Which Class D amp?

jwitzend

jwitzend

Sep 21, 2013
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4,551
Bismarck, ND
#1
Looking for a quality lighter weight head for gigging in my old age. Off of video and articles, the Mesa Boogie D800+, Darkglass Microtubes 800, and Genzler Magellan all sound great. Wish I could get hands on and play them. I was curious if anyone had any input on which of these has the most versatility, reliability and build quality? Thanks.
 
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#2
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jwitzend said:
Looking for a quality lighter weight head for gigging in my old age. Off of video and articles, the Mesa Boogie D800+, Darkglass Microtubes 800, and Genzler Magellan all sound great. Wish I could get hands on and play them. I was curious if anyone had any input on which of these has the most versatility, reliability and build quality? Thanks.
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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.
 
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#3
jwitzend said:
Looking for a quality lighter weight head for gigging in my old age. Off of video and articles, the Mesa Boogie D800+, Darkglass Microtubes 800, and Genzler Magellan all sound great. Wish I could get hands on and play them. I was curious if anyone had any input on which of these has the most versatility, reliability and build quality? Thanks.
Click to expand...

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.
 
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#5
joel406 said:
View attachment 2949693 View attachment 2949695

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.
Click to expand...
husky123 said:
Based on your criteria, you should also give the Bergantino B Amp serious consideration. It’s an ultimate tool for the gigging bassist.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll look into these as well.
 
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#6
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.
 
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#8
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.
 
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#9
jwitzend said:
Looking for a quality lighter weight head for gigging in my old age. Off of video and articles, the Mesa Boogie D800+, Darkglass Microtubes 800, and Genzler Magellan all sound great. Wish I could get hands on and play them. I was curious if anyone had any input on which of these has the most versatility, reliability and build quality? Thanks.
Click to expand...

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
 
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#11
zon6c-f said:
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 Bergvtig with no issues for yearsvyo 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
Click to expand...

Thank you for the information. Definitely something to consider.
 
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#14
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.
 
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