DSL vs TSL

[Jay 77]

I finally got to try out a JCM 2000 DSL 100 last night, and wasn't surprised at the results. The cleans were nice and under gain this amp sounded exactly like a Marshall is to be expected. Big and growling, with a focus on mids. Unfortunately, I've grown accustomed to the versatility of 3 channels so I think the TSL is better suited to me. As far as the sound is concerned, is the TSL that far off from the DSL?

 

[shaka]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I've tried both and prefered the tone of the DSL. I thought the clean was good and the drive channel closer to the vintage Marshall tone. However, yours and others experiences may vary.

Eric

 

[jeremy]

Re: DSL vs TSL

personally i prefer the tone of the dsl over the tsl. seems to be less fizzy

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: DSL vs TSL

personally i prefer the tone of the dsl over the tsl. seems to be less fizzy

. . . you will not know how many times i read this exact same comment in various other forums, again, and again, and again, and . . .

 

[stevie_bees]

Re: DSL vs TSL

TSL's definately take more work to dial them in.

 

[ErikH]

Re: DSL vs TSL

If I had to pick, I'd take the DSL. Easier to dial in, though I couldn't get a decent sound out of either at first, just had to rethink my approach to it vs. my MkIII. And I'm with Jeremy on the fizzyness. I never met a TSL that I did like.

 

[brit84]

Re: DSL vs TSL

ive tried both and prefered the tsl for versatility

 

[drjones]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I've got TSL60. Sitting on 1936 Cab. When I was hunting for an Amp I compared it to all the other Marshalls and this is one I liked best. The cleans are awesome, and when you dial the EQ in, it sounds just like marshall crunch should.

I was after an amp that could do Guns n Roses, pearl jam, ACDC, Led Zep Darkness, etc, and this amp does them. Its a great sounding amp and if your after a Marshall, I would say its as good as anything they are selling now. Only gripe is its too much amp for practicing at home, but when I get to turn it up playing with my band, its killer. And since we play covers the 3 channels makes it easier to vary the tone from song to song.

There were some differences between the DSL and TSL but I can't remember what they were. They weren't massive differences though. They shouldn't make you settle for a 2 channel amp if you prefer 3 channels.

Check out the marshall amp forum, i think they have dedicated pages to the DSL vs TSL debate.

Cheers and good luck

 

[Mike M.]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I've never played thru a TSL, but I do have a DSL 50 with a 4X12 cab.

If you further check out a DSL: the gain on the DSL can be a bit fizzy, so to combat that I've found it best to keep a lower gained tube in the V2 position, something like a 12AY, a 12AT or even a 5751. The amp also has a LOT of treble on tap so I would highly recommend using Webers Beam Blockers in front of each speaker if you go the DSL/4X12 route.

Personally, I set the amps tone controls for the Ultra channel, then I use an EQ pedal in the loop to tailor the Clean channel to my liking. So I've got a really good clean tone going, I use two pedals in the clean channel, one for a mild overdriven tone and one for a stronger overdriven tone, then I use the Ultra channel to let all hell break loose! Works for me.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I was really suprised to learn a few years back, when I used to frequent the Marshall Amp Forum, that many of the guys over there, including the founder who had access to amost any Marshall he wanted, prefered the DSL over almost any other Marshall.

I've spend limited time on both, but my initial thoughts were I would prefer the versatility of a 3 channel amp also. However, it was much easier to dial in a good tone on the DSL. That is not to say that a TSL won't give it up, because they are fairly similar in terms of circuit. I've heard some guys get wicked, wicked tone from a TSL.

I think the key as someone mentioned above is finding the tubes that work best in each position, and just dialing the amp in. The TSL also seems to be picky about speakers from what I understand.

Go with whatever you like, and fits your style the most. There are good tones in the TSL.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I'd also recommend getting the DSL50 instead of the crushing loud 100W. With the 50W, you can actually get the power tubes working hard.

Buy used, and use the extra cash for a Marshall Vintage 30 cab, instead of the G-75T cab. Don't worry about having less channels. A good clean boost OD is all you need to get more juice out of both channels. The Banzai Coldfusion works great with DSL's. It makes it sound even bigger than a 3rd channel would provide.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: DSL vs TSL

Sounds like the TSL is my ticket. After hearing how loud the 100w DSL was, I think the 60w TSL should be just fine. My cab right now has plenty of bottom end, and my sound tends to have a little bite to it anyway, so the TSL is gonna be my focus. I just love having 3 channels. Thanks for all the input.

 

[hareek]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I currently own a TSL 100. Here's my take:

I love the amp. Having 3 channels, its very versatile. I get great cleans, the crunch channel gives you great classic rock type overdrive whether it be subtle gain or the gain is cranked. The lead channel will give you that ultra gain that you want for heavier rock or searing leads. As others have said, this amp does take a while to dial in. I spent hours in my room playing it trying to find my right sound (I had to do it all over again once I got my new SD pickups installed). But now that I'm used to the amp, I'm getting the sound that I want from it and its real easy for me to use. The controls are a little intimidating at first, but once you learn how to use the amp to its potential, its really not that bad. One of the coolest features I like on it is the Virtual Power Reduction. When you hit this button, its takes the amp and cuts it down to 25 watts instead of 100. That way if your playing smaller venues or practicing in your room, you can still get the good tone and sound quality by being able to turn the amp up (because we all know tube amps sound better the louder they are!). The TSL 100 isn't for everyone though. I recommend playing it to see how it fits your guitar and style of music.

 

[Maui]

Re: DSL vs TSL

If you ever get a chance try these settings and let me know what you think. I was going to sell the amp before i pondered on using the Classic gain stage as the main gain, but mind you no clean channel when done this way. I have the classic gain on full with a sd-1 or mild overdrive in front with no deep switch on and no tone switch as well. Tweak eq to preference.

 

[Mr. B]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I only bought my TSL because they didn't make the DSL in a combo model. I liked the DSL a little better too, but didn't need a half stack cluttering up my house. I do like my TSL a though. It does take a lot of tweaking, and its moody. One day out of three, I can coax some real magic out of it, and then some times its a real bi%ch.

 

[hareek]

Re: DSL vs TSL

I only bought my TSL because they didn't make the DSL in a combo model. I liked the DSL a little better too, but didn't need a half stack cluttering up my house. I do like my TSL a though. It does take a lot of tweaking, and its moody. One day out of three, I can coax some real magic out of it, and then some times its a real bi%ch.

The TSL combo is a pretty kickin amp. My neighbor has two of those and he runs his guitar through both of them stereo and it sounds awesome. Definitely a great amp if you want the power, but you don't want the bulkiness of the half stack.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: DSL vs TSL

The TSL combo is a pretty kickin amp. My neighbor has two of those and he runs his guitar through both of them stereo and it sounds awesome. Definitely a great amp if you want the power, but you don't want the bulkiness of the half stack.

I already have a smaller practice amp for the house. I'm in two bands so the TSL would be for shows primarily. I definitely want it through my 4x12.

 

[Brewtone]

Re: DSL vs TSL

Personally, I liked the tone of the DSL to me, its sounded less modern and warmed than the TSL. Using the clean channel in the crunch mode, a external OD and the volume control on my guitar, I effectively use it as a three channel amp.