This is what the knobs look like in reality, not sure why the came out white in the other photos.
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Mesa Strategy and Prodigy discontinued. Also PH cabs.
- Thread starter mikeswals
- Start date
Pbassmanca
In the pocket n' thumpy. So woody, so greasy...
AgedHorse - I have a Strategy, and think it is time to retube it (tubes are sounding "fizzy"). Any particular tube you would recommend? I play rock/metal. Thanks in advance.
Just going to jump in here to say that both the Strategy and Prodigy are really hot rodded amps and it's becoming more and more difficult to get consistent quality production KT-88 tubes that can handle the high voltages and currents that are necessary under the wide variety of real world conditions that these amps see in the wild (and getting more and more difficult every day it seems) . They are an expensive tube (especially a set of 8), and when reliability suffers the costs of replacements can get pretty high awfully quickly. Since our warranty is both long and liberal (as many of you are aware of, and some of you have taken advantage of), it has just become impractical to continue with such a costly, almost custom build type amp. There are some still available throughout the dealer network, as well as showing up on the TB classifieds. The warranty is transferable, so if you want one just keep your eyes open.
As far as the Powerhouse cabinets, the days of players seeking out 100+ pound cabinets is coming to a close. Absolutely nothing wrong with the speaker, just that tastes have changed away from this to cabinets like the Subway and similar lighter weight more compact cabinets. There are plenty of new and used PH cabinets out there so there's certainly no shortage plus we continue to stock all the repair parts and warranty service should it be necessary.
Don't worry though, I am always working on new designs and listening closely to what Talkbass players are looking for, as you all seem to be ahead of the curve more than anywhere else. Now's your chance to speak up!
I can't argue with lighter weight, but I sure wish the Subway cabinets came in a 4x10 and 2x12 configuration. Two 4x10's or 2-2x12's would give those of us who still like a big stage presence the option of having a stack, and might appeal to the d class crowd to have one cab plus a D800/800+. PLUS, I need a british slate grey 8x10 to match my 4x12
- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,047
- 5
- 221,002
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
You might give our service dept a call, I don't know enough to be confident that it's time to replace tubes. We do have a program for a discounted first set of tubes if it turns out that's what you need.
Not to ruin the dry joke, but aren't all Mesa Boogie amps fixed bias?
I'd hate for the bloke to be looking for the bias adjustment for hours...
I totally don't get the joke, but I am funny like that
. The amp does employ fixed bias, but that does not mean it cannot be adjusted. Bias procedures for none-technicians are on page 24 of the attached manual .
I totally don't get the joke, but I am funny like that
Yes! the Strategy has user adjustable bias, similar to Ampegs svt's since the 90's. On the rear corner of the chassis there are two bias adjustment pots with LED indicators.
you guys are thinking of the old D180/400/400+.
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At the risk of receiving some (deserved heckling), I forgot I had the multi-watt on only 2 tubes, and the break up of the power tubes just didn't sound that great. Switched it to full power, and added some gain and it sounded righteous again!
Don't forget that you need to compensate with impedance when you use the multi-watt feature. Could be why the distortion sounded bad. I wouldn't be surprised if operator error related to this feature is ultimately why the amp has been discontinued, since running an impedance mismatch is hard on the tubes...especially if you're already pushing them into heavy OD.
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See page 16 of the manual. Basically when you take half the tubes out of the circuit, the expected load doubles.
I was correctly matched in impedance according to the manual (4ohm cab into a 4 ohm output) ( I am at work and didn't have it handy, thanks for the .pdf!). Being an engineer, I did RTFM, when I set it up. I guess I am just not that big a fan of the low power setting sound (or I need to lower the gain to get a more pleasing breakup??)
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- Feb 12, 2006
- 61,047
- 5
- 221,002
- Disclosures
- Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
When in the lower power setting, you would need to use a lower impedance tap (2 phms) to properly match to the 4 ohm speaker.
As with any hot rodded product, the learning curve is often steeper than many users are willing to deal with.
I suggest rereading page 16 of the manual.
Running a 4 ohm cab from a 4 ohm output is correct when the amp is in full power mode. However, when you switch to half power mode, it removes half of the output tubes and the expected load doubles. The 2 ohm output becomes a 4 ohm output, the 4 ohm output becomes an 8 ohm output, the 8 ohm output becomes a 16 ohm output.
When you switch to 1/4 power mode the same thing happens again; the number of functioning tubes is reduced by half and the expected load doubles. For 1:1 impedance matching in 1/4 output mode, treat the outputs as follows 2 ohm as 8 ohm, 4 ohm as 16 ohm, 8 ohm as 32 ohm.
Per the manual you can safely run impedance mismatches with this amp, but it will change the sound. I will also be harder on the tubes.
When possible, I recommend using 1:1 impedance matching when you employ the Multi-Watt mode. Sorry I know it's confusing.
Agedhorse i appreciate the feedback. However, i read the matrix on pg. 16 a couple times. I believe the printing is incorrect(or my reading sill is ).
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