Marshall 8080 Valvestate V80 [1991-1996] user reviews ( 6/10) - 59 user reviews

• 05/08/12

  kyleohare's review "Not a bad Marshall. It was OK - but NOT a JCM800. "

  Characteristics

  Solid state, 80 watts of power (too much for a 1x12, imho). 2 Channels, one which is tube preamp'ed for gain. I don't remember if it had a cab / out jack... I might have mod'ed mine with one if I remember correctly. 1x12 Celestion speaker, white label I think.

  Utilization

  I used this amp as a 'backup' for a few years, and while the controls never really bothered me it was super heavy and a big PITA to haul around. I don't think it had a Cabinet out jack, which ticked me off at the time.

  Sounds

  Sounded pretty good, I don't agree with some reviewers that it sounded horrible. You would be hard pressed to find a Marshall that sounds like dog droppings.
  
  
  
  The tube in the preamp stage made the dirty channel OK, but it was still lacking something. Maybe because they used an ECC83? instead of a 12AX7 or something.
  
  The cleans were merely OK, and not even close to my Fender tube amps.

  Overall Opinion

  It was OK. As a backup. Wouldn't want it as my 'main rig' though. I could play over the drummer, and FX sounded good through the clean channel, but not GREAT. It was kind of unreliable too, but that's probably because mine was used so much, and for a great number of years before I owned it. After replacing some POTs, and getting it serviced though, it was a good backup amp.
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• 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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• 01/07/04

  MGR/nick dixon's review "Marshall Valvestate 8080"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  i got this amp second hand from a freind
  
  
  
  well at the time i thought it was a really good amp. I mean it had two channels, one is clean and the other is the overdrive channel. They are handy if you like playing the blues, or getting a simmaler sound...Apart from that there isnt a lot more on the amp. Its quite loud and its got a marshall name on it. its got a big twelve inch speaker...thats about it.
  
  
  
  the fact its a bit limited and the clean channel keeps cutting in and out.
  
  
  
  its alright
  
  
  
  buy this amp if youre a marshall fan, but not if you like the sound of your guitar
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 01/02/04

  MGR/Bill's review "Marshall Valvestate 8080 Combo"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I've bought this combo used in a store i paid 200€ for it
  
  
  
  
  
  I like the fat sound of the pre-amp tube and the volume of this thing, this sucker is LOUD! Good contour knob on the Boost channel goes from blues type thing to trasher distortion in one turn!
  
  
  
  I\'d like a more Low-end response from the speaker its a bit trebly! and i\'d like a external speaker jack it would be useful!
  
  
  
  the construction is tank like!
  
  
  
  Good combo! very reliable and it sounds very good on recordings mic it with a good micro and you\'l see what im talking about!
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 12/15/03

  MGR/nick dixon's review "Marshall Valvestate 80V"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  Well i paid £150 for it scond hand from a freind
  
  
  
  Well to start off with its a marshall!!!!!!!!and secondly its a valve/transiter amp, so you get the sound of the valve amp...but not the cost! its got a fantastic sound and lots of fetures including gain reverb bass middle contour overdrive clean channel effects loop. super dooper amp with lots of balls...cheap to!
  
  
  
  errrm?.....oh yeah the amp dosent have much bass, buts thats not a problem
  
  
  
  fantastic quality, great looks. My marshall is like new without a scratch on it.
  
  
  
  I would recomend this guitar amp to a begginer and a proffesional alike. If you are looking for a guitar amp tht can satisfy youre needs then this is it!!!!!!
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 06/25/01

  MGR/Anonymous's review "Marshall Valvestate 8080 Head"

  Characteristics

  Utilization

  Sounds

  Overall Opinion

  I bought this amp in Edmonton for approx $650 Cdn
  
  
  
  The fat sound from the preamp valve, as well as the lead channel contour knob are excellent.
  
  
  
  
  
  nothing
  
  
  
  
  
  The inputs, as well as the power supply leads have had to be resoldered.
  
  
  
  
  
  This is an excellent amp, although Marshall has discontinued it. The 100 watt amp has replaced this model.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com
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• 05/04/13

  24fretsjk's review ( translated ) Improve this translation "Marshall offers a dynamic and seduction"

  Characteristics

  This is a hybrid amp. The clean part is controlled by transistors and saturated by a 12AX7 tube channel. It is 80 watts very present delivered by good old Marshall. I say "good" because we will see after it has everything to make.
  
  
  
  Independent settings are provided for the clean part and others to the saturated part (low, treble, mid). We surcharge adjustment for reverb, presence but also a setting 'outline' for emphasis mediums.
  
  
  
  Regarding the saturated channel, there is a choice between option OD1 and OD2.
  
  
  
  Note the presence of an effects loop with the ability to adjust the volume.
  
  
  
  So far, this is complete and there is something to tweak 'VERY EASILY' its settings.

  Utilization

  Setup is simple. In my opinion, there is not need the manual. we obtain easily the sound settings with low, mid and treble.
  
  For me the important part is the level adjustment presence where there how aggressive you choose. But above all, it is the 'Contour' button which will give the final touch. It plays on the presence of mediums, opting to treble or bass. This is really a setting that gives the amplitude to the sound of the amp.
  
  So that I found very quickly (my) right settings and I sincerely believe that all of these settings allow you to offer a wide range of sounds depending on whether you want to play the blues or address registers more aggressive.

  Sounds

  Again, when choosing a Marshall, you accept the fact that it is one of those amps that have a very typical sound.
  
  I do not address here the problem of versatility as the dexterity of some guitarists can play all styles of music with any amp.
  
  But it is true, a Marshall is done to address the rocks and logs everything that is so rich in general sustain and gain.
  
  
  
  It should not be here to have a complex amp transistor (hybrid here) compared to a tube amp. Sometimes, a good transistor amp surpass a mediocre amp lamps.
  
  It must be recognized that Marshall has amazed me by its dynamism and sound. A clean sound probably average, but perfectly acceptable with a Strat. Regarding the saturated part. I love it. I use here the more likely option OD2 (the OD1 section provides a nice crunch, but OD2 and playing with the volume knob, I prefer).
  
  
  
  I'm not a fan of pedals and other effects pedals and here, I can confirm that if you want an amp with this simplicity that everyone dreams of having, and plays the guitar is plugged, and although this amp plays a great role in this.
  
  
  
  And nothing prevents to put a little chorus or delay in the loop to refine the sound.
  
  
  
  And as mentioned above, the settings are complete and there is something easily find the right settings. For me it is almost entirely 6 (low, mid and treble), gain between 2/3 and 3/4 as appropriate, and outline 3/4 (but here are my settings).
  
  
  
  A saturation that is not necessarily with all tube amps that are not 'high gain is obtained. This means that the gain and distortion makes no effort to attack all well pêchus registers (can not be metal, huh).
  
  
  
  Finally, this amp accepts carefree good distortion pedal on the clean channel. Marshall grain is still present if we take care to put it a foot remaining neutral.

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for very long. I try, in the description of this amp to be as objective as possible, having compared to other Marshall tube and next to which he did not blush, far from it.
  
  You can you afford beautiful little scenes (the sound is generally the rest when an SM 57 before we met).
  
  I love this amp for its convenience, simplicity and generosity in the rendering of sound.
  
  Where it should be goal is to always take into consideration the combination of amp and guitar. Critics of an amp are testing it with several guitars. What I actually did.
  
  What makes me say that even though this amp is not a Fender Strat with a, we get very good cleans. In contrast, good saturated saturations are not obtained with microphones low level of output. Thus, with good microphones, a SG or a LP (I do no favors by brand!), This amp ensures a level of gain and sustain really stunning.
  
  
  
  Also, it is repeated, it is often referred to knobs that sizzle in Marshall etc, etc ...
  
  
  
  Like any instrument which is aging more, a minimum of care and regular maintenance is required.
  
  I can assure you that after all these years, no knob has been replaced or sizzling. When the amp was not heckled wildly or stored in a damp place.
  
  
  
  This is an amp that can easily make you go back to the 90s with sounds both vintage but with a nice touch of dynamism.
  
  
  
  I love Marshall, all models. There has not been, for me, good or bad. They were all different, with different qualities and orientations. Some do not like the JCM 800 but prefer the JCM 900 (and vice versa). It depends on what you want to do with his amp.
  
  
  
  For my part, this Marshall Valvestate 8080 also allowed me to not have to turn a tube amp for a few minutes or a few times in small places. And then you can play with and make virtually saturate muted (this is significant, have the dynamism without becoming deaf).
  
  
  
  I remake that choice without hesitation, and that reassures me is that we are still in very good working condition, at ridiculous prices.
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