Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

[dystrust]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

2555 is also a personal favorite. I was within an inch of buying one when I decided to try the Mesa. Only reason was Mesa flexibility. 2555 was freaking awesome and the first amp I played my Frehley LP through.

+1 on the 2555 being a bit of a one trick pony. It just so happens that for me it's the most amazing trick in the guitar amplification world.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

While the current DSL family is technically not part of the JCM2000 series, they are basically the same amps with mild modifications. My biggest complaint about the current series is that the DSL40 doesn't come in a head format! WHY? I don't need a 100 watt head and the half-power mode is to flip the power tubes into triode mode, which makes the amp sound darker and a bit squishier. The DSL40C through another cab sounds FANTASTIC. I'd get one but it's a waste to get a combo amp when I'm never going to use the built-in speaker.

 

[dave74]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

Agreed. The need to do a true 50w head just like the 2000-series.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

Because if they made it 40W, people would think it should be lunchbox size and lunchbox price.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

Because if they made it 40W, people would think it should be lunchbox size and lunchbox price.

The combo sells for about the price of the 5150III LBX heads. The Victory Sheriff 44 is a standard size head. They all sell fairly well.

Sent from my VK810 4G using Tapatalk

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

Good point. Still, I think 40W would cause some kind of cognitive dissonance among the potential customer base, like no one would want a 40W full-size head at that price, but maybe 50W is the magic number. Is the Sheriff really speaking to the same market segment as a sub-$1,000 Marshall? Do you ever think the DSL100H might be underpriced, even at $900? What if they had to make room for a full-size 50-watt head below it? Would they be better off doing 40W and shaving down the size and price a little? I would love to see the market research of a company like Marshall — that, and how it informs product development and pricing strategy.

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

The DSL40c is a 50 watt amp. I have seen measurements posted that it put out 49 watts at clipping. Maybe they called it a DSL 40 because of the JCM2000 DSL401 combos, which were indeed ~40 watt amps? It also replaced the Haze 40 in the lineup (don't know what the Haze put out at clipping).

It is popular to convert DSL40C's into heads:

https://missionengineering.com/head-cab-for-dsl40c/?v=7516fd43adaa

From a marketing stand point selling the 40C as a combo makes sense, because many who would buy the amp don't already have a suitable cab for a head version. If they have a typical budget of around $700, then buying a head plus another $500-$800 for a matching cab is a deal breaker for many in that market segment. Another thing is the DSL40C combo cab is over sized for a 1x12 and probably helps it sound better/bigger than most 1x12s that the end user may settle on.

One thing is for sure the DSL40c is a money maker for Marshall.

 

[GilmourD]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

The DSL40c is a 50 watt amp. I have seen measurements posted that it put out 49 watts at clipping. Maybe they called it a DSL 40 because of the JCM2000 DSL401 combos, which were indeed ~40 watt amps? It also replaced the Haze 40 in the lineup (don't know what the Haze put out at clipping).

It is popular to convert DSL40C's into heads:

https://missionengineering.com/head-cab-for-dsl40c/?v=7516fd43adaa

From a marketing stand point selling the 40C as a combo makes sense, because many who would buy the amp don't already have a suitable cab for a head version. If they have a typical budget of around $700, then buying a head plus another $500-$800 for a matching cab is a deal breaker for many in that market segment. Another thing is the DSL40C combo cab is over sized for a 1x12 and probably helps it sound better/bigger than most 1x12s that the end user may settle on.

One thing is for sure the DSL40c is a money maker for Marshall.

If I had the cash right now I probably would buy a DSL40C used and do the head conversion. I always wonder how hard it would be to get a faceplate made for it and have the head in the "normal Marshall" orientation.

I also just wish they would make the head so people don't have to do conversions.

 

[LLL]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

When it comes to great Marshall tone (or any tube amp for that matter), less is more (simpler circuits).

The 2203/2204 models; when they came out were probably the last really great sounding Marshalls.

 

[moshpit817]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

Oh yeah - and like Bruce, I also love the early 8081 and VS100 valve states. Hybrids that probably do the "run the Marshall range from clean to crunch to over the top modded to distortion from hell" as well as any of their full tube intentions or better.

I like your descriptions of these Marshalls.I have only had 3 Marshall amps within my 30 years messing with and playing guitars and keep thinking maybe I should check one of these newer DSL's out but for some reason I have been staying away..I have the 5150-3 50 watt head that gets it done but probably going to give Marshall another shot soon..Thanks for the descriptions.

 

[SirJackdeFuzz]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

IMO, marshal's last great amp was the JCM 800.
A couple of friends have DSLs.....disappointing at best.

I really love my Vintage Modern !
Deff worth a look for the OP.

Then there is always the underrated Laney AOR Pro Tube amps.

 

[Dark Order Lord]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...



THE TOWER OF POWER!! My amp rig, 2x Marshall TSL100's (loaded with EH12AX7's and JJE34L tubes), Korg pitchblack, MXR 10EQ, MXR Smartgate, MXR Isobrick, Ibańez RC99 Chorus, Colossal Cables, Lava Cables, Isotek power cables.
Who needs Kemper's?

 

[Synapsys]

Re: Tell me about Marshall JCM2000 series...

I once owned a TSL 100. Matched with a Line6 M13 was one of the best setup I've had so far.