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Mesa WD-800 Upgrade

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by CD Thompson, Feb 20, 2019.

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  1. Feb 20, 2019 #1
    CD Thompson

    CD Thompson

    Nov 8, 2017
    Santa Rosa, CA.
    Bass friends ... I recently purchased the Mesa Subway D-800 + and now less then a year later Mesa has come up with the WD-800 Amp that features a tube pre amp and parametric eq. I'm having a blast with D-800 + so why would I want to upgrade to the WD (?) I'm rolling a Subway 115 Ultra lite Cab and soon to add the 210 on top. Other then a severe case of GAS (that I usually can control) why should I or shouldn't I upgrade (?) Also is this an upgrade or just a different animal of an Amp (?) Thanks for your wisdom and wit in advance.
     
  2. Feb 20, 2019 #2
    agedhorse

    agedhorse Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 12, 2006
    Davis, CA (USA)
    Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
    Maybe you shouldn't... the WD-800 is not an upgrade of any sort. The WD-800 specifically addressed the desires of those who really liked the Walkabout but found it just wasn't enough amp for their needs. Turns out, there were a lot of players who tried the WA and liked it but it wouldn't stay clean enough for their gig volume so they moved onto a different amp (some use Subways, but others use different brands/models). It's a different animal that will have some familiarity and comfort to both Walkabout AND Subway players depending on your particular tastes.
     
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  3. Feb 20, 2019 #3
    two fingers

    two fingers Opinionated blowhard. But not mad about it. Inactive

    Feb 7, 2005
    Eastern NC USA
    Just different. They are both great amps.
     
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  4. Feb 20, 2019 #4
    willsellout

    willsellout I apologize in advance. Supporting Member

    Aug 13, 2002
    Fort Wayne, IN
    I've hear the WD. I found it to have more flavor than the relatively clean D800 and D800+. It is sort of an upgrade with some additional benefits and controls, but overall it's more of a different flavor. I had the D800 for a while and just recently sold it. I just didn't get a long with it. I do prefer the WD. Then again I really liked the Mpulse 600 and Walkabouts and I think I prefer some baked in tone to my amps. I'm weird.
     
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  5. Feb 20, 2019 #5
    agedhorse

    agedhorse Supporting Member Commercial User

    Feb 12, 2006
    Davis, CA (USA)
    Development Engineer-Mesa Boogie, Development Engineer-Genzler (pedals), Product Support-Genz Benz
    The bigger size is a "non-starter" for some players. Upgrade in in the eyes of the beholder
     
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  6. Feb 20, 2019 #6
    CD Thompson

    CD Thompson

    Nov 8, 2017
    Santa Rosa, CA.
    Thanks for the post reply ... I’m playing very clean and able to with the flip of the switch on the D-800 + It gives me a choice between that brighter tone and a more understated one. Parametric EQ sounds intriguing although not enough to push me towards going for the WD.
     
    agedhorse likes this.
  7. Mar 15, 2019 #7
    GRoberts

    GRoberts Supporting Member

    Jan 7, 2003
    Tucson, AZ USA
    I tried a WD-800 yesterday. I was VERY impressed. So much that I am considering selling my GK MB Fusion 800. I am a former Mesa Walkabout Scout Combo owner and that was a great amp. But I could not quite get enough clean headroom as many have said. I am not saying the WD-800 is a more powerful Walkabout. But the similarities are there with the advantage of more power and lightweight. I really loved it and anticipate buying one. I tried the D-800 Subway next to it and did not care for that amp.
     
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