Was actually thinking of getting (for home studio type use) either a DSL40CR combo, or DSL20HR head to drive an extra open backed cab w mesa C90 (cel CL80) I have. Was leaning toward the combo just to get the extra channel options but would prefer a head - any thoughts?I will 2nd this wish. When the JVM series came out a friend brought his over and we A/B'd extensively. My conclusion was, it has a bunch more knobs but it didn't sound better than the lead 1 channel on the DSL. Oh and not to mention, that Jim Marshall said this was his favorite amp. I personally like the Plexis and the DSL as my favs. I could care less for the JCM 800 and would prefer a JCM 900 DR. 800s just get too muddy for me. I could get a better 800 sound with a plexi and some pedals.
I currently own a DSL 50 and would loan mine out to use as a reference if needed.
I also owned all 4 of the newer Studio 20 watters. I kept the DSL 20 and the SV20.
Well, for studio use, you would have more options with the DSL40CR with it having more channels. I personally only use the 2 CHs that the DSL20HR has and set the Classic Gain to a clean setting. So, for me, it would be best. I don't care at all for the lead 2 CH on the DSL amps and for the Crunch CH, I would just roll my volume knob or use one of my plexi amps to get that vibe.Was actually thinking of getting (for home studio type use) either a DSL40CR combo, or DSL20HR head to drive an extra open backed cab w mesa C90 (cel CL80) I have. Was leaning toward the combo just to get the extra channel options but would prefer a head - any thoughts?
I agree... Had a JVM100H with my DSL100. Bought the JVM because of the channel switching and other various functions but when it came time to thin the herd the JVM had to go. The DSL is just a real workhorse and sounds great through my 2x12 V30 cabinet. Never had a real Plexi so I can't comment , the ones in the AxeFx sound awesome.I will 2nd this wish. When the JVM series came out a friend brought his over and we A/B'd extensively. My conclusion was, it has a bunch more knobs but it didn't sound better than the lead 1 channel on the DSL. Oh and not to mention, that Jim Marshall said this was his favorite amp. I personally like the Plexis and the DSL as my favs. I could care less for the JCM 800 and would prefer a JCM 900 DR. 800s just get too muddy for me. I could get a better 800 sound with a plexi and some pedals.
I currently own a DSL 50 and would loan mine out to use as a reference if needed.
I also owned all 4 of the newer Studio 20 watters. I kept the DSL 20 and the SV20.
I have owned them both and A/Bd side by side. If there is a difference it is very little.the 100 watt head transformers are tonally superior
they sounded good
prone to smoking output transformers
I upgraded my JVM100H to a Mercury Magnetic output transformer and still preferred my DSL... LOL. Guy who purchased it from me got a steal. .Yeah seems like in some amps the magic starts happening when you are pushing their limits. Often doesn't bode well for the longevity of the amp or tubes though. I remember lots of folks upgrading to Mercury Magnetics OTs. The DSL 100 was the runner up when I switched to a Boogie Mark IV years ago. I've never played through the more recent version of the DSL, so I can't speak to that.
I did exactly that yesterday. Close enough for me. JVM, uberschall, etc all work great too.Try the brit pre for DSL type tones.