Boogie Mk V Experts: A Question

[ieso]

I am under the impression that since the initial release of the Mark V that Mesa has made subtle but unannounced changes to the circuitry. Is this true?

Thanks

[somedude]

Originally Posted by ieso

I am under the impression that since the initial release of the Mark V that Mesa has made subtle but unannounced changes to the circuitry. Is this true?

Thanks

At this time, it's all rumour and speculation generate on the internet.

Basically, Mesa changed the tube guard on all of their amps from the aluminium bar to a steel cage. On the Mark V this happened around serial number 4000. People speculate that they made other changes around that number, however no one has presented any evidence.

It all started about two months ago when someone claimed a newer one in a store sounded better than the older one he used to own and was wondering if they'd made any changes, however that could be anything from a change in listening venue to changes caused naturally by part tolerances and fluctuations in tube quality. I think this is the 4th forum I've seen this topic crossover onto.

Personally, I don't doubt that Mesa may have made some small changes along the way... they have a history of revising their products as they go. However I've yet to hear anything better than heresay.

[ieso]

Thanks for the info, somedude. much appreciated.

[Wizard of Ozz]

I also think some "tweaks" have been made since the initial release.

The reverb pan was changed from an Accutronics unit to a Ruby unit on the newest amps. I've got a post serial # 4000 MKV and love it.

[SteveO]

Originally Posted by Wizard of Ozz

I also think some "tweaks" have been made since the initial release.

The reverb pan was changed from an Accutronics unit to a Ruby unit on the newest amps. I've got a post serial # 4000 MKV and love it.

Mine is in the mid three hundreds and I love it, too.

[Myxolidian]

I read on the boogie board that someone thought the new versions have an orange LED for the EQ indicator on the front of the amp and that the old ones had a red LED.

Mine is in the mid 3xxx, has the new cage and has an orange LED fwiw.

[ieso]

Was the switch from the Accutronics to the Ruby seen as good, bad, or inconsequential?

Thanks for all the info guys!

[Hendog]

I dont buy it.

Mesa makes updates known. They will almost certainly update the Mark V with a Mark Vb.

[somedude]

Originally Posted by ieso

Was the switch from the Accutronics to the Ruby seen as good, bad, or inconsequential?

Thanks for all the info guys!

I think it was just a simple switch of parts manufacturers. No one seems to have made a big deal either way.

Originally Posted by Myxolidian

I read on the boogie board that someone thought the new versions have an orange LED for the EQ indicator on the front of the amp and that the old ones had a red LED.

Mine is in the mid 3xxx, has the new cage and has an orange LED fwiw.

Mine is #300 and it has an orange LED too. Although it does look kind of red until you compare it to a red LED.

Originally Posted by Hendog

I dont buy it.

Mesa makes updates known. They will almost certainly update the Mark V with a Mark Vb.

This is my thinking. I can see them making small changes, particularly if they change parts manufacturers and whatnot, however Mesa typically makes a big deal out of actual revisions. Probably in part because they know that a lot of Mark Va users will run out and buy a Mark Vb.

[stratotastic]

Originally Posted by Hendog

I dont buy it.

Mesa makes updates known. They will almost certainly update the Mark V with a Mark Vb.

Yeah, seems from a marketing standpoint that they'd want to announce this. Gets the corksniffers in a frenzy that they MUST have the update, and go out and buy it.

Edit: great minds, somedude.

[theroan]

There are more than a few guys on the Boogie Board that have called Mesa directly and asked about tweaks and they always have said that there have not been any tonal changes to the amp.

[blackba]

Originally Posted by theroan

There are more than a few guys on the Boogie Board that have called Mesa directly and asked about tweaks and they always have said that there have not been any tonal changes to the amp.

Good to know. Somedude did a good run down of what has been going on.

[Melodyman]

Mesa does both "silent" revisions as well as widely publicized/purposefully marketed ones, depending on the specific situation/motive from my experience.

Additionally they are unlikely to confirm a silent revision if you call them on the phone, just imo.

In this specific case can't comment though.

[ieso]

Originally Posted by Hendog

I dont buy it.

Mesa makes updates known. They will almost certainly update the Mark V with a Mark Vb.

Interesting. I was reading that the Mk 4 underwent a revision during the third year of production. The V has been in production for a little over two years; perhaps a version B is a year or so away.

[telejammer]

I just bought a new Mark V combo today and asked the salesman if anything had been changed after #4000 serial numbers and he seemed to think no changes have been made. This a very well respected store in my area so I tend to believe them. This amp just came in and we opened the box right there and checked it all over. I'm very satified with the purchase.