Choosing between the Aguilar TH500 and the Mesa Subway D800 is a dilemma that bassists are all too familiar with. These two \u2018category giants\u2019 have locked horns for the better part of the last decade, much to the bewilderment of bass players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Aguilar TH500 sounds mid-rich, gritty, and vintage with an affable and musical tone coloration. It is a unique and celebrated sound that always retains a wooly-ness \u2013 a bit of hair that gives is a gritty character but doesn\u2019t let it sound absolutely clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Mesa Subway D800 is transparent and modern with noticeable brightness and an extended high-frequency range. It has an open tonality and great dynamics but can\u2019t approximate the punch and grit of the TH500.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both the TH500 and D800 are venerated amps, however. Many bassists have owned both, and the consensus is that tonal preference is the primary deciding factor that determines which of these bass amp heads will dominate your rig. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before our head to head comparison, let\u2019s briefly look at the salient features of each amp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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