Re: Marshall JCM800 vs JCM2000 Series
Personally, I have the entire Marshall and Mesa lineups with Plexies and all the Rectifiers etc., and have been playing since late 1959 (I'm one of the few people who own two original 59 Les Pauls, bought them in Laguna Beach, CA circa 1966 when you couldn't give away a Gibson unless it was an Es 335) and have discovered that the 900 has less dialable sustain and distortion than the 2000. However, the pro is the 900 sounds the best with pedals in it's loop, providing one is plugged into a 1960 4x12 lead (doesn't matter whether C-30s or 75s are in the cab, the 900 will still sound the best with pedals) cabinet. The 800 has the best "straight out the amp" tone but falls short of the 900 when used with pedals. The older Plexi is the King of Marshall heads and encompasses all the qualities of the afore mentioned, however, be ready to sell your mother to get the money (2-3K) to purchase an original (pre 1972). The RI Plexies are not of the same caliber or quality as the pre 1972s. Long story short, all the Marshall's are good heads (no pun intended), and are totally dependent upon the talent of the musician as well the external apparatuses (loops/cabinets) being utilized.