Jcm 800vs 900

[Dyllheaven88]

What’s the major differences ?

 

[Racerxrated]

What’s the major differences ?

800s have less gain but have a better overall tone IMO esp when turned up. Simpler circuit, 2203/4 are single channel while 2205/10 have FX loops and a barely passable clean channel. The single channels need a boost pedal to get medium-high gain, 2205/10 (best ones from 87-90) have enough for 80s stuff without a boost. 800s also include NMV versions (the 1959/1987) but those are pretty rare. The 25th anniversary Jubilee series have a better clean channel and more gain, are darker and smoother and highly sought after. Made during the 800 series.

900s have a thinner tone but all the gain you need; when turned up they fill out better but fall short to any 800 IMO. They have more features like FX loops and better clean channels. There are a few different 900 models which include the SLX (the fire breather of the 900s) and the 6100(30th anniversary series) which many like even over 800s. If I were to buy one I'd look for the 6100 as they do sound better at a lower volume than other 900s IMO.

Most will gravitate towards 800s and feel the transformers were better...leading to better tone overall than 900s. But I've heard some 900s sound damn good but like most Marshalls have to be turned up.
Also, I've heard some horror stories about the 900 circuit having failures and hard to fix because of the complexity while 800s are less prone to failure while being easier to work on because of the simplicity.

 

[CornNutz]

A lot. 900's have a bunch of op amps, and other junk the signal goes through. The exception is the jcm900slx, it's a total different circuit that is more like a pure tube amp.

 

[311boogieman]

What’s the major differences ?

800s have less gain but have a better overall tone IMO esp when turned up. Simpler circuit, 2203/4 are single channel while 2205/10 have FX loops and a barely passable clean channel. The single channels need a boost pedal to get medium-high gain, 2205/10 (best ones from 87-90) have enough for 80s stuff without a boost. 800s also include NMV versions (the 1959/1987) but those are pretty rare. The 25th anniversary Jubilee series have a better clean channel and more gain, are darker and smoother and highly sought after. Made during the 800 series.

900s have a thinner tone but all the gain you need; when turned up they fill out better but fall short to any 800 IMO. They have more features like FX loops and better clean channels. There are a few different 900 models which include the SLX (the fire breather of the 900s) and the 6100(30th anniversary series) which many like even over 800s. If I were to buy one I'd look for the 6100 as they do sound better at a lower volume than other 900s IMO.

Most will gravitate towards 800s and feel the transformers were better...leading to better tone overall than 900s. But I've heard some 900s sound damn good but like most Marshalls have to be turned up.
Also, I've heard some horror stories about the 900 circuit having failures and hard to fix because of the complexity while 800s are less prone to failure while being easier to work on because of the simplicity.

That pretty much nails it.

That said:

1.) Welcome to Rig-Talk
2.) Are you looking for an amp?
3.) What is your budget, location, playing environment?

There are tons of Marshall variants out there to chose from that have different/sometimes better characteristics and features. Sometimes not - just depends.

 

[panhead]

A MKIII with 6550`s kicks ass

 

[Dyllheaven88]

I’ve found a 50 watt mkiii 900 and a nice looking 800 about 400$ price difference trying to decide which one would be better ! Mostly play heavy metal to hard rock .

 

[Marshall Freak]

I’ve found a 50 watt mkiii 900 and a nice looking 800 about 400$ price difference trying to decide which one would be better ! Mostly play heavy metal to hard rock .

Which model 800? Channel.switching or single channel? (2205/2210 or 2203/2204) I like 900s, but for the extra 400.00 I'd go with the 800. Especially right now.. most 800s are selling for a LOT more than 900s are.

 

[311boogieman]

Yeah, I'd have to basically see and play both of those amps to make a sound decision.

On paper, I'd get the 800 no questions asked but there could be a few a reasons why you might go with the 900. If it is a good condition SLX with good glass and it is mostly for heavy metal then the 900 might be the better choice. For example. There might be other amps too but you may want that Marshall logo - which I understand. As mentioned, a 6100 might trump it all if you can find one.

 

[Racerxrated]

I like to judge my amps tone at high volume...and the 800 will typically win that battle. Years ago you needed a mod or a few pedals to get heavy with a single channel 800...noise gates were new tech so these amps could get noisy.
Now, there are SOO many great boosting options with great pedals, and noise gates that do a great job. I have an 83 2203 with 6550s that will keep up with a 100w Wizard..I double boost it and it just sounds perfect for anything 80s to metal. Super quiet too..I'd go for the 800 as it will give you THAT tone when you turn up.
The 900 may sound good but it's that last 10-15% that the 800 will give you, when the 900 can't.
YMMV.

 

[Dyllheaven88]

Single channel nmv 800 and a mkiii jcm 900

 

[Racerxrated]

Single channel nmv 800 and a mkiii jcm 900

I have a 72 Super Tremolo, and it is an absolute beast..I run an SD1 and OD1X into the front end and it's 80s HR/Metal..turn the boosts off and its a decent clean. But no loop, and extreme high gain is hard to get. The 800 NMV will be similar and give you a crushing clear 80s metal tone with a boost or two but will need a mod for a loop..easy enough for a tech to do. The 800 at volume with the right boost pedals will destroy any 900 for pure clear crushing gain.
And, I'd leave the volumes stock without a MV mod...just buy a decent attenuator or a Fryette power station if you have the cash and you now can attenuate and have a loop.

 

[311boogieman]

Or get a used Splawn (or similar) and have gain, cleans, loop, etc already done

 

[Dyllheaven88]

Now I’m thinking about saving some coin and trying a soldano hot rod 50 or 100 ?

 

[Markedman]

If you live near NYC, threre's a JVM205C for $650.00 and a 6100 for $600.00 on CL.

 

[Hamer95USA]

What’s the major differences ?

800s have less gain but have a better overall tone IMO esp when turned up. Simpler circuit, 2203/4 are single channel while 2205/10 have FX loops and a barely passable clean channel. The single channels need a boost pedal to get medium-high gain, 2205/10 (best ones from 87-90) have enough for 80s stuff without a boost. 800s also include NMV versions (the 1959/1987) but those are pretty rare. The 25th anniversary Jubilee series have a better clean channel and more gain, are darker and smoother and highly sought after. Made during the 800 series.

900s have a thinner tone but all the gain you need; when turned up they fill out better but fall short to any 800 IMO. They have more features like FX loops and better clean channels. There are a few different 900 models which include the SLX (the fire breather of the 900s) and the 6100(30th anniversary series) which many like even over 800s. If I were to buy one I'd look for the 6100 as they do sound better at a lower volume than other 900s IMO.

Most will gravitate towards 800s and feel the transformers were better...leading to better tone overall than 900s. But I've heard some 900s sound damn good but like most Marshalls have to be turned up.
Also, I've heard some horror stories about the 900 circuit having failures and hard to fix because of the complexity while 800s are less prone to failure while being easier to work on because of the simplicity.

This is a really great post that’s full of knowledge and experience about the JCM 800 & 900 amps. I own a Marshall 6101 combo amp stack for about 27 years and to me, it’s the bees knees in Marshall tone plus having the ability to attenuate with the Pentode/Triode & Full/Low power switches from 100 watts down to 25 watts. The 3 different amp channels with seperate EQ, MIDI control, series/parallel effects loop, direct out, and a master volume fulfills my need for the ulitimate cover band amp onstage or rehearsals. The Marshall 6100 amp head and 6101 combo amps are the underdogs in the used Marshall amp market.

Guitar George