NAD: Marshall Jubilee Mini 2525H - Quick review & findings

[napalmdeath]

My first run-thru, was through my Randall 4x12 with V30's. Spending some time fiddling with it, at first, I felt somewhat underwhelmed. After some time juggling the input, output and lead volumes, I found a pretty decent happy medium. The amp is spongy, and warm and I initially boosted with my TS808, and I found real quick, they didn't get along and muddied it up to some extent. So, I went with my MXR Wylde OD - and with it's less warm, slicing character, it really cleaned it up nicely and was a better choice, but still felt it was missing something... But, overall, I was starting to be more pleased.

So, I had to snoop, and grabbed the Pro One bias probe - Tubes are Tungsol EL34's, and plate voltage is 258. However, my calculations put me at around 67mA at 70%, and was only getting 56mA. So, it's somewhat cold, with no adjustment that I found. On to the preamp tubes - JJ in V1, and Chinese in 2 & 3. Well, I personally HATE JJ's in V1, and it surely contributed to the sponginess. I put a Tungsol in V1, an EH in V2, (knowing they're brighter, yet more tuneful), and JJ in V3. BAM. She's singing now! Tighter, just have to lower the treble and presence.

It sounds pretty damn good, and really starts to open up with some volume. The only other thing I'd like to do is mix some good Greenbacks with the V30's in the 4x12. I think my Splawn would like it as well. One other note - It's one of the best multi-watt amps Ive played, where you really don't lose much mojo going to 5 watts. It's still loud, and it doesn't thin out, doesn't get anemic. Pretty slick.

Next, I will dig up some hotter tubes. My JJ E34L's would only go 53mA - I'd really like to see if a pair getting atleast over 60 wouldn't open it up. It still sounds stuffy, but could be my cab.

 

[Racerxrated]

Try diming the output master, and adjust your overall vol with the lead master. Dime presence, everything else at noon or less and adjust from there. I always dime the presence on a Marshall, gives it more bite IMO. I like the rhythym clip pulled, and try double boosting...just use both pedals with noon or less gain/output. And maybe a 12AT7 in the PI spot if you have one. Just a few suggestions. YMMV....

 

[napalmdeath]

Try diming the output master, and adjust your overall vol with the lead master. Dime presence, everything else at noon or less and adjust from there. I always dime the presence on a Marshall, gives it more bite IMO. I like the rhythym clip pulled, and try double boosting...just use both pedals with noon or less gain/output. And maybe a 12AT7 in the PI spot if you have one. Just a few suggestions. YMMV....

Yes, I have input and output dimed, and lead master at noon. I run a Morley Volume pedal in the loop with my EQ, delay and chorus, works like a charm. I'll definitely spend more time with it, it's got potential!

 

[napalmdeath]

It's going back. I don't care for it, the Splawn just destroys it on every level.

 

[Chris6870]

Yea,it didn't sound like you were really thrilled with it based on your review.It can't be good if your already thinking about changing tubes and checking bias on your first day.

 

[PBGas]

I have the combo version and absolutely love it! I'm boosting mine with a Wampler Tumnus and it is fabulous!

 

[Jdguitar]

It's going back. I don't care for it, the Splawn just destroys it on every level.

Any clips? I've played the Mini Jubilee but never a Splawn. Would love to hear the difference.

 

[155]

Its not a high gain amp if thats what you were looking for , right? what about mid gain stuff? hows the bottom end?

 

[napalmdeath]

Its not a high gain amp if thats what you were looking for , right? what about mid gain stuff? hows the bottom end?

It's just too spongy, and boxy. I can get high gain all day long with a boost, it's just not pleasing to me. It's weird, it definitely has its own thing going on, I can't really say what it sounds like. The bottom end is lacking. It's not big and full like a bigger amp, and what's there is too spongy. I can understand lacking low end for its size, and I ran an MXR 10-band in the loop.

I can'throw put my finger on it, all I can say, is its not for me. I'm sending it back and getting another Mark V 25 for lower volume.

FWIW, I'm a Marshall guy, have been for years. I don't like this Marshall!

 

[napalmdeath]

It's going back. I don't care for it, the Splawn just destroys it on every level.

Any clips? I've played the Mini Jubilee but never a Splawn. Would love to hear the difference.

Splawn = beef, and potatoes.
June = where's the beef?

 

[godgrinder]

plate voltage is 258

That's crazy low for a guitar amp and probably responsible for the sponginess.

Even the usual EVH trick people use on regular Marshalls (variac on 90V) would give you a lot more plate voltage (in the high 300's?) than that.

 

[fusedbrain]

plate voltage is 258

That's crazy low for a guitar amp and probably responsible for the sponginess.

Even the usual EVH trick people use on regular Marshalls (variac on 90V) would give you a lot more plate voltage (in the high 300's?) than that.

Yeah, this^^^^^

Soldano did something along the same lines with the HR25 to get approx 25watts out of a pair of 5881's, but the plate voltage is still 395V and the amp sounds great.

 

[ProgFree]

The 100 W version is a great amp but the mini hasn't convinced me from clips and after I've tested it. My description of the mini is very similar to yours. The 100 W version though, is another kind of beast...

 

[Hung Huy Tran]

I just checked out the clips on Musician's Friend. Didn't do anything for me.

 

[Racerxrated]

The 100 W version is a great amp but the mini hasn't convinced me from clips and after I've tested it. My description of the mini is very similar to yours. The 100 W version though, is another kind of beast...

Yeah, being able to bias the 100w properly made all the difference to me with mine. It's no Wizard, but it's a great amp. Everyone has different ears. My impressions of Splawns were just okay, Nitro was meh and the QR was better, but I'd still take a stock 800 and a pedal over it. When I played the mini Jube I liked it, but it'll never sound as big as its 100w brother for obvious reasons, even at low volumes.

 

[boost]

I recently picked up an original 1987 Jubilee 2558 2 X 12 combo in a trade. I was hesitant because the clips I have heard of the re-issues I did not care for. However the thing was in almost mint condition and recapped so I couldn't pass up the deal.

There is no lacking in the low end on this one at all even with a open back cabinet. Maybe it's just the clips, but they all kinda sound buzzy and nasally to me (the re-issues). Maybe it's how they use the controls. Running the input gain and output master at 8 and using the lead master as a master volume seems to sound really good to me. Very full and big. I don't use the rhythm clip and doesn't seem to do much at these settings anyway.

I've got a plexi itch that needs to be scratched so this one is going up for sale or trade soon. I've got an '83 JCM800 4010 combo and a '80 JMP 2203 head and the Jubilee is definitely a different flavor. Not better or worse, just different. Wish I could keep it and add the plexi to cover all the Marshall sounds, but can't.

 

[Racerxrated]

I've owned 6 originals, and I'd put my reissue up against all except my first 2554 combo. They are true to the original circuit. My Bass is on 6, I've got enough low end that it rivals my 2C+.

 

[PBGas]

There is plenty of bottom in the combo version. No issues. Mine sounds great and I have an fantastic amp to compare it with so no issues. Turned up with a nice Klon-type boost and it works great for the heavier stuff.