Re: JVM vs. JCM800 vs. Jubilee
Edgecrusher handled this pretty well, but I'll add a few things since I've convinced the forum that I at least have a 2555. If there's still a controversy I'll post a selfie in front of it when I get home... :lol:
First of all if versatility is important, get a JVM or DSL. The Jubilee and 800 are one-trick ponies, though it's an amazing trick if that's what you're after.
The Jubilee does have a 50/100W switch, but I pretty much always run mine at full power. There's almost zero volume difference going to triode (50W), but the amp looses clarity and has a spongier feel. 'Spongy mud' is a good description of triode mode.
Regarding comparisons I've owned my Jubilee since June 2001 and my brother owned a '78 JMP 2203 from late 2006 until 2009 / 2010, so I had LOTS of chances to compare the two. First and foremost the Jubilee has significantly more gain and low end than a 2203 with both running the same make of 12AX7s and EL-34s. I agree w/ HeftyMetalGuitar that the Jubilee seems warmer and more 'chewy' than a 2203. OTOH he's totally full of crap about relying on the power section. The Jubilee's tone is probably 70-80% preamp distortion; I concluded that after trying a set of KT-88s in there and hearing almost no difference compared to EL-34s. Likewise the amp starts to open up and sound really good around 2.5 on the output master, while power amp breakup doesn't start to happen until 6 or more. IMO the Jubilee sounds like crap playing that loud; it gets too compressed and fuzzy.
Who are you to call me full of crap when you don't even clearly understand the language I posted in? I didn't say in any factual way that the Jubilee relies on the power section more and, in fact, pointed out that it's not technically correct but the way I perceived it. Don't bother even noticing that I was referring to the reissues as well because what's really said doesn't seem to matter to guys like you and Edgecrusher. All I did was come along and offer my opinion on the amps for the benefit of the OP, but instead I get crapped on by a couple of virulent benighted naysayers with a combined 8,678 posts yet not a single sound clip between them to lend any credibility to their obstinate balderdash. Hey OP, listen... I've owned both reissues and a JVM410, so my experience is first-hand. I don't claim experience based on my brother's amps, 30 year old vintage amps which may or may not have been modded, or any of that. You can take it for what it's worth. If there could be a reasonable, sensible discussion on the matter, I'm sure you would be better informed. If you do some searching on the net then I'm sure you will find comments similar to mine.
Just to clarify a couple of things for the OP, there is not really a significant gain difference between the 2555x or JCM800 RI's though these two would have you believe the Jubilee has a ton more gain. As I said before, the JCM800 has an easier feel and therefore FEELS like it has more gain as the 2555x makes you work more for it since it's a spongier feel. These are my perceptions but there is enough in what I say that it wouldn't be far from any reasonable person who may disagree.
As for volume well they're all 100w heads. I find the JVM to have an excellent master volume. As I stated, the Jubilee seems to thrive on higher volumes while it's a little easier to coax some quieter tones out of the JCM800. The 2555x does have a 1/2 power switch, but it doesn't do much as far as any kind of attenuation. At 1/2 power the Jubilee is darker and mellower so rather than helping with lower volumes it likes to be opened up a bit. I suggested an attenuator, but I think with a boost, some careful tweaking, and after any of the amps have warmed up for 20-30 min, you can get some pretty good recorded tone that is apartment-friendly. Again, my qualified opinion despite whatever reasonable variation in opinion.
Last thing is that the DSL is pure awesomeness. It's terribly underrated and it's a real shame that Marshall elected to start making them in Vietnam or wherever instead of adopting them to their UK Vintage Reissue line. It's a bit more open than a JVM and whatever I've recorded with one has yielded some great woody neck pickup sounds. The DSL has a good master volume, but like the others, needs 20-30 minutes of warm-up to get nice low volume tone. All that said, my suggestion if volume is a concern then find one of those 1 watt Marshalls. You can get JCM800, DSL, JVM, JTM and JMP models at 1 watt with the ability to run at even lower wattage for better low volume saturation. Don't be too concerned about only 1 watt because it's a Marshall 1 watt which can be loud enough for band practice and great for studio work. You might also check out the Haze 40, but they don't make them any more so you have to find them used.
