Mesa WD Vs D+

[BigBear77]

Hey guys. I tried searching and found a bunch of threads pertaining to the new Mesa Amps, some over a hundred pages long. So instead of falling down a worm hole I figured I’d ask.

Besides the tube pre and a couple more eq options what’s the difference between the Mesa amps. Do they sound the same and it’s just a case of options or are they voiced differently.

If you’ve tried both which one did you like better.

 

[pfschim]

I owned both for several months. Ended up keeping just the WD800.
They definitely do not sound the same.
IMO/IME, the D800+ clearly comes from the Mesa Carbine family of amps tonewise .. big low end, clean, clear, "solid state"-ish and I always hear a boxy sort of sound from the Carbine as well as the D800+. Works great in a band mix but was not my favorite flavor.

The WD800 is clearly more influenced by the Mesa Walkabout hybrid amp tone ... solid low end, lots of warmth, passive mid control from the WA is a significant tone influence with the WD800. The WD will also break-up more like a tube amp, just like the WA.

of course, as always, its always best if you can try amps for yourself to see how they might fit your needs. Thats definitely the approach I took with the D800+ and WD800 and I'm very happy I did.

good luck

 

[BigBear77]

I owned both for several months. Ended up keeping just the WD800.
They definitely do not sound the same.
IMO/IME, the D800+ clearly comes from the Mesa Carbine family of amps tonewise .. big low end, clean, clear, "solid state"-ish and I always hear a boxy sort of sound from the Carbine as well as the D800+. Works great in a band mix but was not my favorite flavor.

The WD800 is clearly more influenced by the Mesa Walkabout hybrid amp tone ... solid low end, lots of warmth, passive mid control from the WA is a significant tone influence with the WD800. The WD will also break-up more like a tube amp, just like the WA.

of course, as always, its always best if you can try amps for yourself to see how they might fit your needs. Thats definitely the approach I took with the D800+ and WD800 and I'm very happy I did.

good luck

Thank you.

 

[GRoberts]

I owned both for several months. Ended up keeping just the WD800.
They definitely do not sound the same.
IMO/IME, the D800+ clearly comes from the Mesa Carbine family of amps tonewise .. big low end, clean, clear, "solid state"-ish and I always hear a boxy sort of sound from the Carbine as well as the D800+. Works great in a band mix but was not my favorite flavor.

The WD800 is clearly more influenced by the Mesa Walkabout hybrid amp tone ... solid low end, lots of warmth, passive mid control from the WA is a significant tone influence with the WD800. The WD will also break-up more like a tube amp, just like the WA.

of course, as always, its always best if you can try amps for yourself to see how they might fit your needs. Thats definitely the approach I took with the D800+ and WD800 and I'm very happy I did.

good luck

I concur 100%. I have a WD-800 and it is exceedingly impressive and satisfying.