I had the good fortune of playing the DSL 40, Origin 20, Studio Classic and Studio Vintage at a local music store. The "studio range" is simply outstanding. The DSL has way more features than any of the others but has the least pleasing feel. The Origin felt slightly better but still lost out to the more expensive cousins from the UK. If you are playing rhythm and chords, the feel may not seem that different and the DSL could sound similar to the JCM with pedals. However, when you play solos with those grieving bends, the Studio brothers swell and wail straight to your heart. People may argue about the additional cost, but the emotion they evoke is priceless. In short, I would say they feel more organic, natural and respond more predictably to your picking and strumming. Based on my experience, I would recommend not making a decision based solely on TH-cam videos. You should go and try all of the options on your mind before choosing.
Another thing not mentioned is that the stock tubes in the SC are of much higher quality than the ones shipped with the DSL. Swap the cheap EL34 power tubes in the DSL with KT77's, replace the V4 with a balanced Sovtek 12AX7LPS, V3 with an EHX 12AX7 and V1 and V2 with something like NOS Baldwin or pre-war EI 12AX7 and the DSL will absolutely outperform the SC model.
After giving it a lot of thought for the past few months I decided to save up and got the JCM instead of the DSL. I was a bit worried the single channel was a major limitation but it is totally not the case, as demonstrated here a booster pedal on the high input will unlock that classic sound. I can only see three possible scenarios to choose the DSL over the JCM. 1. Home use as it is not nearly as loud as the JCM and you really need to crank up the JCM in order to get the full rich tone which can be a problem for those around you, even at 5W this thing's a beast. 2. People who are looking for a very specific modern scooped distortion and want to chug with no need for pedals. 3. Budget limitations. Also I run it through an Orange PPC212 closed back with V30s and it's the perfect match for me, the thick wood and grille in the Orange cabinet helps taming the brightness of the JCM. Great demo BTW!
Thanks for that interesting video. I could not say, that the SC20H is always my favourite. I'm sure you could tweak the amps with the EQ, that it would be difficult to distinguish in a blind test (apart from the louder volume of the SC20H. Concerning the price, I think the DSL20HR is a very good deal.
The Studio classic jcm 800 has way better natural harmonics and just sounds fuller and more alive. Guess it just depends on your budget but I heard the difference instantly.
Thanks for the video! It's been a long time since I've witnessed a beating of this magnitude in an amp comparison. The JCM800 sounds great while the DSL sounds like the speakers were packed with mud and a swarm of bees was buzzing around it. The rolled off guitar volume clean tone comparison was just down right shocking.
It's a shocking difference!! there was not a single department in which the DSL was even close to match the JCM.. it actually made the JCM cleans sound amazing lol
I’ve played a 2203 and 2204 for over 25 years. I’ve also played many other Marshall amps. JVM, DSL, Vintage Modern, JCM 900. They all sound good, but they don’t have the 800 sound...not even close. I find that people who say that their DSL sounds like an 800 probably never owned one and just want to make themselves feel good. And the louder you play the 800, the more you will hear and feel the difference over the dsl range.
Tony Torres that was always the problem with the 800 s. It had to be loud in order to get that sound. I own several differend types of marshall and i find that most of the time people just don't dial in their amps right. But it was the 800 that had that tight low end that made it stand out in the marshall line. So it depends on what your playing . But overall the dsl is more versatile then the 800 and therefor more suitable for most players.
I think there is no contest here. The Studio Classic sounds pretty glorious in comparison. The DSL still sounds great but that little JCM 800 roars with classic Marshall bite. Either would be a great choice but if you can save the money, the Studio Classic would be a lifetime amp. Now comparing to the Studio Vintage, I might lean to the Vintage more but only because it covers 60’s to 80’s pretty easy. Marshall knocks it out of the park giving some affordable lower wattage products all with EL34 tubes. Even the Origin is pretty cool and a modded Origin is the cheapest way to eargasms around.
I thought about getting the SC20, but I just got the DSL 20 late last weak. I think it sounds great. I wanted marshall and marshall I got. This video does not do it justice imo. I drive a 4x12 blackstar with v30s and the distortion and cleans are on point. The cleanse with my Gibson Les Paul actually surprised me.
Wow. Damn you just dispelled any ideas I had of being able to get away with just shelling out for the DSL20. The JCM has so much more body and richness in the clean tone. It sounds like ‘it’, while the DSL sadly doesn’t. But if the SC20 is so much more powerful, maybe the DSL40 would be a fairer comparison?
My friend bought the Marshall DSL20HR . It was broken right out of the box. He had a hard time getting it repaired as well. It sounded good but overly noisy with the gain cranked up.
Studio Classic sounds great but not 2.5 times better. I think, given that some players budget doesn't afford the difference, one could come very close with the DSL and the right speaker combination. JMHO.
I’m a Marshall fan good review format but you’ve managed to make both these amp sound bloody awful even when running the classic setup of les Paul into Marshall. I think you need to improve how you’re recording TH-cam videos because neither amp should sound that bad.
Dude nobody wants 14 sounds out of a jcm800, it does one sound really really really well, that's what the jcm 800 is known for, so showcase that, the dsl is noisy, fuzzy, way uber distortion, trust me I own one. it's ok, but the jcm 800 is iconic, and for it to FINALLY come out in a 20(40) watt version is awesome. To actually be able to get the real jcm 800 sound from an amp in your home is remarkable! I totally respect your vid comparison but would love to see a vid just showcasing this new SC20H, I think it's awesome! Thanks for the vid man, don't mean to be a downpresser but this isn't a cornucopia amp of every great sound possible in the world .... it's a jcm 800, and that's all it needs to be.
You can’t compare these amps in this way. The first thing I noticed in the first clip is that the settings are very different. It can be right because they’re different but if you cut the resonance, the treble and the gain of the dsl and boost the treble and the gain of the SC20 is normal that the SC20 will sound fuller and brighter.
Thanks for the vid. I like the JCM800. I’ve tried the DSL20 but can’t get a good drive sound out of it, for DSL I prefer the 40 with the extra gain stages/channels.
Hmm. Thanks for the demo. Keen to get my hands on both and try em out in a shop. I guess it's about that history of rock and roll to own the jcm isn't it. Sure, and also the quality of the sound. An amp is an amp, but sure you get what you pay for aye. You can probably achieve the same results, but we're after that feeling as well aren't we. Get those goosebumps going!
I have the DSL head and it sounds nothing like this in the room,there’s way to much bass in this recording making it sound like mud. Marshall’s have always been bright sounding amps. So don’t be put off by this recording of the DSL is a great sounding amp if you want those Marshall tones on a budget.
Yeah his dsl tone sucks. Less bass, more mids and maybe less gain= much better. I have jcm 800 2203 but I really like the classic gain channel of the dsl models.
MadAxeMan & others concerned with the amount of bass in the recording, look at his 3 band settings. Could use a serious reduction of bass and increase of mids. Also, interesting that people think this amp is scooped in character... I'm pretty sure it's not normal to be running the presence and resonance at noon by default. I tried the combo version for a while - cranked up - in my local store the other day and found it sounded perfectly fine with both those settings all the way down, despite what other people with no experience using the amp constantly claim. @@christophergregory1205 Maybe you'd prefer something with EL84s then! People always talk about the lack of "thump" with those power tubes. I don't think the DSL can use 'em, though. Great amp though, IMO. Glad you like yours. I'm looking forward to when mine is finally delivered
@@ChrisAnguishMusic I'm not a huge fan of EL84s. I'm definetely an EL34 guy. But I'm also running my DSL with a 4x12. But even through my 1x12, my bass is only at 4.
I've owned and played both.The DSL20 is a great sounding amp and very good value for money, but if you're after that classic 80's rock and hair metal sound, the JCM is definitely the one you want. The DSL does kinda encroach into the high gain territory a bit, but it still sounds like a Marshall. The SC20 on the other hand doesn't have an awful lot of gain on tap and more of a 'classic Marshall', that thing is a BEAST.
I’m waiting for my DSL20H to arrive. Paid $370 for a used one. I’m sure some tube swapping would help. I had the DSL15 that I modded the gain Channel and it was much better than stock. Sold it because it did not have an effects loop. The DSL20H could easily be modded, have to check a few forums.
I don't understand. Didn't you see that it didn't have an effects loop. What were u thinking oh I'll just buy it, mod it, then realize hey it don't have an effects loop so damn it I'll sell it. I wouldn't buy another one if I were u cause it might not have an effects loop again then u'll have to sell it again. No sense in buying it if it don't have an effects loop. It is hard to see if it has an effects loop so I wouldn't take a chance again. Or still I would recommend u buy the Marshall SC20 cause I know that one has an effects loop then for sure you won't have to sell it again. jmho
spada60 First off, I bought the DSL15 for a good price and expected to modify it. I work in electronics, so that is something I enjoy doing. The DSL20H has more volume and features like built in effects loop, Reverb and external input. It just didn’t see worth my time to add an effects loop and miss out on the additional upgrades. Anyways, I am loving this amp! For practice at home I stream TH-cam backing tracks into the external input and play along to it. I have the gain around 1-2 o’clock position on the ultra channel. When I do max out gain on the ultra it still sounds incredible. This amp also offers resonance and presence that the 15 did not have.
Never heard of a V30 tube. Who makes those, are they better than the stock tubes? R they alien tubes? Do any of the pros use them? What store sells them? Would you seriously recommend the V30s over the stock tubes? Please enlighten us
spada60 You busted on my post too because I sold the DSL15 because it had no effects loop. I had mentioned that , but wasn’t the only reason. It was a combo and I wanted a head version amp.
Both sound great. It wasn't until I tried them out in store i could get a meaningful difference in voice. interesting to see the eq settings you & I had where near identical. i chose to go a bit more mids on the DSL & push the mid scoop button for that sound. As you said the Studio Classic was much louder, additionally it retained a bit more note clarity at higher gain settings. The DSL has a fantastic gain structure & goes into overdrive at very low volumes. I came home with the DSL because it retains enough classic Marshall sound for classic gigging & modern metal. If it was a Marshall for me alone at home, definitely the Studio.
I'm considering the DSL20 as my next purchase. Yes, the Studio Classic is, on the whole, probably better. More sustain and overtones seem to come through, but considering the price and the fact that I preferred more than a few of the DSL tones, it seems an obvious choice. Yes, when I win the lottery, I will buy ALL the gear, but I just want a decent head+combo that's usable at home or on a gig, and I'm not playing any huge venues. Still, not impressed with the sub $1k cabinets from Marshall. Would it be heresy to use a Vox 2'x12 cab with greenbacks?
Really nice video. The LP has the nut out of whack I think, or maybe pressing to0 hard on the strings, or need heavier strings. In some of the stuff I can hear the a5/b5 chords going out of whack, like the e is sharp on the a and in tune on the b chord, or the opposite where the a chord is in tune and the b is out. Just providing some feedback, and I struggle with the same thing. Like I pickup a LP and I can't make that thing sound in tune until I play it for a while and kind of figure out how to compensate for what's going on. Video very well done though, thanks.
Can you use only one "side" of fx loop of DSL20HR? So for example connect fx loop send to an audio interface input. FX loop return stays empty. So, what happens? Does this damage the poweramp?
So i own a 2015 DSL40C(Vietnamese) and i just got the JCM800 studio head around christmas(2021). The DSL in this vid sounds muddier or fuzzier than mine(maybe its me but mine is also much older w/ JJ tubes) my dsl i run a Mesa buffer into a Waza SD1(long cables) on the green crunch channel with the SD1 Im capable of nailing the JCM800 tone with a fuller tone. The JCM800 is totally worth it though, but if all the DSL40CRs sound like this, try to find an earlier one 🤷🏻♂️
I'm wondering, if you're going to compare both of these amps shouldn't the EQ settings be the exact same? How are you supposed to hear the true difference or similarities when you have each amp EQ'd differently?
Seems to me of you put a range master style treble booster like the analogman Beano boost in the front end of the dsl it would sound much much more similar to the studio classic. Possibly even indistinguishable
I'm tella what I have had both at this point well both Combo's and if you want bedroom level gain. The DSL20CR is the way to go. It takes pedals great as well on the clean channel - my local shop said everyone tries pedals on the DSL's and the guy's were like I don't know why - I do. Yes if you live in an environment that you can play loud or play in a band the JCM 800 is fuller and livelier. For at Home DSL all the way. - My two cents. Cheers boys.
I like both of them having a DSL 20 head...I find it pulls out lots of treble, nearly fizzy...so I need to go the lower gain and high master and guitar roll back path, mid full, bass low, treble low, presence etc low..one thing is also the studio emulated line out..does not sound very well ( so far)..compare it with others like Hughes and Kettner or Black Star? .. Yes you can mic it but loud..I like the sound of your 2 x 12.. Nice speaker mix!
Great video, I've been waiting for a comparison on these. I liked the DSL for the high gain stuff. No way the JCM800 is worth $800 more. I'm getting the DSL40CR, it rocks.
Just to share some personal experience as perspective. I had to order the DSL20 three times until I got a unit that didn't have a completely weird, constant rustling sound on the background (and no, new, better tubes wouldn't fix that issue). If you're lucky to get a good unit the DSLs are great, but from my experience I would say they do have bad QC.
I owned a DSL 20 for just over a year before it developed serious issues, as DSL's do. And I now have a SC20. I bought it because DSL's just don't last and it gets wasteful. Now the sound difference: Imagine the difference between the worst Chinese made Epiphone Les Paul when production just started there and a Gibson custom shop 59 reissue. That about sums it up. The SC20 is so so so much better, richer, more articulate in every way. I didn't realise what garbage the DSL was until I heard the SC20 in person. It's near impoosible to hear the real distictions between the two over the speakers in your computer and recorded on the video maker's phone. But you definetly get what you pay for
I have the last generation dsl 15h and it sounds much better to my ears than the dsl20h. Both these amps have nice cleans. Crank the gain too high and you get mud and fizz. I don't turn the gain up beyond 3 with ultra gain channel, and mostly use classic gain with pedals because red channel sounds like crap. Overall I love my amp through 4x12 V30s.
The DSL definitely has more gain but thats nothing that a good boost pedal wont fix, just like we heard herel. I'd go for the SC20, sound isn't enough for me, solid build quality is just as important. I had EVH 5150 III 50 watt and I sent it back after 3 days, it sounded really brutal but it felt super cheap to use, the control knobs felt like I was playing with Legos, so back it went, I dont care how good it sounded, it was difficult to use.
Well I think that it's good to have an option to turn off the FX loop since the original 2203 doesn't have one. I think they did pretty good job with the studio classic series but there is a notable difference to originals. For example this mini JCM 800 isn't as bright sounding as original 2203 and it has more gain. I own an original 2203 (you can actually get the vintage JCM 800s cheaper than the mini version new).
Anyone commenting on any of the 20/5 Watt studio series amps based entirely on a TH-cam review really needs to get into a music store and try it out for yourself. They’re better than you might think for being the Marshalls that they are.
I've noticed alot of amps in my price range really seem to have too much gain and seem to be geared more toward using it. Its hard to tell on you tube. Price would mean I'd be going dsl or origin.
Thanks for the vid. I agree with Jim Marshall, "the DSL is the best amp he ever made". I have both the DSL 20HR and the Studio Vintage. I wouldn't have a need for the 800. The DSL and the Vintage can cover that boring middle ground 800 sound if ever needed.
Between these two its totally 2,5x worth it. Mini JCM 800 totally destroys the dsl here. Dont get me wrong dsl is a good amp. I dont really like your eq setting since you make the sound so muddy (your dsl high gain sound is surprisingly awfull since its so scooped) but i think the best option would still be buying a vintage 2203 or 2204 and an attenuator since they cost around the same as the new mini JCM 800.
It`s funny how the LP turned all these amps to MUD!!! Also NOT ALL AMPS sound at their best through V30`s!!! Some amps Blossom with them and sound rubbish through GT-75`s... (Friedman amps, for example, sound awesome through V30`s and not as good through GT-75`s... So this video doesn`t really represent the best possible tone these amps can produce... (Don`t get me wrong, this is an exceptional video showcasing these amp tones, through V30`s...) I have 'Several' amps BUT equally, I have 'Several' Cabs with differing Speaker Voicings to really EXTRACT the full potential array of TONES from each amp... Maybe one day (Time allowing) I might demonstrate this to give people a much TRUER representation of each amp...
Tell that to the pro's. But I'm sure ur a pro player. U no wat sounds good and what doesn't. Let's all take ur advice and become shitty players. Thank you
I wasn't expecting this, but the DSL sounded a lot better. Plus it's more versatile for the studio, gives you more options to tweak the tone. And frankly I don't care where an amp is made. The days where American or European made products were automatically superior to Asian are long gone.
I completely agree here. I have an acoustic guitar from Indonesia and a couple of PRS SE's from Korea, and they're all great guitars. Sure, they might use cheaper pickups, tonewoods, hardware etc, but the build quality is better than Gibson in my opinion. I bought a secondhand DSL20 recently and at the price I bought it, I don't regret it, even after seeing this video.
Thanks for the vid, Jay! Man... the SC sounded rouuuuuuuuugh compared to the DSL when you got into 80s metal territory (~8:00). Really fantastic sounding amp otherwise, though. I just think it's funny, because the Long & McQuade rep I spoke to when I ordered my DSL tried to upsell me nearly $1000 canadian to a SC "as a fan of marshall amps," but I'm in a skramz/grind band. LOL
The DSL just sounds compressed to hell, I’m sure you could make the JCM sound better with some tweaking or pedals when in that genre. It’s a far superior sound the SC imo
JCM 800 sounds all the way better but i think the DSL comes closer if you turn the bass a little down and put on more mids. :) I own a vitage JCM 800 2203 and its an absolute noisy beast. Nive that the ymade these smaller classic models.
I have played both at home and both can sound awesome, or both can sound shit. Of the two there’s more volume to be had in the SC20H, and I really love the way it has that real marshall gain feel. Takes pedals well. The DSL has enough gain for most stuff and you can dial the two very close. The real nice rock tone at home in the DSL is on the green channel, 5w fully cranked, with a humbucker.
Craig Martin hey I bought one the weekend . It’s actually a very good amp . Am happy with the fact it has equally a great clean and aggressive overdrive !
Absolutely correct! It has beautiful clean far way out over SC20, and such a decent drive..somewhat mellow you hear from songs of Joe Bonamassa his iconic drive tones.
I've owned both and still have the JCM. The DSL is a great amp in its own right, and it has the Marshall sound, but it does encroach a bit into the high gain category. Marshall is known for distortion, but not not like Mesa Boogie or Peavey high gain. You can get higher gain on JCM with a boost, but you also have to dig into the strings when you strum. In other words, you have to be a better player to use it. but you do get that classic hard rock sound. The JCM is a perfect compliment to my PRS MT15
I think it sounds great and I think it is a clear winner in this comparison. Just from demos I think this and the new Studio Vintage are two of my favourite amps ever but I think I like the Vintage more.
I had the good fortune of playing the DSL 40, Origin 20, Studio Classic and Studio Vintage at a local music store. The "studio range" is simply outstanding. The DSL has way more features than any of the others but has the least pleasing feel. The Origin felt slightly better but still lost out to the more expensive cousins from the UK. If you are playing rhythm and chords, the feel may not seem that different and the DSL could sound similar to the JCM with pedals. However, when you play solos with those grieving bends, the Studio brothers swell and wail straight to your heart. People may argue about the additional cost, but the emotion they evoke is priceless. In short, I would say they feel more organic, natural and respond more predictably to your picking and strumming. Based on my experience, I would recommend not making a decision based solely on TH-cam videos. You should go and try all of the options on your mind before choosing.
Excellent comment, it's very true. Of all, I prefer the JCM800, it's the one with the most balls and the warmest sound while remaining dynamic
I like the DSL better for high gain and SC20 better for clean & crunch. Thanks for the demo! You covered a nice range of tones.
Same.. wich is a big problem :P
Another thing not mentioned is that the stock tubes in the SC are of much higher quality than the ones shipped with the DSL. Swap the cheap EL34 power tubes in the DSL with KT77's, replace the V4 with a balanced Sovtek 12AX7LPS, V3 with an EHX 12AX7 and V1 and V2 with something like NOS Baldwin or pre-war EI 12AX7 and the DSL will absolutely outperform the SC model.
Did you do/try this yourself?
I was wondering what changes should be made to swap el34 for kt77?
The dsl20 head only has three preamp tubes. At least mine does.
That's what I'd tell myself too if I couldn't afford the jcm
“Just buy it and then change everything in it” lol
6:24 "Mother, tell your children not to walk my way..."
After giving it a lot of thought for the past few months I decided to save up and got the JCM instead of the DSL. I was a bit worried the single channel was a major limitation but it is totally not the case, as demonstrated here a booster pedal on the high input will unlock that classic sound. I can only see three possible scenarios to choose the DSL over the JCM. 1. Home use as it is not nearly as loud as the JCM and you really need to crank up the JCM in order to get the full rich tone which can be a problem for those around you, even at 5W this thing's a beast. 2. People who are looking for a very specific modern scooped distortion and want to chug with no need for pedals. 3. Budget limitations. Also I run it through an Orange PPC212 closed back with V30s and it's the perfect match for me, the thick wood and grille in the Orange cabinet helps taming the brightness of the JCM. Great demo BTW!
Im suprised that 2 decent amps sound like garbage here.
🤣🤣🤣
lol
Thanks for that interesting video. I could not say, that the SC20H is always my favourite. I'm sure you could tweak the amps with the EQ, that it would be difficult to distinguish in a blind test (apart from the louder volume of the SC20H. Concerning the price, I think the DSL20HR is a very good deal.
Not being a smartass but the DSL is 10w low power mode I have one.
It sure is 10 watts in low power mode. I have one too.
@@markmarshall7939 It is most definitely 10 watts in low power mode. I too have one.
The Studio Classic sounds more transparent and alive to me, the DSL is like having a blanket in front of the amp...
I agree
Y is it a cold amp
Funny, I hear the exact opposite! JCM sounds very muffled to me.
Thanks for the great comparison! Unfortunately, I want both heads now. Classic cleans and DSL gains.
The Studio classic jcm 800 has way better natural harmonics and just sounds fuller and more alive. Guess it just depends on your budget but I heard the difference instantly.
True low volume for a family or bedroom amp the DSL is the way to go IMO. Cheers mate.
Thanks for the video! It's been a long time since I've witnessed a beating of this magnitude in an amp comparison. The JCM800 sounds great while the DSL sounds like the speakers were packed with mud and a swarm of bees was buzzing around it. The rolled off guitar volume clean tone comparison was just down right shocking.
It's a shocking difference!! there was not a single department in which the DSL was even close to match the JCM.. it actually made the JCM cleans sound amazing lol
I’ve played a 2203 and 2204 for over 25 years. I’ve also played many other Marshall amps. JVM, DSL, Vintage Modern, JCM 900. They all sound good, but they don’t have the 800 sound...not even close. I find that people who say that their DSL sounds like an 800 probably never owned one and just want to make themselves feel good. And the louder you play the 800, the more you will hear and feel the difference over the dsl range.
Tony Torres that was always the problem with the 800 s. It had to be loud in order to get that sound. I own several differend types of marshall and i find that most of the time people just don't dial in their amps right.
But it was the 800 that had that tight low end that made it stand out in the marshall line.
So it depends on what your playing .
But overall the dsl is more versatile then the 800 and therefor more suitable for most players.
I instantly liked the dirt sound of 800. But could it do some cleans in lower gain and volume?
I think there is no contest here. The Studio Classic sounds pretty glorious in comparison. The DSL still sounds great but that little JCM 800 roars with classic Marshall bite. Either would be a great choice but if you can save the money, the Studio Classic would be a lifetime amp. Now comparing to the Studio Vintage, I might lean to the Vintage more but only because it covers 60’s to 80’s pretty easy. Marshall knocks it out of the park giving some affordable lower wattage products all with EL34 tubes. Even the Origin is pretty cool and a modded Origin is the cheapest way to eargasms around.
This afternoon I have been testing the DSL 20 Watts from a friend and it sounds much better than in this video. I'm going to buy the dsl 1 watt.
for an extra $19 just get urself the DSL20
I thought about getting the SC20, but I just got the DSL 20 late last weak. I think it sounds great. I wanted marshall and marshall I got. This video does not do it justice imo. I drive a 4x12 blackstar with v30s and the distortion and cleans are on point. The cleanse with my Gibson Les Paul actually surprised me.
dude, how many videos you gonna do before you finally invest in a tuner?
Intonation the main problem ;)
Wow. Damn you just dispelled any ideas I had of being able to get away with just shelling out for the DSL20. The JCM has so much more body and richness in the clean tone. It sounds like ‘it’, while the DSL sadly doesn’t. But if the SC20 is so much more powerful, maybe the DSL40 would be a fairer comparison?
no its still a DSL
My friend bought the Marshall DSL20HR . It was broken right out of the box. He had a hard time getting it repaired as well. It sounded good but overly noisy with the gain cranked up.
Studio Classic sounds great but not 2.5 times better. I think, given that some players budget doesn't afford the difference, one could come very close with the DSL and the right speaker combination. JMHO.
What speakers would you recommend? Greenbacks or V30s? Something else?
@@MikeAndersonvinyloldies or v type?
@@MikeAndersonvinyloldies I am using Cream Backs. 2x12 cab open back, loaded with G12h75's
SJR nope...I’ve owned several dsl amps. They don’t sound like a 2203...not even close. The 2203 and 2204 absolutely kill the dsl Marshall amps.
I have the DSL20 with a 212 V30 cab. Clean boosted its a real monster. I love it !
I’m a Marshall fan good review format but you’ve managed to make both these amp sound bloody awful even when running the classic setup of les Paul into Marshall.
I think you need to improve how you’re recording TH-cam videos because neither amp should sound that bad.
Unfortunately, I totally agree with you. Sounded muddy to me.
Dude nobody wants 14 sounds out of a jcm800, it does one sound really really really well, that's what the jcm 800 is known for, so showcase that, the dsl is noisy, fuzzy, way uber distortion, trust me I own one. it's ok, but the jcm 800 is iconic, and for it to FINALLY come out in a 20(40) watt version is awesome. To actually be able to get the real jcm 800 sound from an amp in your home is remarkable! I totally respect your vid comparison but would love to see a vid just showcasing this new SC20H, I think it's awesome! Thanks for the vid man, don't mean to be a downpresser but this isn't a cornucopia amp of every great sound possible in the world .... it's a jcm 800, and that's all it needs to be.
Thats so true. I own a vintage JCM 800 2003 and it's really a one trick pony but that one trick happens to be one of the best tones in the world.
I'm sure there is a lot of jcm800 clones in 20-ish watt range (like victory)
You can’t compare these amps in this way. The first thing I noticed in the first clip is that the settings are very different. It can be right because they’re different but if you cut the resonance, the treble and the gain of the dsl and boost the treble and the gain of the SC20 is normal that the SC20 will sound fuller and brighter.
Thanks for the vid. I like the JCM800. I’ve tried the DSL20 but can’t get a good drive sound out of it, for DSL I prefer the 40 with the extra gain stages/channels.
Best advice is when you do break up volume or tone take the bass and trebles down a bit
Hmm. Thanks for the demo. Keen to get my hands on both and try em out in a shop.
I guess it's about that history of rock and roll to own the jcm isn't it. Sure, and also the quality of the sound. An amp is an amp, but sure you get what you pay for aye. You can probably achieve the same results, but we're after that feeling as well aren't we. Get those goosebumps going!
I have the DSL head and it sounds nothing like this in the room,there’s way to much bass in this recording making it sound like mud.
Marshall’s have always been bright sounding amps.
So don’t be put off by this recording of the DSL is a great sounding amp if you want those Marshall tones on a budget.
Yeah his dsl tone sucks. Less bass, more mids and maybe less gain= much better. I have jcm 800 2203 but I really like the classic gain channel of the dsl models.
Agreed, my DSL20HR kicks ass........................
DSLs have way too much bass.
I love mine, but my bass is only on 2 and it still thumps bard af!
MadAxeMan & others concerned with the amount of bass in the recording, look at his 3 band settings. Could use a serious reduction of bass and increase of mids. Also, interesting that people think this amp is scooped in character... I'm pretty sure it's not normal to be running the presence and resonance at noon by default. I tried the combo version for a while - cranked up - in my local store the other day and found it sounded perfectly fine with both those settings all the way down, despite what other people with no experience using the amp constantly claim.
@@christophergregory1205 Maybe you'd prefer something with EL84s then! People always talk about the lack of "thump" with those power tubes. I don't think the DSL can use 'em, though. Great amp though, IMO. Glad you like yours. I'm looking forward to when mine is finally delivered
@@ChrisAnguishMusic
I'm not a huge fan of EL84s. I'm definetely an EL34 guy. But I'm also running my DSL with a 4x12. But even through my 1x12, my bass is only at 4.
I heard the 800 is assembled in England, but the parts come from the same factory as the dsl
I've owned and played both.The DSL20 is a great sounding amp and very good value for money, but if you're after that classic 80's rock and hair metal sound, the JCM is definitely the one you want. The DSL does kinda encroach into the high gain territory a bit, but it still sounds like a Marshall. The SC20 on the other hand doesn't have an awful lot of gain on tap and more of a 'classic Marshall', that thing is a BEAST.
Are the valves on the studio classic mounted on the pc board or does it have PROPER valve mountings ?
I’m waiting for my DSL20H to arrive. Paid $370 for a used one. I’m sure some tube swapping would help. I had the DSL15 that I modded the gain Channel and it was much better than stock. Sold it because it did not have an effects loop. The DSL20H could easily be modded, have to check a few forums.
I don't understand. Didn't you see that it didn't have an effects loop. What were u thinking oh I'll just buy it, mod it, then realize hey it don't have an effects loop so damn it I'll sell it. I wouldn't buy another one if I were u cause it might not have an effects loop again then u'll have to sell it again. No sense in buying it if it don't have an effects loop. It is hard to see if it has an effects loop so I wouldn't take a chance again. Or still I would recommend u buy the Marshall SC20 cause I know that one has an effects loop then for sure you won't have to sell it again. jmho
spada60 First off, I bought the DSL15 for a good price and expected to modify it. I work in electronics, so that is something I enjoy doing. The DSL20H has more volume and features like built in effects loop, Reverb and external input. It just didn’t see worth my time to add an effects loop and miss out on the additional upgrades. Anyways, I am loving this amp! For practice at home I stream TH-cam backing tracks into the external input and play along to it. I have the gain around 1-2 o’clock position on the ultra channel. When I do max out gain on the ultra it still sounds incredible. This amp also offers resonance and presence that the 15 did not have.
It's like comparing DSL2000 100W with jcm800 2203 100W. But nice to hear comparison between those two small, 80's singature vs 90's.
Ok just put a mullard cv4004 in v1 and jj ecc803 in v2 in your dsl. And your tone will be open and the same as the jcm 800... Just for 50€....
The DSL 20 is 2-EL34s in Class A configuration. It's power amp is a class A amplifier.
I bought the DSL40C a few years ago. I swapped all tubes and put a V30. It rocks.
Never heard of a V30 tube. Who makes those, are they better than the stock tubes? R they alien tubes? Do any of the pros use them? What store sells them? Would you seriously recommend the V30s over the stock tubes? Please enlighten us
spada60 DSL40c is a combo you derelict. I think he means the speaker 🤔
spada60 You busted on my post too because I sold the DSL15 because it had no effects loop. I had mentioned that , but wasn’t the only reason. It was a combo and I wanted a head version amp.
Both sound great. It wasn't until I tried them out in store i could get a meaningful difference in voice. interesting to see the eq settings you & I had where near identical. i chose to go a bit more mids on the DSL & push the mid scoop button for that sound. As you said the Studio Classic was much louder, additionally it retained a bit more note clarity at higher gain settings. The DSL has a fantastic gain structure & goes into overdrive at very low volumes. I came home with the DSL because it retains enough classic Marshall sound for classic gigging & modern metal. If it was a Marshall for me alone at home, definitely the Studio.
I'm considering the DSL20 as my next purchase. Yes, the Studio Classic is, on the whole, probably better. More sustain and overtones seem to come through, but considering the price and the fact that I preferred more than a few of the DSL tones, it seems an obvious choice. Yes, when I win the lottery, I will buy ALL the gear, but I just want a decent head+combo that's usable at home or on a gig, and I'm not playing any huge venues. Still, not impressed with the sub $1k cabinets from Marshall. Would it be heresy to use a Vox 2'x12 cab with greenbacks?
Really nice video. The LP has the nut out of whack I think, or maybe pressing to0 hard on the strings, or need heavier strings. In some of the stuff I can hear the a5/b5 chords going out of whack, like the e is sharp on the a and in tune on the b chord, or the opposite where the a chord is in tune and the b is out. Just providing some feedback, and I struggle with the same thing. Like I pickup a LP and I can't make that thing sound in tune until I play it for a while and kind of figure out how to compensate for what's going on. Video very well done though, thanks.
Can you use only one "side" of fx loop of DSL20HR? So for example connect fx loop send to an audio interface input. FX loop return stays empty. So, what happens? Does this damage the poweramp?
Dsl20 sounds like the dsl100 I got stuck playing thru in a studio. mushy, compressed, buzzy. I'll keep my Soldano thank u.
Maybe that's because ur brain is mushy, compressed, and buzzy
Ya, and maybe not, my money goes on the amp. Rest of the band just looked at the amp like what the ....?
Great demo Jay !!!!
So i own a 2015 DSL40C(Vietnamese) and i just got the JCM800 studio head around christmas(2021). The DSL in this vid sounds muddier or fuzzier than mine(maybe its me but mine is also much older w/ JJ tubes) my dsl i run a Mesa buffer into a Waza SD1(long cables) on the green crunch channel with the SD1 Im capable of nailing the JCM800 tone with a fuller tone. The JCM800 is totally worth it though, but if all the DSL40CRs sound like this, try to find an earlier one 🤷🏻♂️
I'm wondering, if you're going to compare both of these amps shouldn't the EQ settings be the exact same? How are you supposed to hear the true difference or similarities when you have each amp EQ'd differently?
Ended up with the dsl, really enjoying it. When the time comes i will get a real jcm800 :)
there you go!
Seems to me of you put a range master style treble booster like the analogman Beano boost in the front end of the dsl it would sound much much more similar to the studio classic. Possibly even indistinguishable
I'm tella what I have had both at this point well both Combo's and if you want bedroom level gain. The DSL20CR is the way to go. It takes pedals great as well on the clean channel - my local shop said everyone tries pedals on the DSL's and the guy's were like I don't know why - I do. Yes if you live in an environment that you can play loud or play in a band the JCM 800 is fuller and livelier. For at Home DSL all the way. - My two cents. Cheers boys.
Good video Dude !!!
damn was getting set to pull the plug on a DSL..no i think i need to save my pennies..that little extra is what makes your ok tone a great tone..
I like both of them having a DSL 20 head...I find it pulls out lots of treble, nearly fizzy...so I need to go the lower gain and high master and guitar roll back path, mid full, bass low, treble low, presence etc low..one thing is also the studio emulated line out..does not sound very well ( so far)..compare it with others like Hughes and Kettner or Black Star? .. Yes you can mic it but loud..I like the sound of your 2 x 12.. Nice speaker mix!
I’m getting the studio and mini rectifier for everything it won’t do.
Mr. Mann i have the mini, now i want the silver jubilee mini
It sounds like the SC20H works better cleaner with some form of boost and the DSL sounds better on high gain, maybe just me.
I have both. I prefer the DSL for gigging. We play 80’s rock normally.
Sound nothing like the 1980s jcm 800 lead sirus. What's happened to mashall
if you have chance can you compare the 3 models of the marshall studio. dont know if gonna sell my 2525H for the mini plexi.
Great video, I've been waiting for a comparison on these. I liked the DSL for the high gain stuff. No way the JCM800 is worth $800 more. I'm getting the DSL40CR, it rocks.
Ed 40cr is amazing, own one and love it to death!
Ed the 800 is built in the Uk totally worth the extra money. DSl has bad QC
I just bought the dsl40cr and it’s amazing
My DSL 20 Head is fine. No problem with QC at all!!! Sounds incredible through my Egnater 4×12"...no pedals, just straight in!!!
Just to share some personal experience as perspective. I had to order the DSL20 three times until I got a unit that didn't have a completely weird, constant rustling sound on the background (and no, new, better tubes wouldn't fix that issue). If you're lucky to get a good unit the DSLs are great, but from my experience I would say they do have bad QC.
That was a real Fizzfest.
Do you mean both amps or just the dsl?
Even though there both 20 watt is there much volume difference?
Overall, no, but the breakup is different with both amps.
@@thejay thanks :)
Thank you Sir!
I owned a DSL 20 for just over a year before it developed serious issues, as DSL's do. And I now have a SC20. I bought it because DSL's just don't last and it gets wasteful. Now the sound difference: Imagine the difference between the worst Chinese made Epiphone Les Paul when production just started there and a Gibson custom shop 59 reissue. That about sums it up. The SC20 is so so so much better, richer, more articulate in every way. I didn't realise what garbage the DSL was until I heard the SC20 in person. It's near impoosible to hear the real distictions between the two over the speakers in your computer and recorded on the video maker's phone. But you definetly get what you pay for
I have the last generation dsl 15h and it sounds much better to my ears than the dsl20h. Both these amps have nice cleans. Crank the gain too high and you get mud and fizz. I don't turn the gain up beyond 3 with ultra gain channel, and mostly use classic gain with pedals because red channel sounds like crap. Overall I love my amp through 4x12 V30s.
I did the same when I had one - never used Ultra Gain.
In this video, they both sounded fizzy. Not like Cactus or Fastway.
Fizzy like the dreaded Metal Zone.
The DSL definitely has more gain but thats nothing that a good boost pedal wont fix, just like we heard herel. I'd go for the SC20, sound isn't enough for me, solid build quality is just as important. I had EVH 5150 III 50 watt and I sent it back after 3 days, it sounded really brutal but it felt super cheap to use, the control knobs felt like I was playing with Legos, so back it went, I dont care how good it sounded, it was difficult to use.
Well I think that it's good to have an option to turn off the FX loop since the original 2203 doesn't have one. I think they did pretty good job with the studio classic series but there is a notable difference to originals. For example this mini JCM 800 isn't as bright sounding as original 2203 and it has more gain. I own an original 2203 (you can actually get the vintage JCM 800s cheaper than the mini version new).
You had me excited for a minute. I don't see any used JCM 800's for under $2200
Anyone commenting on any of the 20/5 Watt studio series amps based entirely on a TH-cam review really needs to get into a music store and try it out for yourself. They’re better than you might think for being the Marshalls that they are.
Plus you forgot to mention the tone shift switch on the dsl. Love that switch.....
I love my dsl40c!!!
Dude, I own a DSL20, and the JCM800 studio shits all over it!!!!! Sold!
I've noticed alot of amps in my price range really seem to have too much gain and seem to be geared more toward using it. Its hard to tell on you tube. Price would mean I'd be going dsl or origin.
Thanks for the vid. I agree with Jim Marshall, "the DSL is the best amp he ever made". I have both the DSL 20HR and the Studio Vintage. I wouldn't have a need for the 800. The DSL and the Vintage can cover that boring middle ground 800 sound if ever needed.
Can you however get a dsl setting that comes close to the studio vintage?
How did you mic up the cab just curious ?
Between these two its totally 2,5x worth it. Mini JCM 800 totally destroys the dsl here. Dont get me wrong dsl is a good amp. I dont really like your eq setting since you make the sound so muddy (your dsl high gain sound is surprisingly awfull since its so scooped) but i think the best option would still be buying a vintage 2203 or 2204 and an attenuator since they cost around the same as the new mini JCM 800.
It`s funny how the LP turned all these amps to MUD!!! Also NOT ALL AMPS sound at their best through V30`s!!!
Some amps Blossom with them and sound rubbish through GT-75`s... (Friedman amps, for example, sound awesome through V30`s and not as good through GT-75`s... So this video doesn`t really represent the best possible tone these amps can produce... (Don`t get me wrong, this is an exceptional video showcasing these amp tones, through V30`s...)
I have 'Several' amps BUT equally, I have 'Several' Cabs with differing Speaker Voicings to really EXTRACT the full potential array of TONES from each amp... Maybe one day (Time allowing) I might demonstrate this to give people a much TRUER representation of each amp...
SC20 for low gain, DSL20 for High gain … what a surprise ^^
Y r u surprised that the DSL sounds inferior to the SC20? That shoudn't shock u mon. C'mon stop snorting too much mon
spada60 You my friend is what we call a TROLL. Why do you need to leave negative comments. Why not respond and be helpful or go away.
I can’t believe how bad these two amp sound. I was expecting more from Marshall. Thanks for the comparison
I've got DSL 20 and I've played the studio classic. They both sound much better than in this video. It's all in eq
Tell that to the pro's. But I'm sure ur a pro player. U no wat sounds good and what doesn't. Let's all take ur advice and become shitty players. Thank you
I wasn't expecting this, but the DSL sounded a lot better. Plus it's more versatile for the studio, gives you more options to tweak the tone. And frankly I don't care where an amp is made. The days where American or European made products were automatically superior to Asian are long gone.
I completely agree here. I have an acoustic guitar from Indonesia and a couple of PRS SE's from Korea, and they're all great guitars. Sure, they might use cheaper pickups, tonewoods, hardware etc, but the build quality is better than Gibson in my opinion. I bought a secondhand DSL20 recently and at the price I bought it, I don't regret it, even after seeing this video.
The volume should be equal, otherwise it wouldn't be fair
Thanks for the vid, Jay! Man... the SC sounded rouuuuuuuuugh compared to the DSL when you got into 80s metal territory (~8:00). Really fantastic sounding amp otherwise, though. I just think it's funny, because the Long & McQuade rep I spoke to when I ordered my DSL tried to upsell me nearly $1000 canadian to a SC "as a fan of marshall amps," but I'm in a skramz/grind band. LOL
Thank you for watching!
The DSL just sounds compressed to hell, I’m sure you could make the JCM sound better with some tweaking or pedals when in that genre. It’s a far superior sound the SC imo
Too much mid's in the 800 for me, I like my american scooped tone which I feel the DSL gives.
I own the DSL20 & the JCM 800 sounds better, imo.
JCM 800 sounds all the way better but i think the DSL comes closer if you turn the bass a little down and put on more mids. :) I own a vitage JCM 800 2203 and its an absolute noisy beast. Nive that the ymade these smaller classic models.
I have played both at home and both can sound awesome, or both can sound shit. Of the two there’s more volume to be had in the SC20H, and I really love the way it has that real marshall gain feel. Takes pedals well. The DSL has enough gain for most stuff and you can dial the two very close. The real nice rock tone at home in the DSL is on the green channel, 5w fully cranked, with a humbucker.
I think the 20w Jubilee blows either one away! Just mho.
Craig Martin hey I bought one the weekend . It’s actually a very good amp . Am happy with the fact it has equally a great clean and aggressive overdrive !
Absolutely correct! It has beautiful clean far way out over SC20, and such a decent drive..somewhat mellow you hear from songs of Joe Bonamassa his iconic drive tones.
U mean Just mdh(dishonest)o
People always bring up the jubilee like they are comparable.The price points are miles apart which is probably why the jubilee sounds better.
I think they both sound like ac15 with a dirt pedal
How can i have modern tone with dsl20?
I’m pretty sure both those Amps can sound much better than these really bad tones you dialed in, just saying
My eras says you are right
I played one today. Sounds like garbage. I have an 82 JCM 800. sound nothing like it. NO punch, not brightness, It sounds cheap. Disappointed at best.
Sc20h or dsl100?
JCM sounds really good with a boost pedal, the DSL seems to have way too much gain on tap.
I've owned both and still have the JCM. The DSL is a great amp in its own right, and it has the Marshall sound, but it does encroach a bit into the high gain category. Marshall is known for distortion, but not not like Mesa Boogie or Peavey high gain.
You can get higher gain on JCM with a boost, but you also have to dig into the strings when you strum. In other words, you have to be a better player to use it. but you do get that classic hard rock sound. The JCM is a perfect compliment to my PRS MT15
DSL wins!!! Better sound!!! $800 on my pocket!!!
Ur missing $800 from ur brain
I prefer the more modern gain of the DSL...hides my sloppy playing nowadays
spada60 all you do is reply negatively to everyone’s post.
Thanks a lot !
Lol the JCM sounds like ass! And everyone's scared to admit it!
I think it sounds great and I think it is a clear winner in this comparison. Just from demos I think this and the new Studio Vintage are two of my favourite amps ever but I think I like the Vintage more.
please don't knock poor people
@@spada60 Who was knocking poor people?
Les Paul is a metal beast huh? My dsl does not get that saturated gain you have at 8:19 ever and I have dimarzios
Not even close..jcm for the win
You need some higher quality mics or something
Yeah, love the lead tone.....oh wait. Wrong channel.........
Hmm I prefer using my volume to clean up a dirty channel 80% of the time
Strange I actually prefer the sound of the DSL
...it happens 🤘🏻
PLEXI PLEASE
*plecksi plis*
why wouldnt u compare the classic and the vintage? two new 20W old school models
Coming soon...
Studio Classic obviously!
Hey Jay!!! As always KILLER video! So....now....New "Mini-800" or "Mini-Jube" for a Bouncing Souls/Bad Religion kinda punk rock? Cheers man!
thank you @J.P.Rosentreter going to say 800 right now but I duel them out here soon
@@thejay Yes!!!! Stoked for that duel.. really, I just enjoy your shootouts in general. I'll be joining the patreon as well man! Cheers!
thanks man