Marshall 2061X

[Jeff_H]

What do you guys think about these amps? I've got a line on one for $1000.00 brand new. I don't know much about them, but thought for the price I'd better at least look into it. Not sure it's really what I want, and I do have my sights set on something custom built that's possibly in the works.

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Marshall 2061X

Other than being a good $300.00 lower than I've seen them go for........I've never played one, but this is the amp B Bent was jonesing for a few weeks ago ( I think....) & TGWIF played it too; maybe they'll chime in with some hands on opinions. :beerchug:

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Marshall 2061X

I would love to have a 2061X. Besides having great tone, they're one of the best-looking amps out there, espeically on its matching 2-12 cab.

Since I can't afford the real thing, I built my mutant blue 13 Watter (see link in sig). I think mine probably sounds more like a 20 Watter then an 18, since it has a solid-state rectifier. That makes the 20 sound a bit tighter; more of a 70's tone than the 18's 60's. Many of the 18 Watter purists don't like the 20 as much, but I think it's the better amp for me. (Take that with a grain of salt, I've nevver had te opportuity to compare them side-by-side). All I know is, I love my baby "Marshall".

... and $1000 is a great deal on it

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Marshall 2061X

Jeff,

I tried one out at GC with Greg a few weeks back...iot was a go0od sounding amp NOT a Great sounding amp, and IMO surly not worth the asking price, even used. I am not much for EL84's in general and while this one was alright I didn't then and still see what the big hype is all about. The one thing thatr people keep comming back to is being able to get the tone of a plexi cranked without the massive volume...I have said it before but I'll say it again, THESE AMPS DO NOT SOUND LIKE A PLEXI MARSHALL...if you like the amp and feel that it is worth $1000 then go for it but don't get it looking for the tone of a 100 watt Plexi w/o the volume

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Marshall 2061X

But they sound a helluva lot more like a Plexi Marshall than say, a Deluxe Reverb does. I think my 13 Watter sounds more like a "big Marshall" than my 2203's ever did with their MV on one-and-a-half.

Not trying to start a fight, just pointing out sounding "like a plexi" is relative, and if you want output stage distortion AND reduced volume, then small amps are the way to get it, and maybe some sacrifices must be made wrt the accuracy of it's plexi impersonation.

I agree that it's expensive - I wish Marshall would make a non-handwired small amp like this - maybe a TMB 18 Watter or a 6V6 Plexi to get the cost down. Something on a big, durable PC board (like the early JCM800's) rather than the museum-quality hand wiring.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Marshall 2061X

As much as I like EL-84 amps, I'm starting to think that the Marshall platform really requires EL-34's to sound right. It's a good amp, and I wouldn't mind having one, but I've compared EL-84 plexi's to low wattage EL-34 plexi's, like the Fargen Mini Plex, and EL-34's have better bottom end.

Out of all the EL-84 amps I've heard that sound beefy, the 65 Amps, Gibson Goldtone, Dr. Z, and Budda amps sound the best to me. Essentially, it's the Vox sound with Celestion cabs that give it that sound. Celestion Vin 30's or H30's have a lot to do with it. They push the tone in a more chunky direction, rather than chimey.

 

[Gunny47]

Re: Marshall 2061X

I personally like most EL84 amps, just the way they distort is fabulous and have unique clean tones (even though usually having low headroom). I played this amp multiple times in the store at all volumes, mostly with single coils, and like it very much. But +1 to what Christian said: WAY too much cash for what it is and it is GOOD not GREAT. I would probably modify the second clause saying its GREAT and not AMAZING but thats pretty much what I would say. I think $1000 for the head is a pretty good price though, from my opinion at least. But if you want a good EL84 amp, I would look into Dr Z stuff.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Marshall 2061X

I don't know a lot about EL84 amps. It just happened to be listed at $1k and I though that was a pretty good deal for a handwired Marshall.

I am really the classic Plexi, MVII, JCM 800 kind of guy when it comes to Marshall. So if this little amp doesn;t to that, or a very close proximity, I'm not really interested.

I think I'll be far more interested in the Vintage Moderns when they come out.

THanks for the help fella's.

 

[rainsong86]

Re: Marshall 2061X

the clean tones from that amp are the best I've ever played... I didn't get to crank it up though but the cleans were ringing, dynamic, and harmonic to my ears

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Marshall 2061X

As much as I like EL-84 amps, I'm starting to think that the Marshall platform really requires EL-34's to sound right.

Some people think that if you're down-sizing a plexi, it's better to go with small octal tubes (i.e. 6V6) than stick with small "EL" tubes (i.e. EL84). Hence the 6V6 Plexi. I've read nothing but good things about them, even from 18 Watter die-hards. I'm thinking about building one myself.

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Marshall 2061X

To me 6V6 tubes have a kind of grind to them when pushed that is reminiscent of EL34's but slightly more chimey and with a different midrange profile. I think you can really come closer to a pushed EL34 with 6V6 tubes than you can with EL84's. Not that EL84's are bad, but they do seem to get fizzy on the top end when pushed IMHO.

Ole Greg Germino made a 6V6 plexi a few years ago called the Masonette, but few people bought them. The idea was just too new. I'll bet that if he reintroduced the line again, there would be a much greater sales response as people's minds have been opened to the sweet little 6v6 tube over the last year.