I own the DSL 40 also. You can't beat that low end bloom, and the sound of the cabinet with the Celestion Vintage in it. Even my stuck-up Matchless and Dumble snob friends all say the DSL-40 sounds awesome. Keep the DSL, Shane! Good vid.
I really like the tone of both, but the origin is more my style. More transparent and a bit more grit and top end. It really cuts through and would make a great blues amp. But I can see how it would not be as good for a heavier style.
@ronaldsweet3484 the DSl 40 on the Ultra Gain channel with the Gain set low and/or the guitar volume rolled off a bit does a better vintage Marshall then the Origin does and will do it at more reasonable volume. I also think low Gain settings on ultra,Gain do a better vintage Marhsall, then the classic Gain channel.
On my PC speaker system there are times when the sound very similar and other times where there is a notable difference... that said the DSL does often seem to sound a bit thicker and darker than the Origin which means keeping both could certainly be a luxury option...
2 very different amps.... I already got my hi gain amps... definitely looking for that vintage sound. Got a 1936 2x12 with v30’s that Origin can sit on.
GREAT COMPARISON!!! I traded in my DSL40 toward my Origin 50 w/1936 2x12 cab. I love both, but I don't regret it one bit! I don't need all that extra on-board gain because I have great overdrive pedals (Ibanez TS808 and Friedman BE-OD). The other guitarist I'm playing with currently uses a DSL40C. We both run GLP's through our rigs. When we show up to practice, all he ever brings is his guitar and combo amp, whereas I have to bring my amp, cab, and pedalboard (specifically referring to the TS808, and BE-OD) in order to approach the versatility of his DSL40. Bottom line: We both agree our rigs sound great together. I love the tone he gets out of his, and vice versa. There are no losers in that room. 🤘😉
The DSL 40's are such great sounding and versatile amps I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in one. They're basically JCM800's with some upgraded functionality.
Quise. Decir. Que. Que. Dale. De. 40. No. Existe. Con. El. Marshall. Combo. Porque. Es. El. Super. Lead. Modelo. Combo. Original. Británico. De. Los. 70. Repito. El. Del. No. EXISTE
My ears preferred the DSL, in the cleaner tones it struck me as more ‘present’, generally something I attribute to higher frequencies. I was sorting out that description in my head, and then you said it had a darker tone! So I had another listen. Now I’m stuck, not really knowing why, but I still prefer the DSL. I thought the differences were reduced with the overdrive. For my 5 cents worth, you bought wisely!
I had been waiting for a DSL20CR (the 20-watt version of the DSL amp here) to come back in stock for WEEKS. And it’s *still* on back order. My sales guy suggested I check out the Origin 20. Very happy I did! It has that old Marshall Plexi sound. You definitely have to play around with it - don’t just leave the EQ knobs at 12:00. Don’t be afraid to crank them all the way up or down - especially the treble and the tilt knob. You can get some amazing old-school Marshall sounds out of the Origin!
That's what I've been trying to say. Vintage amps were a struggle. The great players made those amps great. After the modern era amps why would you go back. I guess it's fun to own something vintage.
I prefer the DSL. The cleans were more "Hendrix like". And I liked the way the way both channels reacted to the overdrive (over the Origin). Although I haven't actually played through either.
The DSL lets you go from Clean to all levels of major overdrive. I like the cabinet sound of the DSL. The DSL gain channel seem a bit over the top on brightness. I love the Clean. IT is a very powerful amplifier. I am learning how to set the DSL.
To my ears, dsl=darker, fatter. Origin=thinner, more break up. I wonder if dsl could be eq'd to get closer to Origin, but hard to go other direction on Origin. Hard to beat dsl versatility, tbs. Great vids Shane. Thanks!
I think so. I have both the DSL20 head and the Origin 20 head. I can make the DSL sound like the Origin but I cannot make the Origin sound like the DSL. The previous description of the DSL having a broader range and better lows and low mids is spot on. That's been my finding as well.
I found it fairly easy on the green channel by cutting the bass way down, and bringing the presence up, gain on about 10 o'clock. It really thins out the otherwise gloriously fat DSL tone to sound like the Origin. LOL Let me know if your findings are similar
Yeah, the DSL sounds better to me, especially clean. I couldn't quite describe what I liked about the sound, but you defined it for me with the Low-Low Mids comment. Cool stuff.
Jeez man haven't u heard of EQ. U can make the DSL sound brighter. Ur better off having a pleasing fat sweet sound which most ears prefer and also having the option of making it more trebly mon.
You did not purchase the wrong amp. The DSL40 has a slightly expanded range compaired to the Origin50, from what i hear. Just slightly, both sound great. Price would be the selling point. I would also think you got a good deal on the older DSL40, thus a win.
Listening to both amps back to back, I will say that the Origin did sound a little better, but the tone of the DSL can’t be beat! Still the Origin still sounds fizzy with the overdrive and to me it’s not a pleasant sound. You made the right decision again Shane!!! Cheers!🎸🤘🏽🤙🏾🎸
Plus there is no reverb on the Origin and their are two different ones on the DSL 40. I like the Origin when it came out and considered buying one but did not because of the verb. DSL has 40 channel-independent digital spring reverb with 2 different verbs I believe. Normal and Ultra what ever ultra is. lol Plus being used to a 22 watt amp the 40 may be better and I think it has 20 watt switch.
Using that pedal makes it impossible to tell as it's the pedal we are hearing not the amp. Just turn the amps up to get drive and then we can hear what each sounds like.!!...😎🙄
I had given up playing electric around 2017 end and stuck to acoustic a while, so I kind of missed a new DSL range had come up. For a few days I was kinda sceptical why you like the DSL40 but man do I love the changes whatever they are. Amazing tones and a reachable price. Great stuff!
I’ve got the origin 20 amp just tried it with my Ibanez s series loaded with Tesla sharks Alnico 2 pickups they have a vintage voice omg 😮 incredible 70’s rock tones love it 😎
My first impression on the clean was that the DSL had a cleaner tone with more lows and highs but compared to the Origin it sounded a bit mid scooped. The origin had more of a VOX type mid push and had more edge of breakup clean. As you introduced more crunch I felt the same EQ characteristics and the harmonic content was a bit different. The DSL seemed to have less complex harmonic content whereas the Origin seems a bit richer in harmonic content and a little bit muddier too. Overall I’d probably go with the DSL for the pristine chimey cleans and maybe just add eq to get the mids up.
The reverb enhances the DSL, it totally supports the Origin. I played both hoping the Origin would be the one to go home, but without reverb, it sounds like it's being smothered by a pillow. I wound up with the DSL head.
U have hearing problems bud. The DSL is a great amp clean sound on it is better and fatter than the trebly clean on the Origin although the clean on the origin isn't bad at all
@@spada60 hearing problems??? why can't people disagree about musical tones and both be correct??? If you think that dude has hearing problems, I think you have a very closed, very limited mind. I'd rather have trouble with my ears... 🤘🤨
I tried both today at guitar center with and without pedals, I have to disagree the Origin in room is plain and a bit nazzily and vintage. The DSL easily sounded much better to my ears. Once you dial in some decent gain or a gain pedal there is no comparison DSL hands down. I bought the DSL and there is no preamp buzz what so ever. I suggest people try both 1st if you can as these videos dont do the DSL justice.
Versatility of the DSL for the win here. I also like that the knobs are on the front within easy reach if you practice sitting at home with the amp quite high up. Don't have to get off the chair or stand over it and lean down with a guitar. Now I just have to decide if I want a 20hr or 40cr :) Cheers for the video Shane. been a great series and really helpful.
The DSL gets the nod for me - smoother and more modern. The Origin didn't sound bad though - more raw sounding. The Origin would probably sound better with a humbucking guitar like a Les Paul.
As a shop owner here in San Diego, Ca. We carry both & for me the Origin is more a Plexi sound & the DSL is a JCM 800/2000 ish. Thanks for the great vid. BTW the Origins are flying out of my shop!!!!!!!!!!$$$$
I like them both clean but the DSL just sounds more alive and sounds much better when pushed. As I said in your origin 50 review it sounds nice clean but real fizzy when you push it. IMHO the DSL is the more versatile and well rounded of the two. Great review as usual!
I think they both sounded fantastic! I think for versatility and features, I'd have to give it to the DSL, especially since it's cheaper. The Origin really brought more character out of your Tele's pickups though... I just got one of the older DSL40s on sale and that's a beast of an amp, too. Besides the Origin 5 (apparently), Marshall has been killing it lately!
I play teies exclusively, and maybe that's why when I go back and forth between a DSL40 in the backline at one gig and my Origin 20c at another, the Origin sounds so much better
Hey, my biggest problem with this review is that the primary showcase is the speakers of either combo, not the amp itself. What I would really like is to see a new DSL head compared to a new Origin head (same wattage) and pushed through an identical cabinet. Pushing the amps through the DI out would be an interesting corollary.
That’s an excellent point as I feel the differences that stand out could be just the quality of each amps speakers ? If both these combos have the same speakers than that is a different story
Shane, your DSL has a Texas Heat speaker yeah? Have you changed anything else on it like pre/power tubes? To me the Origin had a bit more hair on it, similar to my own DSL40CR, with the original speakers n tubes. I like em both but the DSL gives me more modern options. Nice side by side...
Found myself wondering if, with a bit of EQ tweaking, you couldn't get the Origin to sound a bit more like the DSL. Felt like the "tilt" control on the origin could have been backed off a bit to tame some of that fizzy top end. In all, I think I definitely preferred the DSL--it just sounded great every time you went to it. Thanks for another helpful demo!
Thanks Shane. A review I was really waiting for, though I already acquired a Origin 50H. What I've found out, is that the Origin, just like the "good ole" Marshalls, sounds best when overdriving the pentode power tubes. So, high master volumes. I also have a DSL50 85th anniversary. It also sounds great. The Origin reacts extremely well on your guitar's tone and volume control. Just like the plexis do. That's where it shines. Both great amps, different animals.
This is like comparing a car to a truck. I have had a few of the DSL amps and I also own the Origin 50 Head. Its a plexi amp, and it sounds like a plexi should. Take the Origin 20 or 50 head and hook it up to a 4x12 WOW they sound amazing and full! 2 different amps that both sounds great, but remember they have 2 different purposes.
I tried both and ended up buying the DSL. The Origin doesn’t have the full gain stage the DSL has. I can hit so many sounds on my DSL. Origins not a bad amp, but if you want more gain, you need a pedal to drive it. I really like the Tone Sculpt on the DSL
The DSL knocked the Origin out of the park at least on the clean tones, much more pristine. Also it has reverb which is great. I am buying a DSL40cr now, thanks for the help.
I recently purchased the Origin 50c, and love the amp so far. As others have pointed out - its intended to be "vintage" sounding. So if you are looking for modern sounds, then its not going to meet your expectations. It has a bright, mid-range punch that cuts through in a band situation really well. I don't use it for high gain - but more of a "pedal platform" that has great tone, and tons of headroom.
They sound close. The Origin cut more, the cleans seemed "cleaner" I prefer the look of the Origin but versatility of the DSL. Im pretty sure with some tweaking the DSL could do everything the Origin can plus.
I am looking adding a Marshall, I currently play through a fender blues deluxe. Which one has that glassy marshall clean tone? Origin or DSL. Both have great driven tones. thank for your advice.
I own the Marshall DSL 100 HR. I'm considering adding the Origin 50 Head to my rig. Still on the fence about it though. Appreciate your review and shootout Shane.
I canceled my origin 20 head order and ordered the dsl20 head (for $430 no less) should be here by Thursday. Instead of the sometime in June arrival of the origin. Thanks for the video. Saved me from the frustrating time I would have spent with the origin.
I don't understand this comparison without seeing the tone controls. I am not convinced that I could not mess with the tone controls on the DSL40C and get the same sound. I'd need to try them myself.
The origin sounds boxy . The dsl has more prescence . The dsl 4ocr can be made to sound very similiar to the origin. The origin seems muffled st times. Would like to hear the origin head through a good 1 by 12 compared to the dsl .
Hey shane great video. Comparison was perfect. Really hard to choose. They both sound good. After i heard the origin on the first lick you played, i have to admit my heart skipped a beat. Man those vibrations.
I'm 50 years deep in the biz, and recently purchased a DSL to replace lugging a JCM900 half stack on smaller venues. Mated to my Strats and Teles, I'm pulling lots of fat tones in conjunction with my pedalboard, and the DSL is HELLA LOUD. As usual, Marshall is building real workhorses for the working players. One recommendation; if you're going to pack one, get a road case with wheels. These amps are surprisingly heavy for a single 12" speaker.
Great playing as always shane! I think you made the right choice buying the dsl40cr its just got that great fat crunch tone and the origin 50 is mute. Keep it up! 🤘
Played both recently. In person the Origin blew the DSL away. I bought the Origin 50 on the spot and I wasn’t even looking for an amp. The plexi style thump is what sold me.
I had the DSL40 but sold it after a couple years. It was really heavy, so I got a Vox AC10 and sold the DSL. Of course, I am gassing for the Marshall tone again. Now it's the Origin I am looking at.
I prefer the Origin 50 for my style of playing. It is less versatile than the DSL40CR admittedly but it does that one style very well. I suspect tube rolling would do it a whole lot of good. It sounds thin stock but the potential is there. A Celestion Creamback 65 or AlNiCo Gold 50 may just be the ticket. I like the much rawer tone of the Origin 50. I am also a Les Paul player. Try the Origin 50 with the Les Paul, straight in, no pedals.
I have listened several times in the last couple of days....I want to like that Origin 50C and truthfully I think it sounds good until you hit the overdrive, then I thought the DSL sounded much smoother to my ears. At this point I am leaning toward a DSL20 Head and a 2x12 cab. I don't play out, just at home so 20 Watts should be more than enough. Thanks again for the effort you put in to these demos and I appreciate that you call it like you see it.
Interesting comparison Shane. What was most surprising to me was that I was listening in a busy room with people talking around me and every time you played the Origin it cut through so much clearer and sweet!. Might be the reason I've sold every dsl I've owned. Great alone, not good in a band.
I just picked up a DSL100HR a couple of weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. The Origin sounds really nice and midrangey for those 60's and 70's rock sounds as well. Think I'll by trying out one of those pretty soon as well to see how well it stacks up against a Blackstar Artisan.
What speakers are in them. That makes a huge difference. I own both a DSL 40C and a DSL 100 HR. I can run either the 1X12 by itself, which I upgraded to the Celestion A Type speaker. Or I can easily push my 4x12 cabinet with it. Same cabinet that I run my DSL 100 head. Sounds fantastic. I mixed up the speakers In The 4x12. I have a combination of A Type, V Type, and a Lead 80 in it. Unmatched sound. I can tell you that it sounds better with a closed back cabinet than the open back combo. But either way you can not beat the sound of a Marshall. I have tried so many amps from Fender, Peavy, and Orange. Once I went to Marshall, I never looked back.
Have to say I prefer the Origin, has that oldschool sound nailed with the wooly bottom end and the compression in the low mids where as the DSL is more open and full, more like a modern sounding amp.. Which I suppose is kinda the point, but I tend to prefer that oldschool sound.
I narrowed down my first tube amp to be Marshall DSL40CR, Vox AC30C2, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV, Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II, and Blackstar HT Stage 60 Mark II 2x12. I am leaning towards the Blackstar HT Stage 60 Mark II 2x12, because of the 3 Channels (1 clean and 2 overdrives). Can you do a comparison between Marshall DSL40CR and Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II?
the crunch on the origin is more realistic to old Marshalls and dirty.
Plexi baby Plexi!
I prefer it too, maybe I am looking for something other than modern sounding amps, I never had a vintage sounding one
I guess Im kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to watch newly released tv shows online ?
@Leandro Tristian flixportal :P
@Ty Rocky Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) Appreciate it!
I own the DSL 40 also. You can't beat that low end bloom, and the sound of the cabinet with the Celestion Vintage in it. Even my stuck-up Matchless and Dumble snob friends all say the DSL-40 sounds awesome.
Keep the DSL, Shane! Good vid.
I really like the tone of both, but the origin is more my style. More transparent and a bit more grit and top end. It really cuts through and would make a great blues amp. But I can see how it would not be as good for a heavier style.
You only heard the DSL's clean/crunch channel.
The Origins doesn't even come close to the DSL's "Ultragain" channel.
@ronaldsweet3484 the DSl 40 on the Ultra Gain channel with the Gain set low and/or the guitar volume rolled off a bit does a better vintage Marshall then the Origin does and will do it at more reasonable volume. I also think low Gain settings on ultra,Gain do a better vintage Marhsall, then the classic Gain channel.
I went with the Origin 50 head, I wanted old school dirt. But I started playing in the 70's so it sounds right.
To my ear the DSL sounds nicer and If I was buying one of them I’d choose the DSL hands down.
On my PC speaker system there are times when the sound very similar and other times where there is a notable difference... that said the DSL does often seem to sound a bit thicker and darker than the Origin which means keeping both could certainly be a luxury option...
Am I the only one here that liked the Origin better?
2 very different amps.... I already got my hi gain amps... definitely looking for that vintage sound. Got a 1936 2x12 with v30’s that Origin can sit on.
It's not a Plexi. If you think that's what you're buying, you'll be sorely disappointed. Shades of a Plexi would be more accurate.
You are not alone... :)
Paul Ewing This, actual knowledge of what you're talking about.
John Ballantyne me too!
They both sound great, but I sense a warmth from the origin that really speaks to me.
GREAT COMPARISON!!! I traded in my DSL40 toward my Origin 50 w/1936 2x12 cab. I love both, but I don't regret it one bit! I don't need all that extra on-board gain because I have great overdrive pedals (Ibanez TS808 and Friedman BE-OD). The other guitarist I'm playing with currently uses a DSL40C. We both run GLP's through our rigs. When we show up to practice, all he ever brings is his guitar and combo amp, whereas I have to bring my amp, cab, and pedalboard (specifically referring to the TS808, and BE-OD) in order to approach the versatility of his DSL40. Bottom line: We both agree our rigs sound great together. I love the tone he gets out of his, and vice versa. There are no losers in that room. 🤘😉
The DSL 40's are such great sounding and versatile amps I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in one. They're basically JCM800's with some upgraded functionality.
El. Del. De. 40. No. Existe. Contra. El. Marshall. Original. Que. Es. Una. Copia. Del. Super. Lead. Repito. Dale. No. EXISTE
Quise. Decir. Que. Que. Dale. De. 40. No. Existe. Con. El. Marshall. Combo. Porque. Es. El. Super. Lead. Modelo. Combo. Original. Británico. De. Los. 70. Repito. El. Del. No. EXISTE
My ears preferred the DSL, in the cleaner tones it struck me as more ‘present’, generally something I attribute to higher frequencies. I was sorting out that description in my head, and then you said it had a darker tone! So I had another listen. Now I’m stuck, not really knowing why, but I still prefer the DSL. I thought the differences were reduced with the overdrive. For my 5 cents worth, you bought wisely!
I had been waiting for a DSL20CR (the 20-watt version of the DSL amp here) to come back in stock for WEEKS. And it’s *still* on back order.
My sales guy suggested I check out the Origin 20. Very happy I did! It has that old Marshall Plexi sound. You definitely have to play around with it - don’t just leave the EQ knobs at 12:00. Don’t be afraid to crank them all the way up or down - especially the treble and the tilt knob. You can get some amazing old-school Marshall sounds out of the Origin!
Yep I think I want one.
I think the Origin series accomplishes the goal of being vintage sounding. Are we just used to modern amps? I think I am, I preferred the DSL40.
That's what I've been trying to say. Vintage amps were a struggle. The great players made those amps great. After the modern era amps why would you go back. I guess it's fun to own something vintage.
@ Supperconductor - Agreed!
Guitar ocd they were w struggle that made those musicians great
Guitar ocd it would only make you a better guitar playwr
Who said anything different read my comment again. I said the players made the amps great. I didn't say the amp made the player great.
I prefer the DSL. The cleans were more "Hendrix like". And I liked the way the way both channels reacted to the overdrive (over the Origin). Although I haven't actually played through either.
Got to agree with that, its happening you dont have to stretch the imagination.
The DSL lets you go from Clean to all levels of major overdrive. I like the cabinet sound of the DSL. The DSL gain channel seem a bit over the top on brightness. I love the Clean. IT is a very powerful amplifier. I am learning how to set the DSL.
I've got the DSL40 and love it. I've not tried the Origin 50. However, based on this review I'd say they are both pretty AWESOME.
I used to own an old Marshall Plexi head in high school, the Origin reminds me of that sound. I think that's what Marshall was shooting for.
same as...I owned a Plexi 50 way back early 80s and just got the Origin 50, plugged it in and yeah, it's very like the Plexi.
To my ears, dsl=darker, fatter. Origin=thinner, more break up. I wonder if dsl could be eq'd to get closer to Origin, but hard to go other direction on Origin. Hard to beat dsl versatility, tbs. Great vids Shane. Thanks!
I think so. I have both the DSL20 head and the Origin 20 head. I can make the DSL sound like the Origin but I cannot make the Origin sound like the DSL. The previous description of the DSL having a broader range and better lows and low mids is spot on. That's been my finding as well.
Jeff, I have a dsl40c and really like it. I'll mess with settings to see how Origin like I can get! 😁
I found it fairly easy on the green channel by cutting the bass way down, and bringing the presence up, gain on about 10 o'clock. It really thins out the otherwise gloriously fat DSL tone to sound like the Origin. LOL
Let me know if your findings are similar
Jeff Fletcher will do! Thanks for the tip!
Took the words out of my mouth. The Origin sounded thin to me as well.
Yeah, the DSL sounds better to me, especially clean. I couldn't quite describe what I liked about the sound, but you defined it for me with the Low-Low Mids comment. Cool stuff.
I think the origin will cut better in a band mix. A little brighter. Both sounds good, great job😎
Tore Knutsen that was my thought too. It also had that high end sizzle that I recognize from older Marshall’s. At least that’s on my iPhone buds.
LOL! Says it all!
Jeez man haven't u heard of EQ. U can make the DSL sound brighter. Ur better off having a pleasing fat sweet sound which most ears prefer and also having the option of making it more trebly mon.
Love the single notes of the origin but the chords just turn to mud.
You did not purchase the wrong amp. The DSL40 has a slightly expanded range compaired to the Origin50, from what i hear. Just slightly, both sound great. Price would be the selling point. I would also think you got a good deal on the older DSL40, thus a win.
The Hound I believe this DSL is the latest 2018 version.
It is, as is stated in the video
Indeed. I was looking at the title and now see the CR in the description. Cool.
Expanded range. Spot on.
Thank you for posting this Shane, I'm going to listen to this a few more times and then sleep on it...having a hard time deciding which I like better.
Hey! So which one did u get?
I like the Origin 50 because it is sonically more articulating
Listening to both amps back to back, I will say that the Origin did sound a little better, but the tone of the DSL can’t be beat! Still the Origin still sounds fizzy with the overdrive and to me it’s not a pleasant sound. You made the right decision again Shane!!! Cheers!🎸🤘🏽🤙🏾🎸
Plus there is no reverb on the Origin and their are two different ones on the DSL 40. I like the Origin when it came out and considered buying one but did not because of the verb. DSL has 40 channel-independent digital spring reverb with 2 different verbs I believe. Normal and Ultra what ever ultra is. lol Plus being used to a 22 watt amp the 40 may be better and I think it has 20 watt switch.
Is your tone on the Tele at 100%?
I just got a new dsl 40 and just love it, its so versatile you can play just about any type of music genre, a must get amp
Using that pedal makes it impossible to tell as it's the pedal we are hearing not the amp. Just turn the amps up to get drive and then we can hear what each sounds like.!!...😎🙄
These are the vids, I love to see. You always pull through with awesome content, Shane! Good stuff
be happy with either if was to pick one would be the DSL got more depth - its a keeper
I had given up playing electric around 2017 end and stuck to acoustic a while, so I kind of missed a new DSL range had come up. For a few days I was kinda sceptical why you like the DSL40 but man do I love the changes whatever they are. Amazing tones and a reachable price. Great stuff!
Hi Jane! you have to try the old Marshall haze 40c. Good Old school sounds.
I’ve got the origin 20 amp just tried it with my Ibanez s series loaded with Tesla sharks Alnico 2 pickups they have a vintage voice omg 😮 incredible 70’s rock tones love it 😎
My first impression on the clean was that the DSL had a cleaner tone with more lows and highs but compared to the Origin it sounded a bit mid scooped. The origin had more of a VOX type mid push and had more edge of breakup clean. As you introduced more crunch I felt the same EQ characteristics and the harmonic content was a bit different. The DSL seemed to have less complex harmonic content whereas the Origin seems a bit richer in harmonic content and a little bit muddier too. Overall I’d probably go with the DSL for the pristine chimey cleans and maybe just add eq to get the mids up.
The reverb enhances the DSL, it totally supports the Origin. I played both hoping the Origin would be the one to go home, but without reverb, it sounds like it's being smothered by a pillow. I wound up with the DSL head.
Trade the DSL towards the Origin. Origin a purer sound, no preamp buzz and a way better (not anemic) clean tone.
same here. no worries; no regrets! 🤘😎
U have hearing problems bud. The DSL is a great amp clean sound on it is better and fatter than the trebly clean on the Origin although the clean on the origin isn't bad at all
@@spada60 hearing problems??? why can't people disagree about musical tones and both be correct??? If you think that dude has hearing problems, I think you have a very closed, very limited mind. I'd rather have trouble with my ears... 🤘🤨
That's exactly what ?I did, and I haven't regretted one bit since! 🤘😎
I tried both today at guitar center with and without pedals, I have to disagree the Origin in room is plain and a bit nazzily and vintage. The DSL easily sounded much better to my ears. Once you dial in some decent gain or a gain pedal there is no comparison DSL hands down. I bought the DSL and there is no preamp buzz what so ever. I suggest people try both 1st if you can as these videos dont do the DSL justice.
Versatility of the DSL for the win here. I also like that the knobs are on the front within easy reach if you practice sitting at home with the amp quite high up. Don't have to get off the chair or stand over it and lean down with a guitar. Now I just have to decide if I want a 20hr or 40cr :)
Cheers for the video Shane. been a great series and really helpful.
The DSL gets the nod for me - smoother and more modern. The Origin didn't sound bad though - more raw sounding. The Origin would probably sound better with a humbucking guitar like a Les Paul.
why use an od pedal? just turn up the gain and or switch channels.i wouldve rather hear what they could do on their own instead of with an od pedal.
As a shop owner here in San Diego, Ca. We carry both & for me the Origin is more a Plexi sound & the DSL is a JCM 800/2000 ish. Thanks for the great vid. BTW the Origins are flying out of my shop!!!!!!!!!!$$$$
What’s your shop? I am in San Diego! Chula vista
I like them both clean but the DSL just sounds more alive and sounds much better when pushed. As I said in your origin 50 review it sounds nice clean but real fizzy when you push it. IMHO the DSL is the more versatile and well rounded of the two. Great review as usual!
I just bought the Origin and a Telecaster. Enjoying it. Can’t do everything, but that’s ok. Plenty of fun to be had.
They both sound good on this demo. Good tones!
I think they both sounded fantastic! I think for versatility and features, I'd have to give it to the DSL, especially since it's cheaper. The Origin really brought more character out of your Tele's pickups though... I just got one of the older DSL40s on sale and that's a beast of an amp, too. Besides the Origin 5 (apparently), Marshall has been killing it lately!
I play teies exclusively, and maybe that's why when I go back and forth between a DSL40 in the backline at one gig and my Origin 20c at another, the Origin sounds so much better
DSL. However is the origin a more affordable amp?
no, they both cost the same
DSL sounds more sweet, the Origin has a cool bright top end that sounds more plexi-ish!
Was about to pull the trigger on the origin... After this it'll be definitely be the DSL!
I think you made the right purchase my man!!
Thanks dude, me too!
Ben Coombs the right choice journey is lifelong (literally)!
I have a DSL40C and I’m happy with it. I managed to get the limited edition Onecwith the vintage look.
Definitely preferred the Origin for clean. Preferred the DSL for dirt. I need to hear the Origin through some different cabs I think.
I just got a origin last week an amazing amp vintage classic rock sound it's got it all
Hey, my biggest problem with this review is that the primary showcase is the speakers of either combo, not the amp itself. What I would really like is to see a new DSL head compared to a new Origin head (same wattage) and pushed through an identical cabinet. Pushing the amps through the DI out would be an interesting corollary.
That’s an excellent point as I feel the differences that stand out could be just the quality of each amps speakers ?
If both these combos have the same speakers than that is a different story
Shane, your DSL has a Texas Heat speaker yeah? Have you changed anything else on it like pre/power tubes? To me the Origin had a bit more hair on it, similar to my own DSL40CR, with the original speakers n tubes. I like em both but the DSL gives me more modern options. Nice side by side...
Found myself wondering if, with a bit of EQ tweaking, you couldn't get the Origin to sound a bit more like the DSL. Felt like the "tilt" control on the origin could have been backed off a bit to tame some of that fizzy top end. In all, I think I definitely preferred the DSL--it just sounded great every time you went to it. Thanks for another helpful demo!
They have different speakers too...
From my end and through my head phones the DSL 40 is way warmer, the Origin is a bit more snappier. The origin did sound great though!
My crate GLX212 started giving me issues. A new DSL40CR is in route! Can't wait!
I like Marshall DSL a lot more
Definitely had lots more clarity to my ear.
Almost sounded like orgin was too muddy. But ill buy both lol
Thanks Shane. A review I was really waiting for, though I already acquired a Origin 50H. What I've found out, is that the Origin, just like the "good ole" Marshalls, sounds best when overdriving the pentode power tubes. So, high master volumes. I also have a DSL50 85th anniversary. It also sounds great. The Origin reacts extremely well on your guitar's tone and volume control. Just like the plexis do. That's where it shines. Both great amps, different animals.
That's the thing... They sounded different from each other, but they both sounded great!
This is like comparing a car to a truck. I have had a few of the DSL amps and I also own the Origin 50 Head. Its a plexi amp, and it sounds like a plexi should. Take the Origin 20 or 50 head and hook it up to a 4x12 WOW they sound amazing and full! 2 different amps that both sounds great, but remember they have 2 different purposes.
I tried both and ended up buying the DSL. The Origin doesn’t have the full gain stage the DSL has. I can hit so many sounds on my DSL. Origins not a bad amp, but if you want more gain, you need a pedal to drive it. I really like the Tone Sculpt on the DSL
They’re both great sounding amps, but I love the clarity of the DSL.
The DSL knocked the Origin out of the park at least on the clean tones, much more pristine. Also it has reverb which is great. I am buying a DSL40cr now, thanks for the help.
I recently purchased the Origin 50c, and love the amp so far. As others have pointed out - its intended to be "vintage" sounding. So if you are looking for modern sounds, then its not going to meet your expectations. It has a bright, mid-range punch that cuts through in a band situation really well. I don't use it for high gain - but more of a "pedal platform" that has great tone, and tons of headroom.
They sound close. The Origin cut more, the cleans seemed "cleaner" I prefer the look of the Origin but versatility of the DSL. Im pretty sure with some tweaking the DSL could do everything the Origin can plus.
DSL all day long.
same here JH,how are ya mate?
hangin like a grape!
They say size doesn't matter, bud. Not the end of the world. Make up for it with technique.
Origin all night long. That’s when most gigs are played Sony lose bud
Origin all night long. That’s when most gigs are played so you lose bud
I am looking adding a Marshall, I currently play through a fender blues deluxe. Which one has that glassy marshall clean tone? Origin or DSL. Both have great driven tones. thank for your advice.
I own the Marshall DSL 100 HR. I'm considering adding the Origin 50 Head to my rig. Still on the fence about it though. Appreciate your review and shootout Shane.
Would you say the Origin is louder than the DSL at max volume?
I canceled my origin 20 head order and ordered the dsl20 head (for $430 no less) should be here by Thursday. Instead of the sometime in June arrival of the origin. Thanks for the video. Saved me from the frustrating time I would have spent with the origin.
I don't understand this comparison without seeing the tone controls. I am not convinced that I could not mess with the tone controls on the DSL40C and get the same sound. I'd need to try them myself.
The origin sounds boxy . The dsl has more prescence . The dsl 4ocr can be made to sound very similiar to the origin. The origin seems muffled st times. Would like to hear the origin head through a good 1 by 12 compared to the dsl .
Both of them are very similar. What are that pickups?.fantastic video
Hey shane great video. Comparison was perfect. Really hard to choose. They both sound good. After i heard the origin on the first lick you played, i have to admit my heart skipped a beat. Man those vibrations.
I'm 50 years deep in the biz, and recently purchased a DSL to replace lugging a JCM900 half stack on smaller venues. Mated to my Strats and Teles, I'm pulling lots of fat tones in conjunction with my pedalboard, and the DSL is HELLA LOUD. As usual, Marshall is building real workhorses for the working players. One recommendation; if you're going to pack one, get a road case with wheels. These amps are surprisingly heavy for a single 12" speaker.
So is the Bluesbreaker also sound similar to Origin?
Great playing as always shane! I think you made the right choice buying the dsl40cr its just got that great fat crunch tone and the origin 50 is mute. Keep it up! 🤘
Austin Jones how the hell did u write your comment with u being a mute. That’s pretty amazing.
Played both recently. In person the Origin blew the DSL away. I bought the Origin 50 on the spot and I wasn’t even looking for an amp. The plexi style thump is what sold me.
I had the DSL40 but sold it after a couple years. It was really heavy, so I got a Vox AC10 and sold the DSL.
Of course, I am gassing for the Marshall tone again. Now it's the Origin I am looking at.
One thing that is important to me that you didn't touch on, is what amount of gain can you get on the Origin at a loudish- bedroom volume level?
Would a change in speaker, Vintage 30, improve the tone i wonder.
I prefer the Origin 50 for my style of playing. It is less versatile than the DSL40CR admittedly but it does that one style very well. I suspect tube rolling would do it a whole lot of good. It sounds thin stock but the potential is there. A Celestion Creamback 65 or AlNiCo Gold 50 may just be the ticket. I like the much rawer tone of the Origin 50. I am also a Les Paul player. Try the Origin 50 with the Les Paul, straight in, no pedals.
What style do you play ?
I have listened several times in the last couple of days....I want to like that Origin 50C and truthfully I think it sounds good until you hit the overdrive, then I thought the DSL sounded much smoother to my ears. At this point I am leaning toward a DSL20 Head and a 2x12 cab. I don't play out, just at home so 20 Watts should be more than enough. Thanks again for the effort you put in to these demos and I appreciate that you call it like you see it.
I Definately preferred the DSL40 for my Ears.
The Origin seemed a little thin/flat and yet a touch Treble Chirpy?
Really like the comparison. Would like like to hear both thru the same speaker.
Thanks.
More sparkling clean on the DSL...Bigger sound for sure.
Interesting comparison Shane. What was most surprising to me was that I was listening in a busy room with people talking around me and every time you played the Origin it cut through so much clearer and sweet!. Might be the reason I've sold every dsl I've owned. Great alone, not good in a band.
I have the DSL 40C as well. This convinced me I don't need the "Origin". The clean tone seems to sound considerably better with the DSL40
Running Rat/Big Muff pi into Origin...Wicked 70's hard rockin' tone...I ♡ it!!
How do they compare to the Fender next to them?
I just picked up a DSL100HR a couple of weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. The Origin sounds really nice and midrangey for those 60's and 70's rock sounds as well. Think I'll by trying out one of those pretty soon as well to see how well it stacks up against a Blackstar Artisan.
I need myself a Marshall thanks as always Shane for your informative videos
What speakers are in them. That makes a huge difference. I own both a DSL 40C and a DSL 100 HR. I can run either the 1X12 by itself, which I upgraded to the Celestion A Type speaker. Or I can easily push my 4x12 cabinet with it. Same cabinet that I run my DSL 100 head. Sounds fantastic. I mixed up the speakers In The 4x12. I have a combination of A Type, V Type, and a Lead 80 in it. Unmatched sound.
I can tell you that it sounds better with a closed back cabinet than the open back combo. But either way you can not beat the sound of a Marshall. I have tried so many amps from Fender, Peavy, and Orange. Once I went to Marshall, I never looked back.
Have to say I prefer the Origin, has that oldschool sound nailed with the wooly bottom end and the compression in the low mids where as the DSL is more open and full, more like a modern sounding amp.. Which I suppose is kinda the point, but I tend to prefer that oldschool sound.
Would love to see a shoot out between a JTM45 and and Origin 50. Do they sound similar, is the JTM over hyped too?
Comparing amps with pedals? Never understood that. But great video!!
I narrowed down my first tube amp to be Marshall DSL40CR, Vox AC30C2, Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV, Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II, and Blackstar HT Stage 60 Mark II 2x12. I am leaning towards the Blackstar HT Stage 60 Mark II 2x12, because of the 3 Channels (1 clean and 2 overdrives). Can you do a comparison between Marshall DSL40CR and Blackstar HT Club 40 Mark II?
Do you think this is an amp for home-use? I play metal so it must be set to high gain...
I am still deciding, I think I will go for the DSL, but it is more expensive than the Origin here, just not by that much..
Which one better fpr Hendrix sound?
Just what I was looking for, thanks Shane.