![Marshall 2205 JCM800 Split Channel Reverb [1982-1989]](https://img.audiofanzine.com/img/product/normal/6/3/6322.jpg?fm=pjpg&w=300&h=218&fit=max&s=db272a1f1c7d13140cd9b8d3bed72b4e)
View other reviews for this product:
Audiofanzine FR
Published on 03/09/09 at 16:19
(Originally written by joemanix/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
50 watt all-tube amp (five 12AX7 and two EL34).
Front panel:
Instrument input
Two channels:
Channel 1: clean and crunch sound (bass, treble and volume controls).
Channel 2: distortion sound (bass, treble, middle, gain and volume controls).
Common to both channels: spring reverb, presence and master volume controls.
Rear panel:
FX loop
Direct out with level control
Two parallel speaker outputs
Impedance selector (4/8/16 ohms)
AC power selector (120/220/240 V AC) for full versatility
Footswitch connector for channel selection
In short, it's quite comprehensive for an old Marshall from the 80's.
UTILIZATION
Two channels switchable only via footswitch (without footswitch, the second channel is active).
Enough sound control possibilities. Easy controls. You get the classic Marshall sound when all controls are in center position.
The combination of gain, volume and master controls allows to perfectly balance the channels.
Its 50 watts are more than enough, and its sound loaded with mids/highs really cuts through the mix.
SOUNDS
The sound is present, it seems rudimentary at first but it's very effective.
It's a typical Marshall sound, the lows are not emphasized, mids and highs are strong. Distorted chord sounds accurate but the sound stays always warm and has the great ability to cut through the mix.
It's a typical rock sound but it's also very good for blues. The main advantage is the sound character. Don't expect a Mesa or Fender Twin clean sound. The first channel provides a crunch sound at high volumes (but it depends on the guitar).
The distortion of the second channel provides a big ACDC and Lenny Krawitz rock sound. The sound character is amazing. You have the impression that you're playing with an authentic amp.
Everything above describes the original amp, even though I serviced it and adjusted the bias myself.
Considering that these amps are easy to tune, I thought I could increase its performance. I first replaced all condensers with high-quality components (power supply and signal sections). The lows didn't increase but the sound became a bit clearer.
Small technical correction: the distortion of the second channel is produced by diodes. Some people say these diodes "help" the amp produce a higher distortion but the truth is that the amp overdrives thanks to the diodes.
After having studied the JCM800 2204 (all(tube single channel amp without diodes), I reproduced the distortion circuitry of the 2204 (V2) to implement it in the 2205. I had to add a 12AX7 tube, some resistors and condensers, and also adapt the original circuit to bypass the diode bridge.
The result: the distortion and the sound color are almost identical but the sound is much more precise and dynamic to get a more expressive sound.
But don't try this if you don't have enough knowledge, high voltages of tube circuitries can be dangerous and even fatal.
OVERALL OPINION
This amp is magical. I use it often with its reverb and without any other effect.
The amp is not very versatile but it allows you to play rock and blues, it's good enough for me!
Even if it sounds raw, it always cuts through the mix without a sweat.
Now that I tuned it I will keep it a very long time.
50 watt all-tube amp (five 12AX7 and two EL34).
Front panel:
Instrument input
Two channels:
Channel 1: clean and crunch sound (bass, treble and volume controls).
Channel 2: distortion sound (bass, treble, middle, gain and volume controls).
Common to both channels: spring reverb, presence and master volume controls.
Rear panel:
FX loop
Direct out with level control
Two parallel speaker outputs
Impedance selector (4/8/16 ohms)
AC power selector (120/220/240 V AC) for full versatility
Footswitch connector for channel selection
In short, it's quite comprehensive for an old Marshall from the 80's.
UTILIZATION
Two channels switchable only via footswitch (without footswitch, the second channel is active).
Enough sound control possibilities. Easy controls. You get the classic Marshall sound when all controls are in center position.
The combination of gain, volume and master controls allows to perfectly balance the channels.
Its 50 watts are more than enough, and its sound loaded with mids/highs really cuts through the mix.
SOUNDS
The sound is present, it seems rudimentary at first but it's very effective.
It's a typical Marshall sound, the lows are not emphasized, mids and highs are strong. Distorted chord sounds accurate but the sound stays always warm and has the great ability to cut through the mix.
It's a typical rock sound but it's also very good for blues. The main advantage is the sound character. Don't expect a Mesa or Fender Twin clean sound. The first channel provides a crunch sound at high volumes (but it depends on the guitar).
The distortion of the second channel provides a big ACDC and Lenny Krawitz rock sound. The sound character is amazing. You have the impression that you're playing with an authentic amp.
Everything above describes the original amp, even though I serviced it and adjusted the bias myself.
Considering that these amps are easy to tune, I thought I could increase its performance. I first replaced all condensers with high-quality components (power supply and signal sections). The lows didn't increase but the sound became a bit clearer.
Small technical correction: the distortion of the second channel is produced by diodes. Some people say these diodes "help" the amp produce a higher distortion but the truth is that the amp overdrives thanks to the diodes.
After having studied the JCM800 2204 (all(tube single channel amp without diodes), I reproduced the distortion circuitry of the 2204 (V2) to implement it in the 2205. I had to add a 12AX7 tube, some resistors and condensers, and also adapt the original circuit to bypass the diode bridge.
The result: the distortion and the sound color are almost identical but the sound is much more precise and dynamic to get a more expressive sound.
But don't try this if you don't have enough knowledge, high voltages of tube circuitries can be dangerous and even fatal.
OVERALL OPINION
This amp is magical. I use it often with its reverb and without any other effect.
The amp is not very versatile but it allows you to play rock and blues, it's good enough for me!
Even if it sounds raw, it always cuts through the mix without a sweat.
Now that I tuned it I will keep it a very long time.