Mesa Subway D-350!

[Hot Rats]

I dont understand this amps place in the market .
I have no doubt it's an excellent little amp. Just confused about the price point compared to something like a d 800. The d800 is about $1.35 per watt, the 350 is almost $2.30 a watt.
I'll do some more reading but on the surface, the larger Amps seem to be better values for the money.
Thats almost a $1 more per watt.

Power has been.getting cheaper and cheaper in most markets, but not in instrument amplification. I wonder why?

I got rid of my D800 in favor of the D350 for only one reason. The bright witch on the D350 is much more useful to me than the deep switch on the D800. Volume at gigs has not changed though. Both amps get me as loud as I need to go.

 

[Al Kraft]

Size, weight and being fanless are to characteristics that are different compared to the D-800. It’s 2/3 the size and weight, important to those who don’t need the additional power.

And I would just add that as the concept for this amp developed from conversations/user requests here on TB, it was surprising how many people place significant value on these attributes. The quality of the Mesa SW product engineering and US manufacturing (backed by a 5 year warranty) along with a combination of features somewhat unique to amps this small and light (e.g. studio quality DI, silent operation, USB power port, headphone out, voicing circuit, and bright filter) all help to enhance the perceived value. Add to that a great post-sale customer factory support program plus a killer user manual and the D-350 is actually a pretty great value for the money IMO.

 

[lermgalieu]

Kind of a confusing post...

You would be pushing a D-350 hard through a pair of Genzler BA12 and already have an MG800? Or you're after a small, quiet amp?

MG800 into 2 BA12 is a lot of volume. 3, even moreso.

I would not run a pair of 212 or 410 with a D-350 at high volume. The MG800 - or a D-800+ - would be perfect for that.

I'm not confused. He isn't happy with the tone options on the MG800. He is interested in buying the D350 and wants to know if it will be loud enough.

 

[ImTheOnlyOne]

I'm not confused. He isn't happy with the tone options on the MG800. He is interested in buying the D350 and wants to know if it will be loud enough.

In my opinion, the MG-800 has a wider range of tonal options than the D-350, and that's coming from somebody who really likes the D-350 he uses almost daily

In response to: "I'm after a small, quiet (like the genzler) amp", the D-350 fits the bill perfectly, even a little better than an MG350 or 800 could.

I feel a Subway 800 series amp could command a stage more confidently than a D-350 given the two 350w/8Ohm cabs proposed and have capacity to add a third cab later if ever necessary. I believe the D800+ is making lots of people happy.

My solution has been a stack of two D-350, but OP mentioned import pricing being a constraint.

 

[SJan3]

There's more to an amp than it's power rating. From where I sit, the D350 is a D800 with some inherent advantages. Size, weight, fanless and a bright switch. If you look up the cost of ice power amps, the cost of 300 vs 700 watt units, the price difference isn't that great. (appx the price difference between the D350 and D800).
That said, for my application the D350 is the better choice. I appreciate it's size, weight, ample power, dead silent thermal cooling and the bright switch is a game changer for those who want additional air/edge.

 

[lermgalieu]

In my opinion, the MG-800 has a wider range of tonal options than the D-350, and that's coming from somebody who really likes the D-350 he uses almost daily

In response to: "I'm after a small, quiet (like the genzler) amp", the D-350 fits the bill perfectly, even a little better than an MG350 or 800 could.

I feel a Subway 800 series amp could command a stage more confidently than a D-350 given the two 350w/8Ohm cabs proposed and have capacity to add a third cab later if ever necessary. I believe the D800+ is making lots of people happy.

My solution has been a stack of two D-350, but OP mentioned import pricing being a constraint.

I have never played an MG-800 so I couldn't say about tone options. I do have a D800+ and a D350. I've used both with various 212s and never had a volume issue. But everything is relative, and of course the D800+ will have more headroom...

 

[xjbebop]

The D350 is a tiny box that weights almost nothing, yet through a couple of good cabs can easily be heard over a mile away (don't ask me how I know this...
And it has a simple control panel that does the job amazingly well...

 

[DJ Bebop]

I dont understand this amps place in the market .
I have no doubt it's an excellent little amp. Just confused about the price point compared to something like a d 800. The d800 is about $1.35 per watt, the 350 is almost $2.30 a watt.
I'll do some more reading but on the surface, the larger Amps seem to be better values for the money.
Thats almost a $1 more per watt.

Power has been.getting cheaper and cheaper in most markets, but not in instrument amplification. I wonder why?

Size, weight and being fanless are to characteristics that are different compared to the D-800. It’s 2/3 the size and weight, important to those who don’t need the additional power.

They made him do it!

There was A Lot of whining and hand wringing about 800 watts was too much power for some. The lower power output made older or lower watt cabinets useful again. The fan-less option was an issue that also previously brought on some hand wringing that brought relief to those hands.

So again he was forced into it, he had no choice. The market place waged the dog.

There has been some push for a combo amp but so far, he’s been holding firm on that.

 

[agedhorse]

They made him do it!

There was A Lot of whining and hand wringing about 800 watts was too much power for some. The lower power output made older or lower watt cabinets useful again. The fan-less option was an issue that also previously brought on some hand wringing that brought relief to those hands.

So again he was forced into it, he had no choice. The market place waged the dog.

There has been some push for a combo amp but so far, he’s been holding firm on that.

And, the project it was discussed in detail with many members weighing in.

That said, it's not an amp for everybody. It's a premium product with a premium price that goes with it, so if the budget's not there it's the wrong amp for that player.

 

[BlueTalon]

Hey team, hoping for some input on the volume on the 350

I currently have a Genzler Magellen (800W) that I run into 2x112 (genzler magellen cabs) - I have never raised the master over halfway...

I'm super keen on the 350, but would be running it through these cabs and wonder if its enough volume at 350W? We also have PA support unless its a tiny venue (once in a blue moon).I realise volume is somewhat subjective and contextual...would it be better to run 2x410 if I really struggled with the 2x112 volume ? or is it watts I need?

Am I going to miss the extra power of the Magellan? I'm just not digging its tone and am running a sansamp into the effects loop at present (again volume and drive never over 12 noon).

I'm after a small, quiet (like the genzler) amp, but with the tone shaping flexibility of the subway...the issue for going for the D800 is the price is so painful here in AUS, so too the 350 but more attainable.

Thanks!

Don't be afraid to get the D-350, you'll never regret it. I only ever didn't have enough power with it one time, and that was at an outdoor amphitheater with, as it turned out, no PA support. So if you do an outdoor gig, bring your Magellan. Otherwise, I believe you'll never miss the additional power when you use the D-350.

Also, it is both the quietest amp I own and the coolest. No matter how hard I push it, it never even gets warm.

 

[SJan3]

They made him do it!

There was A Lot of whining and hand wringing about 800 watts was too much power for some. The lower power output made older or lower watt cabinets useful again. The fan-less option was an issue that also previously brought on some hand wringing that brought relief to those hands.

So again he was forced into it, he had no choice. The market place waged the dog.

There has been some push for a combo amp but so far, he’s been holding firm on that.

I'd LOVE to see a Mesa Subway combo w/
D-350 and 1x12''. Yes, I'm lazy, old and want the convenience of plug n play. Or a cab that has a dock for the D350.

 

[BlueTalon]

I'd LOVE to see a Mesa Subway combo w/
D-350 and 1x12''. Yes, I'm lazy, old and want the convenience of plug n play. Or a cab that has a dock for the D350.

I'd prefer a D-350 combo with a 15", but if all they offered was the 12", I'd probably consider it.

 

[musicman556]

I'd LOVE to see a Mesa Subway combo w/
D-350 and 1x12''. Yes, I'm lazy, old and want the convenience of plug n play. Or a cab that has a dock for the D350.

Oh man. So I'm all over the place with amps - a few class d heads (3x, from 500-800w) 2x 111, 1x 115, and 1x 210 neo cabs, a micro cab (Elf110), and an Ampeg RB110 combo.

Man... a 2ohm stable D350, in a combo with a baller 4 ohm 112 would absolutely slay. (2ohm stable so you can add an extension cab if necessary, 4 ohm internal speaker to unlock more wattage on its own.) I imagine the amp/head layout in a combo may afford some additional width for fun knobs 'n such. Would love to add back in the adjustable HPF and some wizardly magical one or two knob compressor that The Horse designs to emulate an 1176.

In 20 years of bass playing, nothing has revolutionized my sound like finally starting to understand compression and a HPF. Learning to apply a Broughton HPF/LPF and UA 1176 pedal have helped focus my sound, smooth my levels, and become a better performer.

Adding both of those things in a ~300w 112 combo would allow one to really maximize perceived loudness (compression) while saving power/heat from the driver (dialing up HPF), wringing every last watt/db from the combo. I have been looking around this space and the Legacy combos are really the closest thing, but don't have quite the feature set I'm looking for. Maybe I'm nuts... but this combo I'm dreaming of... $1,200? $1,300?

Sorry for the derail! Carry on!

 

[SJan3]

Oh man. So I'm all over the place with amps - a few class d heads (3x, from 500-800w) 2x 111, 1x 115, and 1x 210 neo cabs, a micro cab (Elf110), and an Ampeg RB110 combo.

Man... a 2ohm stable D350, in a combo with a baller 4 ohm 112 would absolutely slay. (2ohm stable so you can add an extension cab if necessary, 4 ohm internal speaker to unlock more wattage on its own.) I imagine the amp/head layout in a combo may afford some additional width for fun knobs 'n such. Would love to add back in the adjustable HPF and some wizardly magical one or two knob compressor that The Horse designs to emulate an 1176.

In 20 years of bass playing, nothing has revolutionized my sound like finally starting to understand compression and a HPF. Learning to apply a Broughton HPF/LPF and UA 1176 pedal have helped focus my sound, smooth my levels, and become a better performer.

Adding both of those things in a ~300w 112 combo would allow one to really maximize perceived loudness (compression) while saving power/heat from the driver (dialing up HPF), wringing every last watt/db from the combo. I have been looking around this space and the Legacy combos are really the closest thing, but don't have quite the feature set I'm looking for. Maybe I'm nuts... but this combo I'm dreaming of... $1,200? $1,300?

Sorry for the derail! Carry on!

I hear you and I've considered the GK legacy combo. Just not sold on the tone. But, I see no reason why, with such weight reduction in today's gear, that Mesa and Aguilar for that matter don't offer one combo amp for those of us who appreciate their tone/quality and don't need the thrust of 800 watts and 2x15"s.

 

[agedhorse]

Oh man. So I'm all over the place with amps - a few class d heads (3x, from 500-800w) 2x 111, 1x 115, and 1x 210 neo cabs, a micro cab (Elf110), and an Ampeg RB110 combo.

Man... a 2ohm stable D350, in a combo with a baller 4 ohm 112 would absolutely slay. (2ohm stable so you can add an extension cab if necessary, 4 ohm internal speaker to unlock more wattage on its own.) I imagine the amp/head layout in a combo may afford some additional width for fun knobs 'n such. Would love to add back in the adjustable HPF and some wizardly magical one or two knob compressor that The Horse designs to emulate an 1176.

In 20 years of bass playing, nothing has revolutionized my sound like finally starting to understand compression and a HPF. Learning to apply a Broughton HPF/LPF and UA 1176 pedal have helped focus my sound, smooth my levels, and become a better performer.

Adding both of those things in a ~300w 112 combo would allow one to really maximize perceived loudness (compression) while saving power/heat from the driver (dialing up HPF), wringing every last watt/db from the combo. I have been looking around this space and the Legacy combos are really the closest thing, but don't have quite the feature set I'm looking for. Maybe I'm nuts... but this combo I'm dreaming of... $1,200? $1,300?

Sorry for the derail! Carry on!

There’s no benefit to a 4 ohm single driver cabinet because the 8 ohm drivers I would use are ~3dB more sensitive than an otherwise similar 4 ohm driver.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

There’s no benefit to a 4 ohm single driver cabinet because the 8 ohm drivers I would use are ~3dB more sensitive than an otherwise similar 4 ohm driver.

*would*?? So there's a chance??? I know, I know, a pricey combo is a tough sell. But I can dream.

 

[MarshallAC50Stack]

I hear you and I've considered the GK legacy combo. Just not sold on the tone. But, I see no reason why, with such weight reduction in today's gear, that Mesa and Aguilar for that matter don't offer one combo amp for those of us who appreciate their tone/quality and don't need the thrust of 800 watts and 2x15"s.

Which form factor do you prefer in a combo? Knobs on the front, or knobs on top?

 

[SJan3]

Which form factor do you prefer in a combo? Knobs on the front, or knobs on top?

Probably on top.

 

[BassTheory]

I'm not confused. He isn't happy with the tone options on the MG800. He is interested in buying the D350 and wants to know if it will be loud enough.

Exactly this, thank you.

Don't be afraid to get the D-350, you'll never regret it. I only ever didn't have enough power with it one time, and that was at an outdoor amphitheater with, as it turned out, no PA support. So if you do an outdoor gig, bring your Magellan. Otherwise, I believe you'll never miss the additional power when you use the D-350.

Also, it is both the quietest amp I own and the coolest. No matter how hard I push it, it never even gets warm.

Awesome, that's the kind of user review I wanted.

Thanks everyone for their input. Apologies I should have mentioned the cabs I will be using are 2x112 Genzler MG 12T-V 8ohms/350Watts so I'll be getting the full power of the 350D.

I am super keen on an amp that matches the quietness of the MG800 as I practice a lot at home (sure headphones, but its not my preferred method) so love the no fan.

I also only use the amp as a stage monitor 9/10 times so am not too worried about power but yes, agreed better safe than sorry.

For context the MG 800 cost me $800 AUD, the 350D is $1800 and the D800+ is $2600 is AUD (the + is not much more than the 800 and has more features I would want).

Anyway, due to costs here I will look at the GK legacy 500 as well and contemplate the 800+, I am not keen these days on the tone of the TH, MG, Ampeg (solid state stuff) or Darkglass 500 stuff.

Cheers!

 

[agedhorse]

*would*?? So there's a chance??? I know, I know, a pricey combo is a tough sell. But I can dream.

Yes, would.

I design many different concept prototypes, many never make the cut for a variety of reasons.