Marshall ValveState 80 - 8080 user reviews ( 6/10) - 49 user reviews

• 07/09/11

  iamqman's review

  Characteristics

  Why on earth would you need 80 watts of this amp is beyond me? This amp sounds terrible. It is sort of a hybrid amp with a preamp tube ECC83 in the preamp section. This is to get people who know that tube amps sound better in the digital solid state stuff. This amp can only sound processed with a voicing of tubes. You need the power tubs to make it feel like a real tube amp. he preamp tube is simple more for voicing and preamp gain. The real part of a tube amp is the interaction between the preamp tubes and power tubes and the feeling that they create between each other.

  Utilization

  8080: 80 Watt COMBO. Channel Selection Description
  
  
  
  CHANNEL 1 (Normal)
  
  1. Input Jack - Connects the guitar to the amplifier.
  
  2. Gain Control - Controls the gain level of the normal channel on both Clean and Crunch selections. In Clean mode, sounds remain clean, even at high gain levels. When switched to Crunch mode the amount of crunch increases as you wind the gain up.
  
  3. Clean/Crunch Rhythm Switch - Push switch to select either clean or crunch sounds on the normal channel (push in for Crunch).
  
  4-6. Bass, Middle & Treble - Full 3 band EQ for normal channel tonal selections. These controls are effective and interactive to give you incredible versatility. Try as many combinations as possible to really get to know your EQ.
  
  7. Channel Select Normal to boost channel selector switch. This function is also footswitchable. Set the switch to the in position for the footswitch to function. LED’s indicate which mode has been selected.
  
  
  
  CHANNEL 2 (Boost)
  
  8. Gain Control - Controls the gain level of the boost channel, which features ECC 83/12 AX7 valve drive. This control is effective on either overdrive selection. On OD1, it fattens the bluesy distortion and on OD2 goes from rock overdrive to full metallic thrash as you turn it up.
  
  9. Overdrive Select (OD1 to OD2) - Manually switches from creamy “classic” OD1 to screaming “Hi Gain” OD2 distortion modes.
  
  10-12. Bass, Middle & Treble - Effective 3 band EQ to shape the tone of all overdrive selections.
  
  13. Contour Control - This sweeping control shifts the mid-band voicing of the boost channel to give amazing versatility to your overdrive sounds. When used in conjunction with the 3 band EQ, this control is devastating!
  
  14. Volume Control - Controlling the overall level of the boost channel, this allows volume balancing between the two channels.
  
  
  
  MASTER SECTION
  
  15. Effects Send Jack - For linking to the input of an external effects processor.
  
  16. Effects Level Switch - Selects the level to match your external effects units (0dB for rack units and -20dB for pedals).
  
  17. Effects Return Jack - For connection from the output of an external effects processor.
  
  18. Effects Mix - Allows you to mix the effects to dry signal. Note, if no effects pocsessor in line, Effects Mix fully clockwise will result in no signal.
  
  19. Master Reverb - Controls the level of reverb effect on all channel selections.
  
  20. Master Volume - Controls the overall volume level of the amp or combo.
  
  21. Line Out Jack - Filtered low level signal for linking to a recording or mixing desk.
  
  22. Footswitch Jack - For the connection of a two way footswitch for reverb and channel selection

  Sounds

  This amp doesn't sound very good at all. You would be better off getting the entire amp a solid state. The preamp tube does nothing for this amp. The FDD is some of the other solid state amps from Marshall make the amp feel more tube like but nothing can imitate a real tube amp.
  
  
  
  This amp is really designed for practice. You cannot take this on sage and get a good sound from either the amp or the sound man, He may not even let you on stage with this thing. This is designed for home use and practice. So it is beyond me why you need 80 watts of it?

  Overall Opinion

  These amps have been fused out of production. I think the MG series has now replaced them on the market. You can certainly find them on the used market fairly cheap. I would only recommend this amp to someone just starting out with the electric guitar and needs a beginners amp. If you need a practice amp for home or office and need something that you cab plug headphones in then this is a decent amp for that.
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• 03/09/09

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by barvador/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  I've been owning this amp since 1990. The preamp sports one tube for channel 2. All other sections use high-quality mosfet components. The amp is rated at 80 watts but it sounds softer than a 30 watt all-tube amp. This amp has no cons, it's easy to use and rather comprehensive. At that time it became the first tube/solid-state hybrid amp. It's quite heavy.
  
  
  
  No effect, two channels (clean/OD1) with independent EQ sections and two nice additional crunch/OD2 modes. Contour control, adjustable FX loop, footswitch, master control, Accutronics reverb, Eminence speaker. It was a high-end product when it came out but it's only an average amp now.

  Utilization

  The clean channel has a linear and dynamic response but it sounds a bit too cold. The crunch sound is convincing.
  
  
  
  The OD channel has an other sound color thanks to the preamp's tube, the contour control is very effective and it provides a wide range of overdrive options. Very good. OD2 mode produces a strong and intense distortion. The contour allows you get sounds ranging from blues to heavy metal. The amp is very versatile. The high-frequency response is sometimes a bit too sharp.
  
  
  
  The adjustable FX loop adds versatility to your effects. You'll certainly find the sound you need. The amp sounds really nice with a good overdrive or boost pedal.

  Sounds

  Strat, Les Paul, whatever, every single guitar sounds great! The amp's response is transparent but the clean sound could be rounder and warmer. The crunch sound isn't artificial at all. The amp is very versatile even without effect pedals. When the amp was launched tube amps had become trendy again but they were very expensive because no one manufactured good tubes anymore, except for the Russians and the iron curtain has just fallen.
  
  
  
  Very versatile lead channel and settings. It's a real Marshall amp so the distortion is very good. You can enhance it with a boost or overdrive pedal like a TS9 or a DOD 308. You'll find the right sound for each music style. The amp is versatile and convenient... You can even sit down on it!

  Overall Opinion

  The potentiometers are old and generate noise so I will have to replace them. I bought a Classic 30, which give me a warmer and more bluesy sound but the Marshall is still very effective for heavy distortions.
  
  
  
  Considering the performance it's worth more than its price. It's very reliable, the tube has a long life and the OD sound is interesting. It provided a great value for money when it first came out and it had a huge success. I don't know if there is an equivalent nowadays.
  
  
  
  I would buy it again. At that time, Fender amps (the '85 for example) didn't sound good and amps from other brands in this price range sounded cold. Notice: it doesn't provide the sound of an all-tube Marshall amp. It sounds cleaner and brighter.
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• 12/15/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by victhebig/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Hybrid amp with one preamp tube.
  
  
  
  Controls: tube gain, bass, mid, high, channel on/off, OD1/OD2 drive, contour, FX loop with dry/wet mix, reverb, master volume, line out.

  Utilization

  It's my first big amp so my opinion is very subjective.
  
  
  
  This is an old Marshall Valvestate model so I'm going to have to service it. I'll replace the condensers, resolder the connectors, eventually replace the potentiometers, clean it thoroughly, replace the speaker (for a Vintage Celestion), etc.
  
  
  
  Sometimes, it shows typical Valvestate defects: noise, signal level loss... You must know how to service it!

  Sounds

  Excellent sound but you'll need a booster pedal for lead guitar parts when playing with a band.
  
  
  
  Clean rhythm parts have a pleasant and natural presence.
  
  
  
  The clean channel with high gain settings sounds great with distortion pedals (Rat Proco).
  
  
  
  Rhythm parts with OD2 and the Contour turned all the way are perfect for heavy metal.
  
  
  
  The OD1 setting produces nice and typical TS9 or AC/DC chord sounds.

  Overall Opinion

  I've had it one week. Its sound quality and character are very impressive even at home with very low output volumes.
  
  
  
  Nevertheless, you'll need an additional 4x12" cabinet when you play with a band... or you'll get a "mosquito sound"! In this case, watch out for your ears!
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• 12/12/08

  Audiofanzine FR's review

  Characteristics

  (Originally written by laurentdom/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
  
  Connections, settings and output power have already been described.
  
  
  
  I only miss a headphone output.

  Utilization

  Very easy setup.
  
  
  
  The clean option is worth a description. It provides a classic clean tone, but with the crunch switch you get a more bluesy sound. I like the latter... It sounds great with a delay pedal.
  
  
  
  Even if the clean sound isn't quite as good as that of a Fender, it's very nice.
  
  
  
  The distortion/overdrive option can be boosted. When you play with the settings, especially with the gain control (to get some tube action), you get a really nice vintage sound!! (I play a Les Paul with 57 Classic pickups).
  
  
  
  I always find a sound fulfilling my needs... It's true that you need to play a bit with the knobs, but anybody ought to be able to find a satisfying sound.
  
  
  
  User's manual???? I never needed it!!! (the amp is 15 years old and I lost the user's manual along the way...)

  Sounds

  I mainly play southern rock, Led Zeppelin, blues, etc. And heavy metal in some rare occasions.
  
  
  
  The crunch sound is very good. The overdrive too. The distortion sound perfectly matches my taste. It doesn't sound too muddy. I really like this amp.

  Overall Opinion

  If you are not a heavy metal fan this amp might be right for you! I've been using it for about 5 years and I never thought about selling it. It will die a natural death in my arms... :-)
  
  
  
  I love its vintage sound, and its crunch for blues songs.
  
  
  
  Very good value for money.
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• 02/06/12

  le reverend's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Transistor amplifier with a lamp in the preamp. Rather not badly built, memory.

  Utilization

  Using ultra-simple
  
  We easily get a sound. Well, it's different ...

  Sounds

  For rock not too demanding, it suits provided not push too hard earnings, whether on the OD1 or OD2
  
  The OD2 has in any case tend to be very rough, suddenly it can please the beginner to the extent that defects are eaten after the distortion.
  
  
  
  In clear channel is flat, very flat, too flat. I who love playing the blues on the clean channel, then forget about.

  Overall Opinion

  I bought this amp without knowing anything about it when it was released in 94 or something like that. Marshall was written on it and I had not too much wheat I could not believe you can pay me a Marshall. Especially if it has no point of comparison, it makes the distortion effect, we already see. Well, it was the honeymoon. It did not last.
  
  
  
  Sold after 18 months, the machine can not bear comparison with real tube amps in terms of expressiveness and warmth of sound, as for the quality of the distortion.
  
  I went on a small Mesa, which not only makes me really discover what a distortion amp, but also made me discover what a true clean channel successfully.
  
  Therefore sold, and I never regretted. If some find this amp great is that you must not ask the same thing to an amp then.
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• 02/06/12

  poeticboy's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Fabulous"

  Characteristics

  Preamp tube 12AX7 ECC83 or
  
  Power amplifier transistor
  
  effects loop, input jack, footswitch jack ...
  
  It delivers 80 watts (really powerful, to cover a drummer)
  
  It has two channels clear, and two saturated (a "bluesy, and a rather metal)
  
  It also has a high quality reverb

  Utilization

  Very easy to setup, it sounds right now ...
  
  No need for manual ...
  
  From light to trash the entire range of sound is absolutely fabulous ...
  
  Since 8080, Marshall has never made an amp as versatile and so cheap (€ 500 in nine at the time, if I remember)

  Sounds

  It is ideal for clean tones, crunch, blues, and especially with larger distos ...
  
  I use it with an RG 470, S420, and even with a small electro-acoustic label, and it sounds perfectly without distorting the sound of my guitars ...!

  Overall Opinion

  I have over the last ten years (I got two of this model)
  
  I played on an Ibanez 150 Watts, 80 Watts Carlsbro, 8100 Marshall 100 watt two bodies, and even owned a JCM 900 all-tube two bodies ... 8080 remains the best for its power and sound quality ... even the JCM 900, deemed high-end did not sound as good ...
  
  To 250 or even 300 € occas, do not let this opportunity pass ... it will not come ...
  
  The 8080 remains a best seller in Marshall ...
  
  again, for years that I cheeks above EVERYDAY, never had a problem ...
  
  In short, a dream amp, to have absolutely
  
  If I had to start over, I buy it eyes closed ...
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• 02/01/12

  pregnier3's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " beautiful, good, cheap .."

  Characteristics

  Hybrid, 80watts,

  Utilization

  versatile, easy utiliser.Puissant for an amp of this size

  Sounds

  may be suitable for many styles combined to a stratum american.Le 'clean'est amazingly clear

  Overall Opinion

  I purchased used in early January, it is like new, attractive and technically, I play for 40 years I tried several more expensive amps and believe me I have more things for my argent.De is sold well!
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• 11/12/11

  Maiden25's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Almost perfect"

  Characteristics

  pre-amp tube
  
  
  
  6 input: line-out jack, switch, stomp, send, line out, return
  
  
  
  80W, 1X12 HP "
  
  
  
  1 channel "clear": gain, treble, middle, bass + 1 "button" for the passage of the light to the crunch
  
  
  
  1 channel "distortion" gain, treble, middle, bass, contour, volume distortion to make the channel distortion + strong or less strong than the clean channel + 1 "button" for the passage of an in overdrive overdrive 2
  
  
  
  1 channel "general" volume effect, reverb, master volume

  Utilization

  The setup is relatively simple
  
  
  
  The manual is in English
  
  
  
  Is obtained when it is known to use an amp ...

  Sounds

  It should be quite my style of music I play heavy metal ...
  
  
  
  In his clear j'obtient crystal clear sound in his bluesy crunch sound comes into play or the lamp in an overdrive gives a slight distortion perfect for playing Led Zeppelin and all things rock n 'roll, and overdrive 2 it's a ... awesome!
  
  one can choose the sound of the distortion with the desired contour knob, for example if you want a fat you just turn the knob! Finally, after everyone's tastes, you have to like the sound marshall!
  
  
  
  I play with a JS32r Jackson floyd rose and a strat strato

  Overall Opinion

  Try having a certain amount of other amp I can tell you that passing rate of this amp you make a mistake, forget the amp modeling marshall trying to imitate, he may well have some years it does not play in any the sound quality!
  
  
  
  What I like most: almost all quality / unbeatable price (bought € 150, is much better than some all-tube amp entry level costing € 600 more) and I also like the almost total lack of Feedback
  
  
  
  What I like least: turn off the amp:) No seriously, its weight, to carry this amp should not have back pain, it makes more 20Kg
  
  
  
  I would do without hesitation that choice
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• 08/26/11

  yann4140's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Hybrid Combo (one ECC83 in the prémaplis), 80W, fx loop, footswitch jack, 2CH, with each 2modes So the gain is staged in four different sounds, EQ per channel, control "tone" to move from his typed a british a more compressed (everything is relative). A hp, I think from memory it is still a celestion.

  Utilization

  config simple, just turn the knobs, the sound must love eh ^ ^ it's marshall, for my part it was rather marchemal ... Obviously bought used, potentiometers changed but I always had disturbing parasites and other whistles. I have never been able to find the sound I wanted, of course you will say it marshall, we like it or not, for me it was my first amp, and not really afford to buy else ^ ^ so here goes.

  Sounds

  um not really convincing, giving more metal in the register, I liked a clearer sound. The second overdrive mode is horrible, no way to get anything too runny, not to say nazillard dégeu ... oh sorry I said?

  Overall Opinion

  I kept my 2 years, it seems, it starts to do relatively far, water has flowed under the bridge since then ... For a beginner it's probably a good solution but it will soon consider a rise in quality.
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• 11/22/10

  guido's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Very very good!"

  Characteristics

  transistor with a lamp 12ax preamp
  
  a clear channel, a saturated reverb, 80 watts

  Utilization

  config simple, effective settings, I did not have the manual with
  
  we get a good sound easily

  Sounds

  I play with a classic stratovolcano vibes and an Ibanez Talman
  
  I do not play in the clear, and clearly that's fine
  
  sound distortion is average but i do not care
  
  the 12-hp celestion is very good, warm, full ... nikel
  
  the amp is very powerful, more than enough for rehearsals and concerts!

  Overall Opinion

  I paid in the upper (180 euro) 150 euro seems to me more appropriate, but hey, it avoided me the risks of sending so ...
  
  for once having had a classic 30, a pro junior, then I'm happy to return to an amp without lights (this is still less binding), and which still sounds pretty darn good, portable, the weight is correct and a priori strong ... but it remains to be seen
  
  I already did a concert with ... and no problem, he does exactly the taf
  
  we found lots of OCCAZ, I would say quze it's time to invest, because his replacement mg did not get good press ...
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