Mesa Power amps. Simul 395 vs. Strategy 500

[jasonP]

I have had the chance to own the Simul 395 power amp for a while now and really like it everything about it. I figured since I liked the sound of the 395 so much I would go and try a Strategy 500. All I have to say is holy shit. The sound has so much more depth to it and 3d. The 395 is smoother and not as bold. Also forgiving. The 500 has so much power and feels like it goes on for days before you run out of headroom. Its not as dark sounding, wider.. Almost Hi-Fi like.
Anybody else get to play one and hate or like these amps?

 

[thegame]

I agree. I have an older Strategy 400 which is a little tighter, bolder, etc than even the 500 series. It does have a hifi vibe to it, which is great for slaving amp heads into as it preserves the original tone very well.

10 years ago I had a purple VHT 2150 which was also a beast. That was a little more dynamic and 'head like' than the Mesa 400, but also not nearly as thick sounding either. Both are insanely loud but I think the 400 has more power. 2 6550s/channel can't really compete with 6 6L6s.

When I get my next amp, Fortin Natas, I will try slaving into the 400 going into two Mills acoustics 4x12s for a wet/dry setup. That will be the end of the world

 

[EvilBatman]

1. Strategy 500
2. Simul 395
3. Coliseum 300

Those are my favorite Mesa poweramps. The 500 is like God in a box IMO. One thing I recommend, if you ever have the opportunity to slave an amp head in to the 500, you will NEVER want to play any other type of set up. I had the chance to run my old Mark IV, Triple Rec, and a friend's JCM 800 like this a few years ago. It was AWESOME! The heads were pushed very hard feeding in to the 500 adding it's characteristics to the mix and then in to two Earcandy BuzzBombs. My favorite was the Triple Rec slaved like this. They all were good but there was something about that one that made it magic.

 

[EvilBatman]

When I get my next amp, Fortin Natas, I will try slaving into the 400 going into two Mills acoustics 4x12s for a wet/dry setup. That will be the end of the world

That's going to be insane...

 

[jasonP]

I agree. I have an older Strategy 400 which is a little tighter, bolder, etc than even the 500 series. It does have a hifi vibe to it, which is great for slaving amp heads into as it preserves the original tone very well.

10 years ago I had a purple VHT 2150 which was also a beast. That was a little more dynamic and 'head like' than the Mesa 400, but also not nearly as thick sounding either. Both are insanely loud but I think the 400 has more power. 2 6550s/channel can't really compete with 6 6L6s.

When I get my next amp, Fortin Natas, I will try slaving into the 400 going into two Mills acoustics 4x12s for a wet/dry setup. That will be the end of the world

Thanks for your post and findings!
Yeah the 6550's and 6l6's really is what made me want to get the 500 to try it as I am slaving a Marshall into it.
I've read some things on the Strategy 400 being one of the best and hearing many use it for home theater stuff because of the clarity.

 

[jasonP]

1. Strategy 500
2. Simul 395
3. Coliseum 300

Those are my favorite Mesa poweramps. The 500 is like God in a box IMO. One thing I recommend, if you ever have the opportunity to slave an amp head in to the 500, you will NEVER want to play any other type of set up. I had the chance to run my old Mark IV, Triple Rec, and a friend's JCM 800 like this a few years ago. It was AWESOME! The heads were pushed very hard feeding in to the 500 adding it's characteristics to the mix and then in to two Earcandy BuzzBombs. My favorite was the Triple Rec slaved like this. They all were good but there was something about that one that made it magic.

Totally Awesome!!

I also have tried a 2 different Crown SS power amps just for fun. No effence to anybody if they like them but I like the sound of tube power amps.
Yeah I run two 4x12's a side wet. Then 2x12 and 4x12 dry. I slave the Marshall into the 500. Actually slave any amp into another like this it sounds fuckin massive in my opinion. The little blackstar was smoking today..
The 500 just has so much depth to the sound it is unreal. Makes the 395 sound bland.

 

[jasonP]

When I get my next amp, Fortin Natas, I will try slaving into the 400 going into two Mills acoustics 4x12s for a wet/dry setup. That will be the end of the world

That's going to be insane...

AGREED!!!

 

[stephen sawall]

About 7 years ago my band was sharing a jam space with Grunt Truck and some of the guys from Tad. The guy from Tad had a Strategy 500. I sent some time playing all the gear in the room. The 500 I had played on before and since. But during that time I was able to get to know it.

What a monster .....

 

[fearhk213]

When I get my next amp, Fortin Natas, I will try slaving into the 400 going into two Mills acoustics 4x12s for a wet/dry setup. That will be the end of the world

That's going to be insane...

AGREED!!!

I like the way he thinks