The Time is Finally Here: Searching for a New Bass Head (Mesa Subway Series)

[groovepump]

I suggest trying both the TT the WD and the D-800+, your personal taste is hard to gauge in this context. Just because the D-800+ doesn’t have a tube doesn’t automatically rule it out as a viable possibility to cop the BB-750 like tones.

I agree with @agedhorse.
I recently purchased the D800+ after many agonizing comparisons and research regarding the subway series. The D800+ is a tone monster, and you literally can get almost any tonal quality out of it that you want, especially by learning the boost /cut "gains" of the mids. I used my Sushibox preamp into the D800+ to get that "tubey" grunt and overdrive. It was SWEET. Then, I removed the Sushibox, and after some careful tweeks to the voicing and EQ, I got the same tones out of the D800+ without the preamp. I almost returned the D800+ to trade-up to the TT, but ultimately decided not to. The D800+ is one of the mot versatile amplifiers I have used in my 40 years of playing. And tonal excellence aside, you get an adjustable HPF, Balanced DI output (pre or post) tuner output, an input mute switch, bass and treble boost switches. And if you are overwhelmed by all the knobs on the front panel, you can just set all the tone knobs to "noon" and turn the voicing knob back and forth. . . you'll find a position that works for you in about 3 seconds. This is a truly wonderful amplifier.

 

[bass12]

I love both the WD-800 and the D-800+ (I've never tried the TT) but the amp that comes to mind when you mention Flabba Holt is the D-800+. And if you want "dub-like" tones the Deep switch on the 800+ is tough to beat.

 

[bass12]

I agree with @agedhorse.
I recently purchased the D800+ after many agonizing comparisons and research regarding the subway series. The D800+ is a tone monster, and you literally can get almost any tonal quality out of it that you want, especially by learning the boost /cut "gains" of the mids. I used my Sushibox preamp into the D800+ to get that "tubey" grunt and overdrive. It was SWEET. Then, I removed the Sushibox, and after some careful tweeks to the voicing and EQ, I got the same tones out of the D800+ without the preamp. I almost returned the D800+ to trade-up to the TT, but ultimately decided not to. The D800+ is one of the mot versatile amplifiers I have used in my 40 years of playing. And tonal excellence aside, you get an adjustable HPF, Balanced DI output (pre or post) tuner output, an input mute switch, bass and treble boost switches. And if you are overwhelmed by all the knobs on the front panel, you can just set all the tone knobs to "noon" and turn the voicing knob back and forth. . . you'll find a position that works for you in about 3 seconds. This is a truly wonderful amplifier.

The Voicing knob is one of my favourite features of the D-800+.

 

[Plucky The Bassist]

Since when is Djent even metal/rock. I thought it's not a genre, and it's a technique used in metalcore/deathcore!

Bruhhh...like he said, it's a "Realm"!! Full of closet Jazz-loving Wizards who cast spells in odd time signatures or use syncopation

 

[Thumpin6string]

If you decide you want to get the Big Block fixed, contact TB member Hand slap. He can probably fix it for you. He told me he has some obsolete Mesa parts, so might be worth contacting him. He's an excellent tech and fixed my old A.M.P. Series 220 head. Also, you might try putting a patch cable between the effects send and return if it doesn't have the bypass switch. It fixed my issue with my early Big Block 750. That is why the put the bypass switch in the later ones.

 

[dbase]

 

[smeet]

I was an early adopter of the D800+. Loved it. WD800 came out and thought I’ll switch up the flavors and ran that for a few years to great enjoyment. Then I thought well, maybe it’s not quite “me” as much as the D800+ was. A/B them at home with headphones, and various Subway cabs.

CLEARLY the winner was the D800+. Too each his own.

Interesting. I have a WD800 and so far like it quite a bit (my first gig with it will be in a couple of days). What are the differences you hear, and what did you prefer about the D800+ ?

 

[Element Zero]

Interesting. I have a WD800 and so far like it quite a bit (my first gig with it will be in a couple of days). What are the differences you hear, and what did you prefer about the D800+ ?

After I sold my first D800+ and bought the WD800 without experiencing it first hand. Initially I loved it. It had this airy texture to the feel. Still solid but, loose. Even with the Damping on High. I REALLY enjoyed keeping the Damping on Low and using the Ohms switch trick. Was really convincing (at least enough to my untrained ears) that I was playing through a tube amp. That subtle breakup and looseness on the bottom end was the bees knees.

After a few gigs, even one outdoors without PA support, church, numerous hours at home, a few jams with close friends I had no complaints. But curiosity killed the cat. I began wondering if I maybe sold my D800+ too hastily. I bought another one to do some side by side and the difference was glaring.

The bottom end thickness and solidness of the D800+ was so much stronger. Yeah I had enjoyed the WD and it’s tubey goodness, but that feeling of chunky mashed potatoes with the Plus just instantly put a smile on my face. I can easily get a bit of hair with the D800+ when I want it. Might not have as much of that airy texture but in a mix one (me) prolly wouldn’t notice. I wanted that authority back.

If I could’ve kept both, I would’ve. I don’t find owning either would be redundant either. They get somewhat close to each other but are still far enough apart that they’d serve their own purposes. I’m sure that’s been Andy’s intent since the beginning with the Subway line.

 

[JJR58]

I so wish I could try the WD and 800+
side by side again.
I did, but years ago.
I do remember them them though.
I do remember the 800+ being tighter and faster than the WD if that makes any sense.
The WD seemed to be bigger sounding in low end.
So now I’m reconsidering the 800+ vs. the WD.
Oye!

 

[Nebadon2000]

I so wish I could try the WD and 800+
side by side again.
I did, but years ago.
I do remember them them though.
I do remember the 800+ being tighter and faster than the WD if that makes any sense.
The WD seemed to be bigger sounding in low end.
So now I’m reconsidering the 800+ vs. the WD.
Oye!

Fortunately my WD is fast and tight enough with Stingray Special for me with High Damping and proper load setting and am very content with overall Musically so not to wonder 'What If' with 800+ or TT800. I'm Set

Also enjoy Low Damping with 2 ohm setting[ [or 4/8 ohm] with 8 ohm Subway 1x15 ]; lately been trying Mid setting to see how I like it]

If 800+ is tighter and faster then those who prioritize that feature it is perfect Amp also considering it's other qualities

 

[spiritbass]

I enjoyed playing an 800+ for quite a while. I found 'home' when I ended up with a WD-800. I always play it with the damping control set on low. If you're looking for the sound and feel of a big tube amp with controllable low end (via the variable HPF), don't look any further. I am still amazed at how close it feels and sounds like playing through my Reeves Custom 225.

 

[JJR58]

Fortunately my WD is fast and tight enough with Stingray Special for me with High Damping and proper load setting and am very content with overall Musically so not to wonder 'What If' with 800+ or TT800. I'm Set

Also enjoy Low Damping with 2 ohm setting[ [or 4/8 ohm] with 8 ohm Subway 1x15 ]; lately been trying Mid setting to see how I like it]

If 800+ is tighter and faster then those who prioritize that feature it is perfect Amp also considering it's other qualities

I think they are both really impressive amps.
And each do something just a little different then the other.

It’s gonna be a tough choice but I’ve got a little time to decide.

 

[FirewalZ]

Correct, that's what I would suggest too.

The beauty of this is you can “drive” the head more without being to loud

 

[Rev_Slinky]

It might just be me, but I keep coming back to the cozy warmth of the original D800. It's like snug room with the lamps on a fire going. I love the TT800 as well, and would like to try the others, just to hear them, but that D800 is everything I want a bass amp to be.

 

[s_wood]

This thread makes it clear that the D800/+, WD800 and TT800 are different amps, and each sounds different than the other. I’ve owned them all at one time or another, and what I can say is that most players will prefer one to the others.

 

[Pelagic]

I use a D-800+ and combined with a colorful compressor (Cali 76 CB) I get decent touch sensitivity. The D-800+ is great for reggae. If I have a whole set of it I use the Deep switch and different EQ practices and it’s really great. But it also does fine when I roll off all treble and mids, and bump up the bass, on my onboard active tone controls.

I have the D800+ and find that its super clean and I can really dial in a nice light touch and still get a great sound. I added a SushiBox Effects Underground Accelerator which is a 12ax7 tube driver preamp pedal. If I want dirt (more than the 800+, which can get gritty) I have it on tap. Having my compressor inline also helps but makes getting EXACTLY what I want easy to find and I run the gamut from super clean to overdriven noise.

As was said, no wrong answers but I felt like the TT was just WAY more involved than I needed to be.

Seconding that recommendation for reggae. The 800+, a nice compressor (Darkglass Hyperluminal), a little chorus and some wah, that DEEP switch and one Subway 115 (or a pair of 15's,,,or more) and you'll be way good into the dub realm or anything else.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

I had the TT800 but went with the WD800 and the 800+ instead. I preferred the simplicity of those both heads over the TT800 which was an awesome piece of gear. I use the MESA heads often with a SUBWAY 4x10 and always get my desired sound.

I have a WD-800 for a couple of years now. It’s an extremely versatile amp with endless tonal possibilities.

 

[HolmeBass]

I have the D800+ and find that its super clean and I can really dial in a nice light touch and still get a great sound. I added a SushiBox Effects Underground Accelerator which is a 12ax7 tube driver preamp pedal. If I want dirt (more than the 800+, which can get gritty) I have it on tap. Having my compressor inline also helps but makes getting EXACTLY what I want easy to find and I run the gamut from super clean to overdriven noise.

As was said, no wrong answers but I felt like the TT was just WAY more involved than I needed to be.

Seconding that recommendation for reggae. The 800+, a nice compressor (Darkglass Hyperluminal), a little chorus and some wah, that DEEP switch and one Subway 115 (or a pair of 15's,,,or more) and you'll be way good into the dub realm or anything else.

I have the ShuttleMax 12.2, and that amp showed me that I don’t really have a use case for a two-channel amp. I am really happy w/ the D-800+.

 

[4Mal]

Interesting. I have a WD800 and so far like it quite a bit (my first gig with it will be in a couple of days). What are the differences you hear, and what did you prefer about the D800+ ?

I had the d-800, the d-800+ and the WD. I sold my + to get the WD. Why ? Chef (RIP) wasreally high on his walkabout. His taste and mine iften clicked so I thought... why not.

The deep switch and voicing knob on the + gave me something I was never able to figure out on the WD. The solidity in the low end and the ability sculpt the low and hi mids I couldn't find similar tone in the WD.

For me the + is the sweet spot though I would really like to try the 350. ...and replacing the Aubway DI+ pre I stupidly sold off is still on my agenda.

Additional notes...
1. I've been a long time GK fan boi. The D-800+' feels' similar to the original MB-Fusion to me. Though one with a much more sophisticated EQ. The MB-Fusion is my fav GK ever.

2. My cabs are all boutiques and have been since my original fEarful days. A 2 way design that reaches down low smoothly combined with a really good mid lets an amp like the + really shine as the cab can actually reproduce that lovely low end without getting wronky.

3. I have never had the opportunity to play through any of the Subway cabs. That AgedHorse had his hands in the design bodes well for them.

 

[Element Zero]

I had the d-800, the d-800+ and the WD. I sold my + to get the WD. Why ? Chef (RIP) wasreally high on his walkabout. His taste and mine iften clicked so I thought... why not.

The deep switch and voicing knob on the + gave me something I was never able to figure out on the WD. The solidity in the low end and the ability sculpt the low and hi mids I couldn't find similar tone in the WD.

For me the + is the sweet spot though I would really like to try the 350. ...and replacing the Aubway DI+ pre I stupidly sold off is still on my agenda.

Additional notes...
1. I've been a long time GK fan boi. The D-800+' feels' similar to the original MB-Fusion to me. Though one with a much more sophisticated EQ. The MB-Fusion is my fav GK ever.

2. My cabs are all boutiques and have been since my original fEarful days. A 2 way design that reaches down low smoothly combined with a really good mid lets an amp like the + really shine as the cab can actually reproduce that lovely low end without getting wronky.

3. I have never had the opportunity to play through any of the Subway cabs. That AgedHorse had his hands in the design bodes well for them.

Lemme tell ya… I own the 112, 115 and 410 cabs. Excellent on their own. My 112 gets the most use outside of home. Amazing when using any 2 in combination. Incredible when all 3 are pumpin’.