Marshall dsl vs. tsl

rgreen11

New member
Hey guys is there a difference between the Marshall DSL and the TSL? I have the DSL 50, which I like but there's not enough head room when I start to push it. I have a friend that will sell me a TSL 100, but he lives a few hours from me so it wouldn't be to convenient to go and get it for a gig. I heard that the DSL was a better amp all the way around and if this is true I'll just buy a 100 watt head. I always thought they were the same with the exception of one extra channel.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

From I've heard while they are similar in their sound (compared to other marshalls) the TSl has a more modern overall sound and people like the DSL's tone better but I havent played any so I'd wait for someone else to chime in
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I've got the TSL602 2x12 combo. I love it.

I haven't had the opportunity to compare it with the DSL series tho. I would imagine they sound similar, except the TSL adds a 3rd channel.

My TSL runs at 60 watts and adds a 3rd channel; clean, crunch, and lead. Not sure if that will give you the headroom you need. It suits my needs perfectly.

I did swap the stock speakers for V30's and that was a HUGE improvement.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I find the tone of the TSL to be a lot buzzier and almost solidstate like compared to the DSL. I also find it hard to dial in a decent tone with the really crowded face plate and all those **** knobs.

If you like the tone you have now but you want a little more clean headroom, i would get another 4x12 cabinet.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

Hey guys is there a difference between the Marshall DSL and the TSL? I have the DSL 50, which I like but there's not enough head room when I start to push it. I have a friend that will sell me a TSL 100, but he lives a few hours from me so it wouldn't be to convenient to go and get it for a gig. I heard that the DSL was a better amp all the way around and if this is true I'll just buy a 100 watt head. I always thought they were the same with the exception of one extra channel.

What speaker setup are you using?

More efficient or more speakers will also get you there.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I find the tone of the TSL to be a lot buzzier and almost solidstate like compared to the DSL. I also find it hard to dial in a decent tone with the really crowded face plate and all those **** knobs.

If you like the tone you have now but you want a little more clean headroom, i would get another 4x12 cabinet.

I have to agree with what you said about the buzzines.

This was the reason I swapped the stock speakers to V30's, a tremendous difference. I blame the buzziness on the stock speakers. The stock speakers had too much hi's and mid-range. Add some distortion and the "buzz" noise was exaggerated. After the speaker swap, the bag of bees was gone.

I think the DSL/TSL series may be picky about the speakers.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

TSL & DSL sound nothing alike. I find the TSL to be buzzy & thin where the DSL has meat, with an overall wider range of tones if you can dial 'em in. I can't really imagine a DSL50 not having enough headroom in anything but the most blistering of gigging situations... What speakers & cab are you using?
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I have a mate who is in a LIzzy tribute band, he has had pretty much all of Marshalls offerings and whilst I have seen him use most, the DSL 100 sounded superb... best of the bunch. I do recall him playing one gig with the DSL 50 and while it did sound good, there wasn't enough headroom or even volume! There was quite a big difference in head room between his amps for sure.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I realize this has nothing to do with the question at hand, but if anyone ever wants to swing by here and crank up a JVM410H full stack....you're more than welcome!!:)
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I realize this has nothing to do with the question at hand, but if anyone ever wants to swing by here and crank up a JVM410H full stack....you're more than welcome!!:)

LOL, since there's never much love for the TSL's, I'm gonna make the same offer to anyone in the SOCAL area. C'mon over and try out my TSL half stack... It loves to be played LOUD. No buzziness, its not broken 90% of the time, and its not blah blah blah like everyone says...
 
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Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I hope i am not hijacking the thread, but i have a question to TSL users.
I have been interested in picking one up second hand because the verstaility of three channels really attracts me.
The one thing that has so far put me off is some of the reviews in harmony central, which say that there is a bit of a lag when switching channels.
Is this true?

Cheers
Zak
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I have a DSL100 Orange Crush 1/2 stack I bought new in 1998. I love the tone, but the flexibility of the TSL sure seems nice.

But, I'm pretty lazy and doubt I would use it much at all either. I pretty much just use one setting, and use the guitar volume for cleaning up.

With my 1977 LP Custom (stock t-tops), Clean Channel + OD button on, this is Thin Lizzy heaven - I have to agree with that.

I asked on HCAF what do they suggest to get the most out of the DSL100, and most said get a Tube Screamer (got that) and an EQ for the loop (I picked up a Boss EQ-20). I still haven't used these because I pretty much like the DSL100 tone plugged straight in.

I almost got a Silver Jubilee full stack earlier this year, but the DSL holds it's own for me. I'm happy with it.
 
Re: Marshall dsl vs. tsl

I hope i am not hijacking the thread, but i have a question to TSL users.
I have been interested in picking one up second hand because the verstaility of three channels really attracts me.
The one thing that has so far put me off is some of the reviews in harmony central, which say that there is a bit of a lag when switching channels.
Is this true?

Cheers
Zak

No, none for me whatsoever.

...and I also constantly change from clean to crunch to lead and back...

No lag or delay and no noise.
 
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