Marshall JMP 100w vs. 50w

[peterc52]

I have a 50 watt JMP 2104, but was wondering if there was any difference in the sound between the 50 watter and the 100 watter.

I use the JMP for old school metal alá Slayer, Metallica etc., and I have never played a 100 watt JMP, am I missing out on something?

I have always been under the impression that 50 watt were more than enough for me - especially because it would push the tubes harder at lower volumes.

Best regards Peter

 

[Digital Jams]

IMO yes, much more headroom and there is just something about a 100 watt power section that sounds better. even at lower volumes there is something going on that the 50 watter does not have and up in volume there is a large difference.

 

[Sixtonoize]

The 100 watt amp will sound stiffer, but have more authority in the low end.
In my experience, 50 watt amps tend to cut a little better because they don't push the low end as hard, which lets them sit a little better in the mix.

 

[rlord1974]

This question solely comes down to personal preference.

I agree 100% that a 100 watt power section sounds a little different than a 50 watt, but I think the camps are largely split as to which sounds "better".

Some people believe the earlier 50 watt Marshall power sections (e.g, 60's, 70's and 80's) are the holy grail of power sections.

If you are just using your amp to get some great distortion for metal (i.e., really "pushing" it), the 50 watt might in fact be just perfect for your application.......

 

[loudgtr]

This question solely comes down to personal preference.

I agree 100% that a 100 watt power section sounds a little different than a 50 watt, but I think the camps are largely split as to which sounds "better".

Some people believe the earlier 50 watt Marshall power sections (e.g, 60's, 70's and 80's) are the holy grail of power sections.

If you are just using your amp to get some great distortion for metal (i.e., really "pushing" it), the 50 watt might in fact be just perfect for your application.......

Excellent post!

 

[ericsabbath]

100 watters tend to sound a lot punchier and fuller
not really a matter of grain or midrange texture, and not noticeably louder, but definitely bigger sounding when compared side by side, even in minimum volume settings

 

[Shawn Lutz]

whatever one sounds the best. I 've had a bunch of 2203's and 2204's and in a nutshell no 2 sounded exactly the same. I only have one Marshall amp thses days, a 2203 with 6550's that was the creme of the crop of all the Marshalls I've come accross.

 

[rupe]

In my experience, the 100 watter has a bigger, tighter bottom end and crisper highs whereas the 50 watter is a bit softer on the top and bottom with a more noticeable mid push. Naturally the 100 has more clean headroom as well.

 

[peterc52]

Damn, why don't you all agree


That wouuld have been so much more easy.. I have to find someone who owns a 2203 and try it out.

Thanks for your help!

 

[skoora]

The problem is no 50 watter or 100 watter will be exactly alike. You could have a 50 with a tighter and bigger bottom than a 100 or vice versa or a 100 with a creamier midrange than a 50. You have to play the individual amp in person. If you like your 50 don't lose it to get a 100 unless you play the 100 first.

Judas Priest for eg. are well known to have almost always used 50 watters in their glory days (late 70's/early 80's) and I wouldn't say their sound lacks bottom or brightness.

For non masters I prefer 100 watters but for Master volume amps I don't care. Which ever one sounds good at the time.

 

[thenine]

This question solely comes down to personal preference.

I agree 100% that a 100 watt power section sounds a little different than a 50 watt, but I think the camps are largely split as to which sounds "better".

Some people believe the earlier 50 watt Marshall power sections (e.g, 60's, 70's and 80's) are the holy grail of power sections.

If you are just using your amp to get some great distortion for metal (i.e., really "pushing" it), the 50 watt might in fact be just perfect for your application.......

this!

I have a Cameron modded 800 that he (and several others supposedly) say he tweaked for perfection. It is supposed to be the mother of all 800's and any other 800's that came into a particular music store were compared to this one. Guess what? its a 2204 (50W). Anyone who says 100's sound better needs to listen to some more 50's. There is not necessarily any "better". Personally. I believe the post I quoted above is about as accurate as you can get.

 

[petejt]

This question solely comes down to personal preference.

I agree 100% that a 100 watt power section sounds a little different than a 50 watt, but I think the camps are largely split as to which sounds "better".

Some people believe the earlier 50 watt Marshall power sections (e.g, 60's, 70's and 80's) are the holy grail of power sections.

If you are just using your amp to get some great distortion for metal (i.e., really "pushing" it), the 50 watt might in fact be just perfect for your application.......

Great!!