What do you guys like as a high gain JCM800?

[anomaly]

That's interesting because I've always felt like the Mark series do not sound good with overdrives, and I didn't know it was because they were already so tight sounding from the already built in boost.

They do if you set them right. Try lowering your treble to about 5 and bring the bass up a bit, like 2 or 3. Throw a boost in front and let us know how it works for you. The problem is they get over boosted and too tight and compressed so the settings need adjustment.

 

[Speeddemon]

They do if you set them right. Try lowering your treble to about 5 and bring the bass up a bit, like 2 or 3. Throw a boost in front and let us know how it works for you. The problem is they get over boosted and too tight and compressed so the settings need adjustment.

+1. Set up your Mark's unboosted tone for more of a 70's hard rock meets sludge rock tone (so, a bit more flabby or loose, not too gained) and then the tightening of the boost (be it an SD-1, TS-9, etc. as long as it adds volume and cuts low-end) will do the rest.
The same goes for my Caliber 50+; I set it up like I'm playing Thin Lizzy and then hit it with a boost, BAM, thrash away!

 

[JackBootedThug]

A rectifier…..

 

[Old School Steve]

Bogner Helios 100w.
I run mine through a Suhr 4x12 with 25w greenbacks.
It does every Marshall tone I’ve ever lusted after.
Including the JCM800.

Do you think the Helios 50w sounds close to the 100w for at-home playing where a 100w head would be ridiculous overkill?

Separately, I noticed you mention the 25w greenback speakers. Can you share your opinion on how they sound different from the 30w greenback and G12H?

 

[wIsEbLooD]

JCM800 KK

 

[NorCal_Val]

Do you think the Helios 50w sounds close to the 100w for at-home playing where a 100w head would be ridiculous overkill?

Separately, I noticed you mention the 25w greenback speakers. Can you share your opinion on how they sound different from the 30w greenback and G12H?

No idea about how the 50w compares to the 100w.
I’ve used the Helios live, and it’s just total god tone when cranked.
I mentioned the 25w Greenbacks because that’s what’s in the Suhr 4x12 I use with the Bogner.
I have a Friedman 4x12 that has x2 V30s and x2 25w greenbacks. I don’t like it with the Bogner. The Helios sounds congested going through that 4x12.
But, it’s personal taste.

 

[Killcrop]

Jcm800 with a Friedman OD.
Have a SD1 handy as well.