Mesa Boogie Subway Rocket Combo Review

[ryanjonrage]

The Facts
20 Watts
2xEL84 (Power Tubes)
4x12AX7(Pre-Amp Tubes)

The Subway Rocket Combo Amp comes in a 10" speaker or a 12" speaker. This review is for the 10" speaker. It has 2 channels with 3 foot switchable sounds.

Channel 1: Rythem (Clean)
Channel 2: Lead (Distorted) and the contour (foot switchable)

There is a master Low, Mid, Hi and Presance setting. Each channel has its own volume and gain knobs. It has a parallel FX loop with mix control. The 12" Subway comes with a spring reverb.


Its Versatility
As like my Triple Rectifier review, I've used this amp in many instances. From jazz to metal, this little amp can cut.. Don't let the 20 watts fool you.. Remember, this is a tube amp.

My Experience With The Amp
I've owned this amp for 7 years and have yet to have one problem with it. I've gigged many times and to no suprise, it still runs strong. I've used it to power my 4x12 cab before and it sounds phenominal. When you push the tubes in this amp through a 2x12 or 4x12 amp, you get a very full sound that can not be matched my any simulation or solid state amp.


If anyone would have any questions about the amp, I would be more glad to help you out/send you pictures if you're curious.

[brandondrury]

let the 20 watts fool you.. Remember, this is a tube amp.

20 watts is 20 watts regardless if it's a tube amp, a solid state, a lightbulb, or a horse. (Watts and Horsepower are synonymous as both measure work output over time).

With that said, 20 watts is DRAMATICALLY louder than most people expect.

you get a very full sound that can not be matched my any simulation or solid state amp.

I'm always leary of refuse that put tubes up there with Jesus. There are way too bad sounding tube amps out there to consider the "tube" factor alone to be an automatic sign of great tone.

Some great, classic tones have been achieved with Solid State amplifiers. BB King used a solid state amp as his main rig. SRV had solid state amps in his arsenal (which obviously included tube amps too). The Roland Jazz Chorus is legendary for its intended application. Metal bands like White Zombie and Pantera made the use of solid state amps famous.

Ultimately, it comes down to the right tone for each person at a given time.

Don't get me wrong, I don't own any solid state amps either, but I've recorded some excellent solid state designs over the years.

I've wanted to check out these little Boogie amps for a long time. I've been looking for a low wattage amp with EL84s for some time now. How much are they going for these days?

Brandon