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Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/09/09 at 18:41
(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.
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.