Marshall vs. Carvin

G&Legacy

New member
I may eventually be in the market for a half stack. I have seen some awesome clips of the Marshall JCM 2000 DSL 100. I have also heard that the Carvin V3 is a killer amp.

Opinions, reviews, etc.??
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I don't like the Marshall DSL's. I have a Marshall JCM800 and Carvin V3. The JCM800 is a good vintagey amp that can sound killer with a booster in front of it, but it's a one trick pony.

The Carvin V3, in my opinion, is the best amp out there for the money. It'll give you a hot rodded Marshall, Mesa Triple Rec, and Fender Clean tone. I don't think anyone would be unhappy with this amp.

Do a search, I think I think I did a review of the V3.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I have a Marshall DSL and its raw and unprocessed and covers many tones. a Carvin is too much similar to a compressed type tone. ! dont wanna sound solid state but a lot less balls then a marshall.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

marshall!! Im a name snob and havent played carvins!! so theres my opinion - haha!

carvins are probably great amps though!
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I have a Marshall DSL and its raw and unprocessed and covers many tones. a Carvin is too much similar to a compressed type tone. ! dont wanna sound solid state but a lot less balls then a marshall.

Have you ever tried the carvin?
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I use a Carvin XV-212 and it has it's own distorted sound, somewhere between a Marshall and a Mesa, the clean channel is better then most Fenders. I haven't tried the V3 but I'm more then happy with my Carvin. Yes I've had Marshalls and they are just one trick ponies to me.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I started on Carvins (well, my second amp) and now play Marshall. Granted, that was 87-94, nonetheless, to me, Marshalls just seem to exude pure guitar tone and sound "real", Carvins didn't have that "it" to them. Then again, for me, neither did 5150, ADA, other Peavey, Boogie, Randall, Line 6, or Laney.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

Ask B2D about Carvin. His Legacy got fried during a practice session with his band. I'd snag the DSL over any of the Carvins anyday.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

Oh please, one guy's Carvin Legacy amp blows and therefor, Marshall is the right choice? Marshalls are notorious for blowing up. Remember Eddie Van Halen?

The DSL is pretty lame compared to the JCM800's and the JCM800's are really good for mild overdrive. I played the V3 and it'll eat the JCM alive with the clean channel alone, and let's not even talk about the distortion channels ;)
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I have both a Marshall JCM800 and Carvin V3. The Carvin eats the Marshall as a snack
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I did a comparison with Carvin and Marshall. It was the Carvin Nomad 40 if I remembered correctly. If its the Marshall DSL 401, I think the Carvin is better off. But if its the Marshall JCM800/900 .. I would prefer the sound of the 800/900. Just My 2 cents worth
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

Listen to the V3 clips on Carvin's site. I checked them out when I was looking around for another amp. They sound really good. They don't really have any that demonstrate if the amp can do a good semi-distorted, classic rock tone, so I decided it wasn't my thing. But for metal and shred, it sounds like the V3 would be a great amp.

I have a friend who had one of the newer Marshalls. I don't remember if it was a DSL or TSL. He got it to replace an older Marshall head that he had been using (probably a JCM800!). The newer head sounded harsh and earpiercing. His old Marshall was just amazing - crunchy, aggresive, cut through the mix well, but smooth and warm.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I would rather have a one trick pony that does that trick perfectly if it is the only trick I need.
that being said, I dont own and havent played either of these so I have nothing useful to say. And I really couldnt get by with a one trick pony cause I do more covers than anything else.
 
Re: Marshall vs. Carvin

I would rather have a one trick pony that does that trick perfectly if it is the only trick I need.
that being said, I dont own and havent played either of these so I have nothing useful to say. And I really couldnt get by with a one trick pony cause I do more covers than anything else.


LOL!!!
 
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