DSL troubles

I just recently found out that the MKIII existed. I was wondering if there was any difference between this head and the SL-X. They seem to have the same features, and are from the same series.

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DSL 100 modded by jerry dyer from surreal amplification. It sounds NOTHING like a dsl anymore. The green channel screams now!!!

Marshall Amps

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Adrian R

Hey Dude,

The 900 'high-gain' MK3s were introduced before the 900 SL-Xs. I believe they made them for only 3 years (90-93') The SL-X 'MK4s' are different in that they feature 4 preamp tubes instead of 3. The design concept was to create a high gain sounding JCM800 amp with additional features (i.e. fx loop, footswitchable MV, etc.)

The MK3 amp creates the extra gain by allowing two preamp tubes to cascade achieving greater gain. The MK4 use an additional gain stage altogether with an additional preamp tube.

I've owned both amps and they both sound very good IF they are setup properly. The MK3 imo has a very unique sound (within the Marshall voice spectrum) in where the MK4 sounds very high gain 800'ish'. Downside is the noise. The MK3s are dead silent in where the MK4s hiss..

Can't go wrong with either amp..however the MK3s might be a bit cheaper due to the public's perception of a cascading preamp circuit. The SL-Xs (MK4s) are more sought after due to the additional preamp tube.

I just love the hell out of that footswitchable MV control! Stand up and let those solos BE HEARD!

Personally, I think the 900s are some of Marshall's 'best ever' sounding amps and are very reliable.

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Adrian R.
Amplification:
Marshal JCM900 MKIII 2100
Marshall JCM900 MKIII 2100 (#2)
Marshall JCM900 4100 (mods)
Marshall MG15 Micro Stack
Marshall 1960A 4x12 Cab.
Marshall JCM800 1960A 4x12 Cab.
MXR/Maxon Fx.


Guitars:
Gibson LP Standard (95')
Gibson Flying-V 67RI (06')
Gibson Flying-V V98 SE (01')
Guild DV 6 Acoustic (00')

"Only two tones apply: loud and LOUDER"

DSL troubles

Thanks Adrian!!

I once had a 4100, and it was a pretty nice sounding amp. I do prefer the 800 series though. I never knew much about the SL-X, besides they were a more bare bones amp, and I think they had 5881 power tubes. I saw the 900 MKIII on ebay, and the description said it was an 800 with more gain.... I have always been a bit weary about amps claiming to sound like an 800. I think only the 800 has this very distinct sound. Some get close, but lack the mojo that you can hear in the real deal. I do like the 900's warmth. Thats what I remember most about my 900, it was a very warm sounding amp. Ive seen the SL-X on craigs list pretty cheap. Maybe I will pick one up when i get some extra cash!

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DSL 100 modded by jerry dyer from surreal amplification. It sounds NOTHING like a dsl anymore. The green channel screams now!!!

LPMarshall hack

+1 what Adrian said. I have a MKIII (50w) and I love it. SLX is the same thing pretty much, except SLX has more gain. I don't play with a lot of gain so the MKIII suits me fine. But it's got gain if you want it!

Sir Don

The slx is much more versatile than people give it credit for, I get a clean sound, dirty rhythm and lead boost out of it using my gt8 in the loop. A great amp.

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My gear:

2204, 2210, 2555, 9005, 1959, 5005, 4103, 2100, TSL100

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