mdortona

Here's the story, looking to pick up a Marshall. Here are the contenders:

JCM 800 2203 Reissue head (new - floor demo - 1/2 price)
JCM 800 2203 head (used)
JCM 800 2205 head (used)
JCM 800 4210 combo (used)
JCM 2000 TSL 100 head (used)

Pretty much the same amount of dough $1000-1200.

Which one would you go with and why? Any and all opinions appreciated!

Matt

steelhorse

Depends. IF you want LOUD one trick pony beast go with the 2203 (not the reissue)

You want great tone more options and features, go with the TSL100 (and change the tubes to KT77's and they'll more than make you happy).

I recently got a DSL100 and a TSL100 and I love them both. Great amps!

mdortona

Thanks for the input! My only reservation about the TSL 100 is the frequent report of breakdown/lack of reliability, especially given the multitude of switches etc.. However, I can pick up a lightly used TSL100 for an even grand.
What has been your experience(s) with them? Thanks!

Matt

steelhorse

Where are you reading about those supposed breakdowns?

I've read about these 'issues' about the DSL and just about every other amp and if we were to listen to folks who experienced equipment issues we'd never buy cars, amps, guitars and home appliances LOL!

I love the TSL. I also have the DSL 100 and 2 JSX heads and a Triple Rectifier so knobs don't intimated me, that said I can certainly understand your concern because sometimes more features can lead to more potential problems.

I love the features on the TSL. The 3 distinct channels, the tone shift, deep switch, mute, reverb is nice and I love the VPR, virtual power reduction which is like having a built in attenuator to a certain extent.

Lowers the volume but still gives you that cool grind.

If you can get a TSL 100 for a grand (especially if it's under warranty/ 5 yrs I believe) I say go for it. Check it out with your fiddle(s) first to be sure of course.

When you get her home, especially if you're in the US, order a re-tube kit of KT77's.

That will take the amp to a whole 'nother level.

mdortona

Your point is well taken! I'm going to check out a Mesa Boogie Stiletto tomorrow (I own a Mark IV and 5:50 Express now) to see if it is indeed "Marshall on steroids", although I'm not holding my breath - nothing sounds like a Marshall except a Marshall. Yes, I am in the US. What is it about the KT77s vs. the EL34s/6550s? Again thanks for the help!

Matt

Chadman

I've got the 2203 re-issue and I love it! I've been playing loud and proud for 17 years!! so if it sounded like crap I would have gotten rid of it, but nope it's loud and new! (note: put some chinese pre-amp tubes in!!)

mdortona

Steelhorse,

I forgot to mention, the lack of reliability info about the TSL/DSLs was from HarmonyCentral. FWIW.

Matt

steelhorse

Yeah you really need to take those with a grain of salt. I've seen pretty inconsistent and erroneous feedback there. Don't get me wrong, definitely a good place for reference but actually being able to engage actual players like on here is the best imo.

Metallon

The 2203 that is used, I presume is NOT a reissue? steelhorse described it perfectly. The 2203 is a one-trick pony, but it's a LOUD one and sounds GREAT. The 2205 is basically the head version of the 4210 (which I own), so the only difference there is if you want to use cabs or not, and if you're worried about transportation (logistics).

The TSL 100 is much, much more versatile, so if you want versatility, this amp beats every other you suggested by long shots. If you're like me and do not necessarily require all that versatility, then the JCM 800's work. I shift between playing 70's and 80's rock/hardrock and 80's really heavy metal (heavy/thrash with some modern metal inputs except I don't scoop my mids). And my amp (the 4210) does both styles wonderfully, but it could sound better I'm sure. For instance, I believe a TSL can deliver more gain without pedals - MUCH more and you can easily switch between really good, all-marshall ultra-gain, classic marshall crunch and (from what I've heard) some very good cleans.

__________________
Time has come to face all evil

steelhorse

Ya might as well get learned up on em all!

euro-e

fwiw I dig boogies, but boogs are boogs and Marshall's are their own unique thing too. I checked out a Stilettos and um, no, it's all boogie. No boogie is a Marshall on roids. It may be on roids though!

I'm never really sure if that's always a good thing....