Upgrading to Tube Amp, now the question is half stack or combo?

[Marc8382]

Other questions include Marshall or Mesa?  Marshall head and Mesa 2x12 or Marshall head and Marshall 1960A 4x12?  Basically, I want to get an amp that sounds great but is not too cumbersome to transport.  I am not a gigging musician but if the opportunity arrives to jam, I want to play through something I am proud to own.  I have tried a Marshall DSL401 combo and it sounds good but I have played through a Marshall DSL50 (or maybe 100) head and a 1960A cab and it was beautiful, if you consider Marshall overdrive beautiful.  So basically, I'm wrestling with the finances and the space each takes up as well as tone.  I will probably have to take the DSL50 head and play it through a Mesa 2x12 and even though mixing brands is something I dont want to do, it might be the best option.  I might've just answered my own question but feel free to chime in with your own experiences or opinions. 

[darkmonth]

As you may have seen, I have a Marshall JCM 900 4500 ... it sounds incredible ... MUCH better sounding than the more modern DSL and TSL amps from Marshall.  I run that into a portable 2x13" 1936 by Marshall.  I get an incredible sound.

I've played a LOT of amps.  This is easily the best amp I've used.

[Marc8382]

Yea, it would be awesome if Marshall created a vintage reissue of the Silver Jubilee in a 50 Watt combo because that would be perfect, the size I want but quality that's probably above and beyond the DSL401.  I'm not into buying vintage gear I like new stuff.  I can probably plug into a JCM 800 at my local guitar center.  Also, I'm trying to stay within a reasonable budget but at the same time, buy a kick ass amp. 

[axlschild]

i'm also looking at getting a tube amp, got a good deal on the table for a half stack tsl100 and 1960a cab, all new ?1000.

pro & cons on this amp anyone?

thanks

[darkmonth]

The TSL is a great amp ... but don't expect it to sound as warm as the old Marshalls ... that said ... please, if you have a chance to get it ... get it..

BUT... get it second hand.

[AXL 20]

search ebay in musical instruments for jubilee or slash

they have some right now for 1200us or so. best amps ever IMO

[AXL 20]

here are the links in US dollars

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-Silver-Jubilee-2555-The-Slash-Amp-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ190051864172QQihZ009QQcategoryZ38075QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-Slash-Amp-Minty-collecter-condition_W0QQitemZ130048733214QQihZ003QQcategoryZ38075QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

50 watt half stack: http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-Jubilee-2553-Amp-Cab-Half-Stack-Great-Cond_W0QQitemZ280049056245QQihZ018QQcategoryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

combo: http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-Silver-Jubilee-2558-Combo-Vintage-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ130049038756QQihZ003QQcategoryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2 combos!!??? : http://cgi.ebay.com/2-VINTAGE-Marshall-2558-Silver-Jubilee-2-12-Combos-NR_W0QQitemZ140053790209QQihZ004QQcategoryZ38075QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem





man if i had 6 grand right about now to spend on those amps and this guitar
http://cgi.ebay.com/Guild-Crossroads-Doubleneck-Slash-Signature-Model-RARE_W0QQitemZ260052284951QQihZ016QQcategoryZ41436QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[axlschild]

thanks for the time and effort guys

 

[Darkburst]

I personally dislike combos for hard rock type of music. A closed back cab has the classic thump you cant get with an open back combo. If you have to get a newer Marshall I'd look into the DSL 50 or 100 used. I like it better than the TSL which sounds thinner than the DSL. Try and score a decent 2x12 or 4x12. I'm not into the Marshall 1936 cabs since a lot of them are made of MDF and not birch ply. I think the Jubilee series is overrated. I had a 2555 and unless you have another amp to use for cleans there's no way you're going to get usable cleans and overdrive at the same time with that shared EQ. You could also just get a cab to hook your DSL 401 up too. 40watts is going to be almost exactly the same loudness as 50watts. I'm not a huge fan of the DSL401, but if you dig it and want a bigger sound hook it up to 4x12. For that amp I recommend Celestion Greenbacks or similar.