Tonal Differences Between 2203's

[Mr. Willy]

I'm sure those amps sound good, but I swear he posts pics of them at least once a week.

 

[shredhead666]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

THIS. Marshall was notorious for using whatever brand components they could source at the time as long as they matched spec to the schematic. This could mean one brand of filter caps, resistors, etc... for a short run, and then have to switch other brands the next month where their supplies dictated. Not to mention component drift over the years will make even two of the same model produced during nearly the same time period sound slightly different.

 

[glip22]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

THIS. Marshall was notorious for using whatever brand components they could source at the time as long as they matched spec to the schematic. This could mean one brand of filter caps, resistors, etc... for a short run, and then have to switch other brands the next month where their supplies dictated. Not to mention component drift over the years will make even two of the same model produced during nearly the same time period sound slightly different.

This one is absolutely the best stock Marshall I have played. All Piher resistors, white chicklets with one red .68 ctahode bypass cap on V1. Lower PV in this amp at 450 which is great for the 6550 screen restriction. Very quite so no need to twist the heaters as most are like this in early 80"s

 

[shredhead666]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

THIS. Marshall was notorious for using whatever brand components they could source at the time as long as they matched spec to the schematic. This could mean one brand of filter caps, resistors, etc... for a short run, and then have to switch other brands the next month where their supplies dictated. Not to mention component drift over the years will make even two of the same model produced during nearly the same time period sound slightly different.

This one is absolutely the best stock Marshall I have played. All Piher resistors, white chicklets with one red .68 ctahode bypass cap on V1. Lower PV in this amp at 450 which is great for the 6550 screen restriction. Very quite so no need to twist the heaters as most are like this in early 80"s

So how does this setup set it apart tonally from the others you've heard?

 

[glip22]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

THIS. Marshall was notorious for using whatever brand components they could source at the time as long as they matched spec to the schematic. This could mean one brand of filter caps, resistors, etc... for a short run, and then have to switch other brands the next month where their supplies dictated. Not to mention component drift over the years will make even two of the same model produced during nearly the same time period sound slightly different.

This one is absolutely the best stock Marshall I have played. All Piher resistors, white chicklets with one red .68 ctahode bypass cap on V1. Lower PV in this amp at 450 which is great for the 6550 screen restriction. Very quite so no need to twist the heaters as most are like this in early 80"s

So how does this setup set it apart tonally from the others you've heard?

I am not implying this setup is better. I am sure there are many other factors. I just know this one is good. I am sure the GE6550 power tubes and NOS Tesla pres don't hurt.

 

[charveldan]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

THIS. Marshall was notorious for using whatever brand components they could source at the time as long as they matched spec to the schematic. This could mean one brand of filter caps, resistors, etc... for a short run, and then have to switch other brands the next month where their supplies dictated. Not to mention component drift over the years will make even two of the same model produced during nearly the same time period sound slightly different.

This one is absolutely the best stock Marshall I have played. All Piher resistors, white chicklets with one red .68 ctahode bypass cap on V1. Lower PV in this amp at 450 which is great for the 6550 screen restriction. Very quite so no need to twist the heaters as most are like this in early 80"s

These are both 1978' 2203's and you can see the different coupling caps.

The amp with the Orange drop caps is the Friedman now and completely different.