 410. I am waiting to add a 115. I assume your Ric sounds great through that rig.
Bonus points for the Blazing Saddles reference!
Had the D800 but prefer the tone of the WD-800. Perhaps more "ampeg" like?
Just speedread the thread and others are giving you the gist. Mesa amps are great, the Subway line is particularly popular, but the D-800 is just one of several they offer in that line, and all have different flavors. If you're unable to find some to try, then youTube videos are probably your next stop. For something closer to your Ampeg 7-Pro you might prefer the Mesa WD800 which has a tube pre like your 7-Pro.
Many have noted the difference between D800 and D800+. I got the D800+ for the expanded feature set. Considered Genzler Magellan 800, another fine head! Like the features of the 800+ ever so slightly more. MG800 is no slouch by any means and may be my choice for a secondary head. Now my cab withe the 800+ makes for one very special combination which has to be heard and FELT to be appreciated. The Genzler BA 15-3 cab is simply amazing and truly unique.
"Mesa Boogie Subway D-800... Has anyone here on TB heard this Mesa amp? Does it sound warm and have a nice tone?"
Official Mesa Boogie Subway Series Club
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This is what I was wondering about. I had an early Walkabout back when I was working with lots of SVT’s in the backline. I loved that the Walkabout put a big tube sound in a little package. I haven’t played the WD (I love my 800+), but I know the WD was designed to capture some of that Walkabout DNA. Does that make it closer to the OP’s ideal sound, or is the 400 emulation on the TT closer? …or is the D800 close enough?
Edit - reading back up, I see I’m hardly the first to suggest these ideas
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I've been using one for a year, replaced an SVT 3 that I loved, but was getting old and worried me. I've used it with a Hartke 2X10, 4X10, and last week with a backline Ampeg 6X10. Has no problem pushing any of these, I'd buy another, if you can even get one. H
ere's a pic from last week.
I've had 2 of the D-800 heads. Sold the first one and realized I made a mistake so I eventually bought the second one. I gig Genz Benz Shuttles, but appreciate how damn good the D800 is too. Unbelievably easy to dial in a great workable setting. I haven't tried any others in the Subway series, but would bet there's not a slouch in the bunch.
My recommendation . . . Go for the D-800+ vs. the D-800. I normally use the WD800 on stage but the Plus is probably a bit simpler. That HPF filter can be a game changer.
My TT-800 is a triumph of engineering and form and function. If you play bass and need an amp, the subway series won't let you down.
The only Subway amp I haven’t owned is the D-350 and the D-800. After much a/b/c comparison I settled on the D-800+. The TT-800 and WD-800 went to people that will hopefully enjoy them. But for me the D-800+ is king.
I would say no singer sounds like Yoko Ono.
Yes, and I would say that Yoko Ono sounds like no singer.
