NAD Cage Match: GK MB800F vs. Mesa Subway (audio content)

[12bass]

Not sure what to make of the soundclip comparison. The included photo seems to indicate that significant amounts of EQ were dialed in on both units, yet I also read something about setting the knobs at noon on both (which would mean 1/2 Contour on the GK). In any case, I hear a considerable mid-scoop on the Fusion and a more natural midrange balance on the Subway. I think most of us know that the GK amps will be a tad scooped unless compensated for by EQ. Would like to hear how they compare if both the EQs were dialed in for a more similar frequency response... more apples to apples. So, my take is that I do not have enough to go on to make any definitive judgment.... though the clips, as recorded, seem to favor the Subway.

 

[svtb15]

I wonder if the D800 has as much horse power as the GK MB800 because that GK is one nutty loud amp and at 4Ω i can never see needing more..
I like headroom...
Im toying with the idea once again with a fearful 8 ohm or a audiokinesis 1855 since i want to get a small LOUD portable rig for home gigs and other..

 

[kringle77]

Wally, you currently have the best review posted and I appreciate it. Anybody wanting more should get their wallets out. Thanks man!

 

[sratas]

Yeah, thanks wally, a lot

 

[tombowlus]

Now I want a true testing. Tom? Where are you? C'mon guy....bench testing.

Eventually... In the meantime, don't wait. Just get one.

 

[tombowlus]

I wonder if the D800 has as much horse power as the GK MB800 because that GK is one nutty loud amp and at 4Ω i can never see needing more.. It puts other amps to shame....
I think bass gear had it at 1000 watts at times.. However they figure that stuff out is beyond me..

The MB800 puts out Invalid Link Removed.

 

[svtb15]

you guys did a great review on that amp..

The MB800 puts out Invalid Link Removed.

 

[CaptainWally]

Not sure what to make of the soundclip comparison. The included photo seems to indicate that significant amounts of EQ were dialed in on both units, yet I also read something about setting the knobs at noon on both (which would mean 1/2 Contour on the GK). In any case, I hear a considerable mid-scoop on the Fusion and a more natural midrange balance on the Subway. I think most of us know that the GK amps will be a tad scooped unless compensated for by EQ. Would like to hear how they compare if both the EQs were dialed in for a more similar frequency response... more apples to apples. So, my take is that I do not have enough to go on to make any definitive judgment.... though the clips, as recorded, seem to favor the Subway.

Well, fiddly fi fo. Tell me exatly how you'd like the GK and Mesa EQ'd, and I'm happy to slap some tracks. Don't forget to mention how you'd like the Mesa voicing to be dialed. Cheers!

 

[MarkA]

Thanks for posting the clips.

Re. volume, agedhorse did mention that the Subway has a more linear (? - not "loud all at once") taper on the volume knob. I wonder if that could be influencing your perception of the loudness capabilities of the amps, Captain Wally? I haven't played either - just speculating.

Re. tone, connectedness of sound from top to bottom is something I look for. In that regard, after a few quick listens, I favor the Mesa clip, but I like the more open, detailed top end of the GK clip. The Mesa seems bright but closed-off up top, if that makes sense. Reminds me of certain instruments with maple fretboards. I'd combine the top end of clip two with the rest of clip one, if I could, but I think I'd find the tone of clip one (Mesa) more useful in more mixes.

 

[MarkA]

Well, fiddly fi fo. Tell me exatly how you'd like the GK and Mesa EQ'd, and I'm happy to slap some tracks. Don't forget to mention how you'd like the Mesa voicing to be dialed. Cheers!

It's nice to hear both amps "flat" (controls at noon, but Contour off on the GK, right?). If you were to record another clip or set of clips, I'd say to just dial in a sound you like on the Mesa and try to match with the GK, then vice versa. Up to you, though.

Again thanks for what you posted.

 

[CaptainWally]

Thanks for posting the clips.

Re. volume, agedhorse did mention that the Subway has a more linear (? - not "loud all at once") taper on the volume knob. I wonder if that could be influencing your perception of the loudness capabilities of the amps, Captain Wally? I haven't played either - just speculating.

Re. tone, connectedness of sound from top to bottom is something I look for. In that regard, after a few quick listens, I favor the Mesa clip, but I like the more open, detailed top end of the GK clip. The Mesa seems bright but closed-off up top, if that makes sense. Reminds me of certain instruments with maple fretboards. I'd combine the top end of clip two with the rest of clip one, if I could, but I think I'd find the tone of clip one (Mesa) more useful in more mixes.

Could be! I actually was cranking the knobs around pretty high. But I've haven't had the chance to go nuts in a live setting yet.

My GB 9.0 was reported to have linear controls - and I reckon it did. But, IMO, it just didn't have the balls of my TH500. And that was in an A/B live setting.

That's exactly the way I hear it! The Mesa has bright/present, standout mids, but it doesn't have the top end of the GK. It can't even come close to what the GK can do up there.

 

[CaptainWally]

It's nice to hear both amps "flat" (controls at noon, but Contour off on the GK, right?). If you were to record another clip or set of clips, I'd say to just dial in a sound you like on the Mesa and try to match with the GK, then vice versa. Up to you, though.

Again thanks for what you posted.

Let's take my ears and opinion out of equation as much as possible for the next tracks. You guys tell me exactly what EQ settings would be helpful (realizing the voicing on the EQ may be tricky since you haven't play with it, but you know what it does).

 

[John D Harris]

All controls at noon is not necessarily flat. It varies from amp to amp. I know nothing about the Mesas, but GK amps typically have a flat setting close to this:

High: 11ish
Hi Mid: 1ish
Low Mid: 1ish
Bass: Just shy of noon
Contour off

If you do fancy doing another round of clips, it would be cool to use these 'flat' settings that kleinenenten provided:
-----------------------
All controls at noon is not necessarily flat. It varies from amp to amp. I know nothing about the Mesas, but GK amps typically have a flat setting close to this:

High: 11ish
Hi Mid: 1ish
Low Mid: 1ish
Bass: Just shy of noon
Contour off
-----------------------
If you had the Contour off on the original clips, I don't think there will be enough difference to really matter, though.
I think the Contour is off when fully counter-clockwise.
Maybe see how close you can get the MBF to sound like the D800 with the D set flat.
Then use the MBF flat settings & see if you can mimic that tone on the D.
Totally, up to you & I really appreciate those original clips - they give us all something to chew on while we GAS!

 

[SilkyStrings]

Thanks for the clips. I also think having the GK contour control set to off rather than 12 o'clock would give a more accurate comparison. The 12 o'clock position cuts a lot of mid range out which handicaps the GK performance a bit IMO, my understanding is contour 'off' is at 7 o'clock. That said both amps sound great through my home stereo speakers.

I see from the pictures the Mesa looks much larger than the GK or is it just the camera angle?

 

[kringle77]

Just the mesawith controls at noon, voicing all the way off. Maybe play with the gain/input knob to get ome od. Otherwise, mesa already demoed the eq pretty well.

 

[Liam Wald]

Maybe I don't have very good ears. I can hear some difference but not much (could also be my laptop into P.A. set-up). Not enough of a difference, IMHO, that it could be detected when playing with a band and FOH support in a noisy venue.
I already own a GK MB800F (also own some other Mesa amps). But if I were deciding between the two of these I might still go for the GK.
There are features of the GK (2-channels, tubes in the pre-amp, lighted controls, size and shape) that I believe give it a leg-up in overall design and function.
Though I have got to admit that the new Mesa D-800 is pretty darn cool and knowing me I will likely get all GASSED up at some point down the line and decide that life isn't worth living without one..

 

[floydman]

Thank you for sharing, CaptainWally
I have to agree about the aguilar being a bit more powerful than the GB 9.0.
I am liking the mid presence of the Mesa- seems like that will be magical in a live mix.

 

[Liam Wald]

This comparison to me is like having a discussion about difference between orange juice made with Valencias or Navels.
So now I am wondering why all the excitement over such a minuscule difference?
I am really not seeing this new Mesa as an earth shattering, game changing, front page news event.
I will now duck and take cover.

 

[floydman]

relistening with some nice earbuds,
the difference is a little more subtle than I initially thought.
The GK almost sounds polite by how scooped it is
I like the natural mid- emphasis of the Mesa

 

[CaptainWally]

Maybe I don't have very good ears. I can hear some difference but not much (could also be my laptop into P.A. set-up). Not enough of a difference, IMHO, that it could be detected when playing with a band and FOH support in a noisy venue.
I already own a GK MB800F (also own some other Mesa amps). But if I were deciding between the two of these I might still go for the GK.
There are features of the GK (2-channels, tubes in the pre-amp, lighted controls, size and shape) that I believe give it a leg-up in overall design and function.
Though I have got to admit that the new Mesa D-800 is pretty darn cool and knowing me I will likely get all GASSED up at some point down the line and decide that life isn't worth living without one..

LOL! So true. As usual, we're splitting hairs. I like to remember that these products are killer, and a lot of really smart people worked really hard to build them, and we're very fortunate to have them as players.