Marshall Countdown

[Metalblaze]

I'm thinking of buying an amp and I like that very Marshall roar, so I've narrowed my search in two models. The DSL-401 and the TSL-601. I play hard rock and metal, so I need gain. Is the gain of the DSL-401 enough for that? Are there deferences in pre-amp gain (amount of distortion) or the tone of this two models, or is just a matter of versatility (2-channels vs 3-channels)? I've read somewhere that the DSLs are better sounding than the TSLs. The wattage is not an issue, both are good enough for me.

 

[casblah]

Re: Marshall Countdown

I personally don't prefer the TSL series. I owned one for awhile, and it didn't get it for me. The DSL's are better sounding to my ears. My Personal favorite is the JCM800 series. I use a Boss Super overdrive in front of my 2204, and it will do metal just fine. Try as many as you can to see what you prefer.

 

[jmh151]

Re: Marshall Countdown

Don't get the DSL 401. The 401 has EL84 power tubes and is very mushy, unlike the DSL heads that use EL34 and are very tight. I have a DSL401 and Marshall VS100 valvestate combo. The DSL is good for classic 70's rock. The VS100 is alot better for metal, it has a tighter bottom end. Both have more than enough gain. I'm using them at bedroom levels though

 

[proxy]

Re: Marshall Countdown

I will attest to the fact that the DSL sound better then the TSLs. The TSLs sound behind a wall.

 

[Metalblaze]

Re: Marshall Countdown

Thank you guys for the info. I noticed the EL84s but I didn't know the deference. So, maybe I'll get a DSL head (probably the DSL-50) and then look for a suitable cabinet. I want a rough crunch out of the amp, do you have in mind any cabinets that help for that?

 

[Stratcat]

Re: Marshall Countdown

I personally don't prefer the TSL series. I owned one for awhile, and it didn't get it for me. The DSL's are better sounding to my ears. My Personal favorite is the JCM800 series. I use a Boss Super overdrive in front of my 2204, and it will do metal just fine. Try as many as you can to see what you prefer.

I'll second that. The Boss Super Overdrive in front of a Marshall JCM800 is the ticket for over the top high gain, and one of the best Marshall tones I have heard.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Marshall Countdown

Set your sights at a DSL 50 head, and either a 2-12 or 4-12, preferably with Vin 30's.
If you fall short of that, you'll just spend more in the long run, eventually upgrading.
You can get DSL's used for around $600-$650 if you look. Don't get any Marshall that doesn't come with EL-34's, as a basic rule.

 

[Metalblaze]

Re: Marshall Countdown

Thanks again guys, I'll finaly buy the head and then look for the cabinet. The JCM800 is a bit expensive here, about 1700euros (think euros almost the same as dollars). The DSL-50 costs about 1000euros. I hope to get a better price from the dealer. I'll look for used but I don't know how easy is to find here. The important is that now I have a route to follow. Thanks again.

 

[y2stevo]

Re: Marshall Countdown

Set your sights at a DSL 50 head, and either a 2-12 or 4-12, preferably with Vin 30's.
If you fall short of that, you'll just spend more in the long run, eventually upgrading.
You can get DSL's used for around $600-$650 if you look. Don't get any Marshall that doesn't come with EL-34's, as a basic rule.

I second that Statement..