Whats up with the new Marshall Lineup? Do they make good amps anymore?

[BornToShred]

Re: Whats up with the new Marshall Lineup? Do they make good amps anymore?

...i can honestly say that I have never cared for the JCM 800's and 900's. The JCM amps just dont have enough gain and distortion in my opinion. I'd have to add a boss metal zone distortion pedal or something to get the crunch id want.

Not enough gain?!? You've got to be kidding?

JCM800 + any regular overdrive pedal = metal massacre.
And the JCM900 has even more gain.

[flank]

Re: Whats up with the new Marshall Lineup? Do they make good amps anymore?

i think alot of it is the output trannies.... i think the last marshall amp to have the big output transformers were the JCM800s if im not mistaken? those big output trannies give alot of the fullness and push of the amp....and make it sweeter when its turned up... i notice alot of the amps today get a bit weird when turned up, cause they dont have big output transformers

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Whats up with the new Marshall Lineup? Do they make good amps anymore?

Before I'd buy a solid state Marshall or Fender amp, I'd definitely buy a Line 6 or Vox modeling amp. But, when you're at a band rehearsal or gig, there's no denying that a good tube amp with quality pedals on the floor will sound better. Just as your tube halfstack will be worthless in your house or apartment. They all have their place.
It's arguable whether a Vetta halfstack sounds better than a Marshall, Fender, Bogner, Vox when turned up, but I've heard the difference. The modeler will give you a wide variety of sounds, but the overall tone coming at you is narrower sounding.
In a small venue, miced up, it becomes less of an issue, but nonetheless, a good tube amp is worth the money, even for tubes, if it makes your guitar sound as good as possible at gigging volume.