Mesa Subway 800 into 2 ohm load

road-cat1

road-cat1

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Mar 24, 2008
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Mesa, AZ
#1
I received my Mesa Subway 800 last week and while I have been playing with it to try to tweak my favorite tone settings, last 2 nights was the "acid test" for me. I really wondered how it would hold up for a 90 minute show at higher volumes into a 2 ohm load. The results........the Mesa Subway did not even break a sweat. The amp gave me 800 watts into 2 ohms. I was running ACME b2 cabs (each is 4 ohms) and heard not even a hint of distortion, etc.. The amp was cool to the touch and performed great.
Last night we (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute show out of Seattle) were performing at the SUNBOWL in the Phoenix, AZ area. 7500 people for an outdoor venue. SO...high marks for the amp into 2 ohms.
sunbowl stage shot.jpg
 
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#3
can't imagine 4 of 'em! My main concern was whether the amp REALLY could do the 2 ohm load without strain or distortion. The amp remained cool to the touch......I was impressed!
 
#4
road-cat1 said:
I received my Mesa Subway 800 last week and while I have been playing with it to try to tweak my favorite tone settings, last 2 nights was the "acid test" for me. I really wondered how it would hold up for a 90 minute show at higher volumes into a 2 ohm load. The results........the Mesa Subway did not even break a sweat. The amp gave me 800 watts into 2 ohms. I was running ACME b2 cabs (each is 4 ohms) and heard not even a hint of distortion, etc.. The amp was cool to the touch and performed great.
Last night we (Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute show out of Seattle) were performing at the SUNBOWL in the Phoenix, AZ area. 7500 people for an outdoor venue. SO...high marks for the amp into 2 ohms.
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This is great news. I usually run a DB750 at 2ohms into my B2s, but almost traded the Aggie away this week (changed my mind). Tom Bowlus, Goatrope and Matt Dean suggested the D-800 as an alternative/backup. Your confirmation the D-800 runs well at 2ohms and comments I've heard re. D-800 tone pretty much have me convinced to go for it.
 
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#5
OK stupid question but I don't understand it very well and might as well ask.. Can I combine a 4ohm and a 8ohm cab with the D800?

So I won't be at 2ohm. I won't be at 4ohm. I would be in the middle of the two?

I mean if 2ohm is the min load then 2.6ohm (If My maths is OK? 1/4+1/8=3/8=2.6??) should be fine or NO DONT DO THAT YOU NOOBIE!!??
 
#6
thehangingmist said:
OK stupid question but I don't understand it very well and might as well ask.. Can I combine a 4ohm and a 8ohm cab with the D800?

So I won't be at 2ohm. I won't be at 4ohm. I would be in the middle of the two?

I mean if 2ohm is the min load then 2.6ohm (If My maths is OK? 1/4+1/8=3/8=2.6??) should be fine or NO DONT DO THAT YOU NOOBIE!!??
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You need to set the amp at 2 ohm setting as its less than 4.
It will work but the 4 ohm cab will receive twice the watts that the 8 ohm cab will....
 
#9
road-cat1 said:
Exactly correct......2 ohm setting is for anything less than 4 ohm....the switch in the other direction states 4-8 ohms.
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I ran mine (as a test) with a 4ohm Avatar B115 and an 8ohm Aguilar DB112 (with the resistance selector at 2ohm) and it was loud as hell. As mentioned above, the 4ohm cab got double the watts, and since I don't really like that B115 (have since sold it actually), I didn't love the sound. But with an 8ohm and a 4ohm cab you like, it should sound just fine.
 
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#10
If you have a 2 ohm amp, like the Subway, your options are increased. I get 3 rigs from 2 cabs.

I run an 8 ohm 112, a 4 ohm 212 and a 2.67 ohm 312.

My current amp easily handles 2.67. The power to each speaker is in balance and it goes louder than a loud drummer on a loud night.

I don't need the Subway but I'm very interested because of its 2 ohm capability.
 
#12
Rebooting this thread! So..thinking I'm going to purchase the D800 and a 1x12 subway. The end goal is to get a second 1x12 but probably not going to shell out the cash for the whole rig in one shot. I have an eden 1x10 for practice rated at 4ohms. As I understand if it I pair up the 1x12 8ohm with the 1x10 4ohm (300watts) I'll get 2.67 ohm? Would it be a feasible option to run the d800 at 2ohms and achieve comfortable volume in a live situation without damaging the cabs and/or d800?
 
#14
Zackabinoff said:
Rebooting this thread! So..thinking I'm going to purchase the D800 and a 1x12 subway. The end goal is to get a second 1x12 but probably not going to shell out the cash for the whole rig in one shot. I have an eden 1x10 for practice rated at 4ohms. As I understand if it I pair up the 1x12 8ohm with the 1x10 4ohm (300watts) I'll get 2.67 ohm? Would it be a feasible option to run the d800 at 2ohms and achieve comfortable volume in a live situation without damaging the cabs and/or d800?
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Yes the amp will drive the 2.6 ohm load no problem, just switch it to 2 ohm mode.

However, I predict a quick and early death to your Eden cabinet, as it will be getting twice the power and there is a huge difference in what the Eden can handle and what the Subway 112 can handle. You may get more volume out of the Subway 112 by itself, as you will be very limited by using the Eden.
 
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#15
mmbongo said:
Yes the amp will drive the 2.6 ohm load no problem, just switch it to 2 ohm mode.

However, I predict a quick and early death to your Eden cabinet, as it will be getting twice the power and there is a huge difference in what the Eden can handle and what the Subway 112 can handle. You may get more volume out of the Subway 112 by itself, as you will be very limited by using the Eden.
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Gotcha, wasn't sure if by having both cabs it would spread the load out enough to not destroy the 1x10.. thanks for the reply. I did have a chance today to play the d800 and the 1x12 what a great sounding rig!
 
#16
Zackabinoff said:
Gotcha, wasn't sure if by having both cabs it would spread the load out enough to not destroy the 1x10.. thanks for the reply. I did have a chance today to play the d800 and the 1x12 what a great sounding rig!
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Yeah the real issue is that the Eden is 4 ohms. If they were both 8 ohms it would't be quite as bad as the power would be divided evenly, but since it's 4 ohms it will get double the power as the 8 ohm cab. It would be something like 500 watts into the Eden, and 300 into the Mesa. Probably not exactly that, but close.
 
#17
I WOULD NOT recommend the Eden 110, even as an 8 ohm cabinet. The Subway has enough power to decimate that cabinet unless you are very, very careful.

(Edit for typo)
 
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