Both of these are an enigma to me but pique my interest. Never heard of Bugera but they advertise an insane amount of wattage for really cheap. The MiniMega is sort of in the same boat, a thousand watts for little coin and while I know Peaveys of old are super reliable, I'm hesitant on this new stuff. Also, I found it odd that every review of the MiniMega whether on TB or Youtube gushes about the lights and bells and whistles. Not much talk about the quality or tone. Sounds like all sizzle and no steak...or maybe I'm just hyper-cautious and paranoid haha
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Both of these are an enigma to me but pique my interest. Never heard of Bugera but they advertise an insane amount of wattage for really cheap. The MiniMega is sort of in the same boat, a thousand watts for little coin and while I know Peaveys of old are super reliable, I'm hesitant on this new stuff. Also, I found it odd that every review of the MiniMega whether on TB or Youtube gushes about the lights and bells and whistles. Not much talk about the quality or tone. Sounds like all sizzle and no steak...or maybe I'm just hyper-cautious and paranoid haha
I would need to try them all in a few different environments to really know. Until then I'd just be taking random shots in the dark.
I've heard the Minimega as well as the PF-800 and the GK. The Minimega (and actually the Headliner 1000, go figure) are the only two class D amps I'd ever consider playing. It has to do with how the power section pushes the transients. The Peaveys have the heft of a toroidal or even tube amp. The Ampeg and GK heads are nice sounding but really lack that sort of beefy feel that a lot of good amps have. I think it has to do with the choice of an off the shelf class D power section, wheras the Peavey is designed from the ground up for bass.
That said I'm not sure about the Mesa, never played it. Given their reputation I'm sure they found a way around the anemia problem inherent to class D.
I've never been a fan of bells and whistles at the expense of fundamental performance. I've been gigging my Bugera Mosfet for around a year with nothing short of stellar results.
As far as power it seems to be louder than my Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 (900w) and the Shuttle gets way louder than I've ever needed short of scaring people at soundcheck.
I've used the Peavey at church and it works for me. The lights are behind me, I haven't needed to use the parametric EQ. Or the bass enhancement for that matter.
I err on checking things out for myself rather than putting much stock in opinions. Many people make recommendations based on little knowledge of what's available and/or having different tonal and performance goals from mine.
As far as power it seems to be louder than my Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 (900w) and the Shuttle gets way louder than I've ever needed short of scaring people at soundcheck.
I've used the Peavey at church and it works for me. The lights are behind me, I haven't needed to use the parametric EQ. Or the bass enhancement for that matter.
I err on checking things out for myself rather than putting much stock in opinions. Many people make recommendations based on little knowledge of what's available and/or having different tonal and performance goals from mine.
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I've only had experience with the PF800 (which I still have) and it has the Ampeg tone as I'm pushing it through two Ampeg 15" cabs. Not sure whether the OP wants to only have an Ampeg tone with the Heritage 810 or if the OP wants some variety. If it's ok to say that the Mesa Walkabout and GK 700RB have similar qualities to the D800 and MB800, respectively, since I've never played a D800 or MB00, then I would vote for the D800 as I love the Walkabout. I never really bonded with the GK amps I've owned (400RB and 700RB). Loved the power and aggressiveness of the 700RB II but ended up getting rid of them as it's just not my thing. But, that's for me personally. There's a lot of love for the GK amps and cabs so it's really up to the tone qualities the OP is going for. Just my 2 cents.
well I have played all 3 and I agree about the mesa...just wanted to see how others felt too , its gonna be pushing my Ampeg Heritage 8x10 cab
nope unless you buy used, Mesa is a smaller MFG with a small distribution network (and therefore more control on distribution and pricing) this keeps things sane and stable, and they are (mesa) involved almost to the end point sale.
IT IS WORTH MUCH MORE build, fit finish, parts quality (not cheap flimsy plastic pots like the GK)
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well, I do want a nice tube head ..eventually.. but now I just purchased my cab (Ampeg Heritage 810) so while I save for my dream head I'm going to get a good Class D head and then when I get the tube monster I will already have a back up ..I want reliability and great customer service and of course tone ! so I'm leaning towards the Mesa right now .. iwas looking at the Ampeg Pf800 but read of some issues,,, the only one so far with least issues and best reliability is the Mesa and from what I am hearing their customer service is great as well
I traded down from my MB800 to an MB500 Fusion. I have grown to love the clarity and intuitive EQ that G-K offers, and have no plans to sell or trade.
Once you figure out that Gallien-Krueger's 4-band EQ has a large treble bump (flat is between 9:30 and 10:00 o'clock), you can get just about any tone out of their heads.
The wide, smooth low end of the MB800 hits harder than just about any other amp on the market, Class D or otherwise. The packaging is out of this world, as well. What other 800 watt head could make the Mesa look like a boat anchor?
Still, I voted for the Mesa for three reasons:
Once you figure out that Gallien-Krueger's 4-band EQ has a large treble bump (flat is between 9:30 and 10:00 o'clock), you can get just about any tone out of their heads.
The wide, smooth low end of the MB800 hits harder than just about any other amp on the market, Class D or otherwise. The packaging is out of this world, as well. What other 800 watt head could make the Mesa look like a boat anchor?
Still, I voted for the Mesa for three reasons:
- I think the darker voicing is more in line with mainstream tastes.
- The build quality is stellar, and appears to be more roadworthy than either the Ampeg or the G-K.
- The ability to run two 4 ohm cabs in parallel can be very handy, especially when you have to adapt to backline rentals.
I'd offer GK MB Fusion 800 as an alternative to the regular MB800. It'll be a little warmer than the standard MB800 due to the tube preamp section. It's a great combo of warm but bright/distinct, has 2 channels and you can set one for OD, and switch with the foot switch.
D800 is a nice amp but I prefer the GK MBF800. I haven't used an Ampeg amp other than an SVT 4 pro which I still have, for some time, so I have no opinion about the Ampeg. One thing the D800 can do that an MBF800 can't is run at 2 ohms, so you could for example use 2 4-ohm cabs together. For me, that's nice, but not nice enough to move me off of my tastes in tone. Again omitting the Ampeg b/c I don't have direct knowledge, but the MBF800 and the D800 will both be solid amps.
D800 is a nice amp but I prefer the GK MBF800. I haven't used an Ampeg amp other than an SVT 4 pro which I still have, for some time, so I have no opinion about the Ampeg. One thing the D800 can do that an MBF800 can't is run at 2 ohms, so you could for example use 2 4-ohm cabs together. For me, that's nice, but not nice enough to move me off of my tastes in tone. Again omitting the Ampeg b/c I don't have direct knowledge, but the MBF800 and the D800 will both be solid amps.
In typical internet forum fashion, I voted for the amp I own (and I haven't played the other two)...GK MB800.
As others have stated, any of those three could work just fine. Also as others have posted, the best for you can only be determined by you. If you can do it, buy all three with return options and just keep one after auditioning with your bass and cab.
Also, the MiniMega, Magellan, and B|Amp are also highly capable options and worth considering.
Yet another amp to consider is the Demeter VTBP-M-800. More full size, yet light and tons of slam.
Amps though, are a bit like basses, in that what sounds great in the living room may be comparatively different on the gig. I've been using the Demeter for a while, and am very happy with what that amp does, but, recently started gigging the B|Amp. As @Doug Parent stated, that amp sounded kind of clear but featureless in the living room. On the gig, it was stellar.
As to some kind of appearance thing with small amps on large cabs; I would just ignore that. No one actually cares. I gigged the Shuttle 9.0 on a Berg NV610 for a long time. It did look somewhat incongruous, but, it totally rocked. The high power Class D amps can really open up when driving bigger cabs. Use your ears.
Also, the MiniMega, Magellan, and B|Amp are also highly capable options and worth considering.
Yet another amp to consider is the Demeter VTBP-M-800. More full size, yet light and tons of slam.
Amps though, are a bit like basses, in that what sounds great in the living room may be comparatively different on the gig. I've been using the Demeter for a while, and am very happy with what that amp does, but, recently started gigging the B|Amp. As @Doug Parent stated, that amp sounded kind of clear but featureless in the living room. On the gig, it was stellar.
As to some kind of appearance thing with small amps on large cabs; I would just ignore that. No one actually cares. I gigged the Shuttle 9.0 on a Berg NV610 for a long time. It did look somewhat incongruous, but, it totally rocked. The high power Class D amps can really open up when driving bigger cabs. Use your ears.
Al Kraft
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I own the both the D-800 and MB-800 and they are each excellent. I think the Mesa is a bit warmer and more versatile so I voted for the D-800. I get my Ampeg tone from the Tech 21 VT Bass V2 when I want to go in that direction.
I voted with the one I own too, (the Mesa D800) BUT:
I have owned and used in a live situation the Ampeg and the GK (MBF 800 was borrowed)
and many others.... (fender, SVT, Aguilar, TC, Trace Elliott, SWR, Genz Benz, Sunn 0)))
The D800 is simply "IT" for me.. (until @agedhorse tops it--- go ahead I DARE you lol)
**add on info: I sold the following and replaced with the Mesa Subway stack:
EA CX310 Concert
EA Wizzy 12
EA VL210
Mesa 115 Diesel
Mesa Titan V12
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I would be wary of a Behringer/Bugera bass amp-- but have not tried one-- but I really do like their PA gear, decent and affordable. A sound-reinforcement-gear-head who is into PA as much as I am into bass might not like Behringer PA gear quite so much. I just can't afford to go high-end with PA gear, and despite what some people say, Behringer gear has never let me down; QC issues might have been problematic 15 years ago, but I think they are no more QC issue prone today than any other brand.
Also, re: bass gear, a 1000W bass amp (Bugera) may sound impressive but watts are cheap, quality sound isn't.
The class D amps i've owned (LMII, TH500) both did little for me. Maybe i'm just stuck on the hybrid concept but i really like what i get out the two hybrids i own (SWR Basic 350, Carvin BX 500). That said, i've been reading up on the Mesa because i'm still in search of a good backup with a small footprint and a tolerable sound that won't break the bank.
I'm looking at the Mesa based on positive owner opinions, rep of the manufacturer, warranty, and strong resale potential.
I'm looking at the Mesa based on positive owner opinions, rep of the manufacturer, warranty, and strong resale potential.
The only Ampeg amp worth getting is the Classic or the Heritage ... or the Flip top one, all other Ampegs kind of suck; Get the Mesa Boogie Dude. ... I have a GK Fusion 550 myself, and I also have a Genz Benz Streamliner 900 for sale which is equally as good as your three choices, if not better
