Hey gang! So I've finally bought my first Marshall, a DSL20HR! I've got it fairly cheap and brand new, came with the original box and everything. The guy that sold it to me got it from a store that was shutting down and never used it himself since he's a singer. Anyway, my question is, it allegedly came with a speaker cable (along with the footswitch and power cable), but according to Marshall's website it doesn't come with a speaker cable, only with the footswitch and power cable. So I'm kinda hesitant to use this as the actual speaker cable since it looks more like an instrument cable or patch cable, its length is roughly 5ft, and it looks cheap, but it has "Marshall" written on the cable itself, along with some other stuff, please see attach pictures. Can anyone tell if this is an actual speaker cable and if it's safe for me to use it as such? I can't open the leads because they are one-piece, so I would need to cut it open, which I don't want to do if this is an actual speaker cable originally from Marshall. Maybe this is a local retail thing (I'm located in Brazil). I might end up getting a proper speaker cable since this looks kinda cheap... Thanks for the help! Also, what kind of mods can I do to this thing?! Cheers!
Yes, it's a Marshall speaker cable. Yes, they look like junk. But from what I've heard, they are actually some of the best speaker cables. I have a few of them, but mine came with the few new speakers I've purchased. If you need one, go ahead and use it. As for mods, I'm assuming you mean the amp? If it has too much gain for you on the ultra channel, start with changing the V1 tube to a JJ ECC823. And, HNAD!
Awesome! Thanks for the confirmation! Yeah, I definitely need it since it's my first head, I've been a combo guy up until now (mostly Peaveys ).I'm glad I can save some money for once For now I'm just speculating, I haven't even played it much to see if mods are really necessary, I might just like it the way it is, also, for my kind of sound, CH1 Crunch might be all I need. Cheers!
I have one too, it's a great amp and very versatile. Even more so with an EQ in the loop. The classic channel is also great with OD pedals for some different tone flavors if you want. Congrats again on your FIRST Marshall. May you have many more.
The ECC823 is worth it, but I still generally live on the green channel, yup. Can also confirm, that's a Marshall speaker cable.
Mine came with that cable but I dont use it, I got Ernie Ball speaker cable. I was Ernie Ball wagon for a long time.. You still can use it but I suggest to make a upgrade.
Thanks for the tips, I am indeed very excited! Can't wait to squeeze all the tones from this! So that valve doesn't affect the green channel?
Correct - does not affect classic. In the DSL20, the 823 is an ECC83 (12AX7) for classic, and ECC82 (12AU7) for ultra. It will still get plenty of gain on ultra in that circuit with the gain on 10, but it's much more controllable between 2 and 9.
Looks like their speaker cable. Same ones I give out as gag gifts during the holidays! I don't trust freebie speaker cables with molded ends. Getcha self a good one when you can.
I recently put in an 823 per suggestion from another thread into my DSL1HR and it tempers the gain nicely on the red, but it has also boosted the gain a bit on the green. I know it's not supposed to, but it has.
I did that too when I had the DSL1H. You're probably getting boost on your classic just because its a better tube than the stock tube.
Got it, thanks! For now I'll play the shit out of this stock amp, then I'll decide if I'll change the valves, or I'll just wait for it to blow up on its own . Speaking of which, how long does these stock Marshall valves usually work? I'll get a proper one soon, thanks! It was an opportunity deal that I couldn't pass, so I don't have a proper cab yet... I'm running it through my Sheffield 1230 speaker on my Bandit . I'm still deciding which cab I'll get. Also I'm building a 1x12 since I have a spare "greenback inspired" 25W speaker from a local builder. Amen brother!
They usually last somewhere between 5 seconds and 5 decades. Changing preamp tubes is one of the easiest ways to change the tone of your amp. They really can go at any time, and for no reason, or last for a long time with constant abuse. Good to have at least a spare on hand, so If you want to try the 823, you'll have the stock for a spare.
Make sure you get the ECC823 and not the reverse triode ECC832. An 832 will lower gain on both channels. I put the 823 in my 40CR to great effect.
OHHH, thanks for pointing that out, I almost pulled the trigger in one yesterday online, and I went to check the website now, and they only have the ECC832. I would have bought it by mistake. Thanks very much! You saved me some trouble. Cheers! I'm not sure I can find this ECC823 here in Brazil...
Got a cab for my DSL20 today. VS412 with Celestions G12L, not the greatest, but given our limitations here in Brazil, I'm happy. I traded it for a Peavey Bandit 112 Red Stripe (made in china) that I bought real cheap, so I'm happy that I didn't have to spend any actual money (it was money I had already spent a while ago) and given the price I paid for the Bandit, it was really cheap compared to others in the market. Cheers!
