Mesa Boogie Subway TT-800

Review: A "Lush, Bloomy" Triumph

After 30 years of playing rock, I’ve been through almost every amp on the market—from the SVT4-pro and Trace Elliot Hexa Valve to various Darkglass, TC Electronic, and Fender TB-600 units. My goal has always been the same: a tone that is lush, bloomy, yet articulate.

While the Hexa Valve was the only amp that truly nailed that sound, it was a back-breaker. As the saying goes, "I’m getting too old for that ****." So, I pulled the trigger on the Mesa Boogie Subway TT-800 from Thomann, and I haven't regretted spending the money for even a single second.

Most of my lightweight amps have always needed a little "help" from a compressor pedal or an active preamp (like my Two Notes Le Bass) to sit right in the mix. The TT-800—the Boogie channel in particular—does not need any help whatsoever. It sounds absolutely fantastic on its own.

I play it through two Mesa Powerhouse 1x12" cabinets, and my basses (which include Rics, Jazz, Warwick, Zon, Music Man, and Sadowsky) have truly come to life.

Verdict: The best bass amp I have ever owned, without a shred of doubt. Couldn't be happier.