Which Class D amp?

I personally own the Subway D-800+ and the Gallien Krueger MB-800 Fusion.

They both have their pros and cons.

Well not really any cons.

I will keep and cherish both.

But the nod goes to the GK for tone and power.

But the Mesa really rocks as well.

 

All very good heads for sure. If you want distortion/overdrive without using a separate pedal, you'll want the Darkglass or Magellan. If you want the most robust, rich sounding amp with the best build quality and best warranty...Mesa is the way to go.

 

Based on your criteria, you should also give the Bergantino B Amp serious consideration. It’s an ultimate tool for the gigging bassist.

 

With the Berg added to your list you have 4 equally worthy contenders there. I personally like the Mesa sound, quality, and reliability (backed by an impressive 5 year transferable warranty) best in that group. However, this is one contest that will likely be won on inherent voicing and specific tone-shaping features based on your tone goals. I'm not sure there is enough of a significant difference to immediately discount one or more on other attributes alone.

 

I would go for the one with the best warranty support. In the case of the Mesa I believe it's transferable 5 years and you have Agedhorse overseeing so a used one gets to be a very good deal.

 

Those are all excellent amps as well as the GK MB and MBF800, and my favorite, the TecAmp Puma 900. They all have a bit different strengths and flavor that is more a matter of personal preference than a black and white difference. In other words, you would have to play through them your self to make a valid comparison. I realize that is not going to be an easy task, but you could take some comfort in knowing that none of them would be a bad choice, it’s more like different flavors of good.

 

Bet I’m older

Although the volume and tone of my vintage Acoustic 370 w/ Sunn 1-18vh is my true love, my lower back and repaired hernia vastly prefer my new Bergantino forte’ / HDN1-12

You will find tone as well as quality build and support with Bergantino 2nd to None. Mine is brand new and I expect to enjoy my new Bergantino with no issues for years to come

Not available in all stores but can be purchased directly from Bergantino

You will find lots of support on this forum for Bergantino if you can’t find one to try

Mine came from Atlanta Bass Gallery and No I don’t expect any favors for the plug ABG gives excellent service with or without my comments

Good luck and keep us posted with your selection

 

Just to throw a monkey wrench into this.... I highly suggest you check out the Quilter Bass Block 800. Super light and portable with an awesome sound. There’s a lot of praise for these on TB

 

Now edited although less funny to read
My opinions still stand and keep us posted !

 

So many great choices, nowadays. It's a great time to be a bass player! But it does make the selection process more involved...

 

I most often make this recommendation to all who are sincere in finding a new rig

Use your ears and wallet regardless of any of our opinions

With that said I have never heard a truly transparent amp before forte’; What I would expect from a high tier hi fidelity system for bass

With Bergantino forte’ what you put in is what you hear from it. There are many class Ds to choose from which I listened to prior to making my choice and for me I made the best choice And my lower back Loves it too.

 

Versatility? Bergantino B|Amp.

 

I can personally recommend both the B|Amp and the Quilter Bass Block 800

 

Orange 4 Stroke or OB-1. Orange doesn't get much love around here, but I do love me citrus.

 

Quilter BB800 is cheaper and sounds better than all 3 you listed IMO.

 

Recent convert to Markbass. Got the LM 800 and couldn't be happier.

 

GK MB500 has served me very well. Want some tube grunt, put an EHX Hot Tubes in the efx loop.