The new HR really is a KILLER sounding amp. I have one that sits aside Bogner & Friedman amps that cost 5x what it costs and I like the pallette of tones on the HR more
I just bought a DSL 100H a few days ago for 400 bucks! I think it was a steal. I had a feeling there would be some gear for cheap out there right now. Got it sitting on my 1969a JCM 900 cab. heading down to the lair to try it out for the first time right now.
They both sound great, of course. I have a DSL, love it. I like the snarl and mids better in the SLX. It sounds more like a overdriven 800. The DSL is more refined sounding, more bass, which isn't always a great thing when in a mix or for lead playing. I might get an SLX and just have both. For gigging, either the DSL by itself, or both of them would be needed., Not much versatility with the SLX. Cheers and thanks for the vid.
slx is by far the way to go. dsl's are made in china now. ive gotten one dud and the next sounded like junk. idk if i just had bad luck or what but my slx has never done me wrong and sounds phenomenal! i also got jcm2000 dsl and love that amp too! its a tricky one to dial but has more balls than both and sounds like 800 'if' u get it dialed right.(lower bass, no max gain & dial back presence!) lol
@@neepathius7 They both sound great. The (2000 series) DSL is more versatile and organic sounding, IME. I also have a newer DSL, and it's also a great amp. The DSL40CR, to be exact.. It does have a 1972 Pulsonic coned G12H in it, so not fair :)
I now own both and the tone of the 900 SLX is incredible. But the DSL100H is great for its versatility. I have modded mine with the “headfirst” mod to lower the bass response in the high gain channel. It makes a huge positive difference.
the jcm2000 is not the same as the new dsl100s. i actually like the 2000s but i got rid of my dsl100 cuz as badass ass as some peoples tones were, i just cannot achieve them even if i want to. idk if its build quality but when i crank it, its almost like it lost tone as if solidstate. idk man got the slx and 2000 tho. maybe i will get another dsl cheap combo and see what happens
Ironically, I own the 50watt variants of both of these amps: a JCM 900 2500 SL-X with EL-34s and a JCM2000 DSL 50. Bought them 2 years apart from one another in the mid/later 90s. Both are animals and when dialed right, would stack up with the best of them I think the DSL is definitely more versatile with the classic/ultra gain channels vs the single SL-X channel but both can produce a massive, classic Marshall tone. The DSL can go slightly heavier but if you're after the Marshall Crunch, both nail it perfectly
Michael L Rakes I agree with your assessment. The DSL can do “more” than the SLX. But I think for a simple “point and shoot” rock tone I preferred the SLX. Now, my SLX was running on 6L6s so it gave it a slightly different character. But both can certainly do that hot rodded Marshall tone that people chase with big dollars.
Love the DSL. Glad Marshall brought the price down. I have a 100hr and bought a Meloaudio Midi FS to change channels and settings. It is like having four amps. H and K cab really sounds great too!!!
The amp head that was on top sounded better to me which one was that by the way?.. I honestly must say that I really liked both, but with that said experience goes a long way cuz it could make any amp sound great!..
The top amp is the JCM 900 SLX. Both great amps. But I think I agree (Even though I don't own it anymore), I think the tone of the SLX is better than the DSL.
900 sounds a little nastier to me. Sounds more like a modded 800....the DSL sounds a little smoother. I prefer the rawness & chaos of the 900. What power amp tubes are in the 900....5881 or El34 ?
The DSL 100 can get lost in the mix if not properly dialed in. Too much of this, too little of that and you’ll end up with a thin fizzy rattly tone. With the right guitar and amp settings the dsl is a beast for sure. Just ask the guitar players from Maiden. The 900 SLX has a more primitive ballsier tone meant for rock and metal.
Barano I find with Greenbacks, the right settings are “all eq related knobs within 1 or 2 of ‘noon’ gain at 4/10, volume at 4/10” with the tone shift out on Ultra 1” sits great with a band, sounds great by itself.
@@BCyr1991 Smh, sharing settings is really dumb. You either know how to dial in amps/pedals or you dont. Sharing settings doesn't help anyone unless they have the same gear in their signal chain and the same taste in tone as you. It's like the guys that "teach" new players to dial in an amp by setting everything to noon an adjust to taste. You dial in an amp but understanding how it's built and how each eq control effects the others. That and more importantly understanding the relationship between volume/gain and how it effects tone. Sorry you didn't deserve that I just really don't think it makes ant sense sharing settings.
I think at this time it may have had the C19 mod. (Clip on leg of C19 resistor). In the end I preferred it stock. And that cab sounds awesome. I’ve been abusing it for a decade so the Greenbacks are nicely worn in.
@@BCyr1991 so basically it is stock... wow! I've never been able to get that kind of tone from that amp. How loud did you have it? I'm sure that makes a difference. What are the EQ settings? Thanks
@@Bret_Sanor it wasn’t especially loud, probably around 2 on the volume. As for the EQ I don’t recall, but generally I would set something like presence 10, mids and bass around 5 and treble 0-2
The ONLY reason purists don't like the DSL is "made in Vietnam"!!! Period!! The truth is.....the DSL is more reliable....Tube in chassis design, fuses, everything is Easier to service than JCM. It has a more modern distortion tone also. Once Marshall starts moving to China, these Vietnam amps WILL go up in value....mark my words.
Love the heck out of mine. IMO, let them complain about the DSL. That’ll leave more amps for the rest of us. You can usually find used DSL heads starting at around $400.
There is CLEARLY a boost or distortion going on here which really muddies the comparison a lot. I had a JCM 900 100w and the DSL 100 was in no way similar except for somewhat similar Marshall harmonics. Way different beasts.
lookingjust987654321 if by a boost you mean a pedal or outboard unit of some sort, I’m sorry but you are mistaken. This was guitar straight to amp for both.
alvarg I still have the DSL, and the SLX is gone now. The SLX was a little more “one dimensional”, but it sounded great truthfully, and was easier to dial in a great sound. I just sold it because I knew it would go a little quicker, and I wouldn’t be missing a lot. So if you want flexibility, the DSL is tops, if you just want a ballsy rock sound at all times, the SLX is probably a better bet.
@@eugeniuandriuta3388 Honestly, I set everything on the SLX (except the volume) to within 1 or two ticks of "Noon." Its sounded excellent straight up, and made it awesome to gig with.
Sounds incredible. My DSL100HR is my favorite amp I've ever owned by far.
Perfect for dem santa cruz tones
The new HR really is a KILLER sounding amp. I have one that sits aside Bogner & Friedman amps that cost 5x what it costs and I like the pallette of tones on the HR more
Love the SLX! I have a couple of them and they sound amazing!
50 or 100 watt?
The Marshall DSL100H must be the most underrated amplifier in the world.
I'm really keen on getting one!
I nodded mine. It's even better!
Noooo Jeff Beck.
@@mattgemborys4742 Same here. I put some Tung Sol EL34b's in mine and the tone is over the top awesome now.
I hear they burn out allot
I love my DSL100H! That JCM900 also kicks ass though!
I just bought a DSL 100H a few days ago for 400 bucks! I think it was a steal. I had a feeling there would be some gear for cheap out there right now. Got it sitting on my 1969a JCM 900 cab. heading down to the lair to try it out for the first time right now.
They both sound great, of course. I have a DSL, love it. I like the snarl and mids better in the SLX. It sounds more like a overdriven 800. The DSL is more refined sounding, more bass, which isn't always a great thing when in a mix or for lead playing. I might get an SLX and just have both. For gigging, either the DSL by itself, or both of them would be needed., Not much versatility with the SLX. Cheers and thanks for the vid.
slx is by far the way to go. dsl's are made in china now. ive gotten one dud and the next sounded like junk. idk if i just had bad luck or what but my slx has never done me wrong and sounds phenomenal! i also got jcm2000 dsl and love that amp too! its a tricky one to dial but has more balls than both and sounds like 800 'if' u get it dialed right.(lower bass, no max gain & dial back presence!) lol
@@neepathius7 They both sound great. The (2000 series) DSL is more versatile and organic sounding, IME. I also have a newer DSL, and it's also a great amp. The DSL40CR, to be exact.. It does have a 1972 Pulsonic coned G12H in it, so not fair :)
I now own both and the tone of the 900 SLX is incredible. But the DSL100H is great for its versatility. I have modded mine with the “headfirst” mod to lower the bass response in the high gain channel. It makes a huge positive difference.
Wait just a darn sec.. was that the DSL that sounded so badass in the beginning?!
Nicholas Novak :) yessir!
Damn that 900 kicks ass!!!.
Loved the 900.
DSL 100H hands down! 👍
I had a 900 and a jcm2000 dsl100 and from my memory I preferred the dsl but in this video they both sound great.
the jcm2000 is not the same as the new dsl100s. i actually like the 2000s but i got rid of my dsl100 cuz as badass ass as some peoples tones were, i just cannot achieve them even if i want to. idk if its build quality but when i crank it, its almost like it lost tone as if solidstate. idk man got the slx and 2000 tho. maybe i will get another dsl cheap combo and see what happens
Nice demo....DSL sounds more open.
Ironically, I own the 50watt variants of both of these amps: a JCM 900 2500 SL-X with EL-34s and a JCM2000 DSL 50. Bought them 2 years apart from one another in the mid/later 90s. Both are animals and when dialed right, would stack up with the best of them
I think the DSL is definitely more versatile with the classic/ultra gain channels vs the single SL-X channel but both can produce a massive, classic Marshall tone. The DSL can go slightly heavier but if you're after the Marshall Crunch, both nail it perfectly
Michael L Rakes I agree with your assessment. The DSL can do “more” than the SLX. But I think for a simple “point and shoot” rock tone I preferred the SLX. Now, my SLX was running on 6L6s so it gave it a slightly different character. But both can certainly do that hot rodded Marshall tone that people chase with big dollars.
The UK DSL you got in the 90’s is a completely different amp from this Chinese made DSL100.
The 2100 sounds better imo. What style of music does your band play?
900 better more aggressive
Love the DSL. Glad Marshall brought the price down. I have a 100hr and bought a Meloaudio Midi FS to change channels and settings. It is like having four amps. H and K cab really sounds great too!!!
The amp head that was on top sounded better to me which one was that by the way?.. I honestly must say that I really liked both, but with that said experience goes a long way cuz it could make any amp sound great!..
The top amp is the JCM 900 SLX. Both great amps. But I think I agree (Even though I don't own it anymore), I think the tone of the SLX is better than the DSL.
DeadLeopardSikCougar were you using any pedals on this demo?
@@aztecworrior79 Nope, that was straight in. If I remember right, at the time I had a Duncan Custom (SH5) in that guitar.
DeadLeopardSikCougar thanks for the reply bro!..
Great playing
900 sounds a little nastier to me. Sounds more like a modded 800....the DSL sounds a little smoother. I prefer the rawness & chaos of the 900. What power amp tubes are in the 900....5881 or El34 ?
In a previous comment he said 6l6 :P
😮 sacrilige! lol jk sounds very good! 616 r warmer and more fat/bottomy
indeed I own a JCM900 with 5881 tubes in it \m/
JCM900
Either way....fucking GLORIOUS tone mate!
The DSL 100 can get lost in the mix if not properly dialed in. Too much of this, too little of that and you’ll end up with a thin fizzy rattly tone. With the right guitar and amp settings the dsl is a beast for sure. Just ask the guitar players from Maiden. The 900 SLX has a more primitive ballsier tone meant for rock and metal.
Barano I find with Greenbacks, the right settings are “all eq related knobs within 1 or 2 of ‘noon’ gain at 4/10, volume at 4/10” with the tone shift out on Ultra 1” sits great with a band, sounds great by itself.
DeadLeopardSikCougar Got to try that. Thanks.
same can be said for any amp though?
@@BCyr1991 which amp do you prefer?
@@BCyr1991 Smh, sharing settings is really dumb. You either know how to dial in amps/pedals or you dont. Sharing settings doesn't help anyone unless they have the same gear in their signal chain and the same taste in tone as you. It's like the guys that "teach" new players to dial in an amp by setting everything to noon an adjust to taste. You dial in an amp but understanding how it's built and how each eq control effects the others. That and more importantly understanding the relationship between volume/gain and how it effects tone. Sorry you didn't deserve that I just really don't think it makes ant sense sharing settings.
The SLX rules!!!
Wow SL-X kick ass. 🤘🤘🤘
Like 'em both, wich speakers u have in that cab and what tubes does the SL-X have EL34 or 6L6, great tone and playing man, congratz.
Mario Figueira thanks! The speakers are Celestion Greenbacks, and the SLX is running 6L6s
900 for me!
What did you do to the DSL to get it to sound like that? I've never got one to sound like that no matter what I did.
I think at this time it may have had the C19 mod. (Clip on leg of C19 resistor). In the end I preferred it stock. And that cab sounds awesome. I’ve been abusing it for a decade so the Greenbacks are nicely worn in.
@@BCyr1991 so basically it is stock... wow! I've never been able to get that kind of tone from that amp. How loud did you have it? I'm sure that makes a difference. What are the EQ settings? Thanks
@@Bret_Sanor it wasn’t especially loud, probably around 2 on the volume. As for the EQ I don’t recall, but generally I would set something like presence 10, mids and bass around 5 and treble 0-2
Sounds bad-asz! Nothing like a Marshall.
The ONLY reason purists don't like the DSL is "made in Vietnam"!!! Period!! The truth is.....the DSL is more reliable....Tube in chassis design, fuses, everything is Easier to service than JCM. It has a more modern distortion tone also. Once Marshall starts moving to China, these Vietnam amps WILL go up in value....mark my words.
Love the heck out of mine.
IMO, let them complain about the DSL. That’ll leave more amps for the rest of us.
You can usually find used DSL heads starting at around $400.
A Dsl won't ever be more easy to service than a plexi/jmp/Jcm800. Those are very simple amps
There is CLEARLY a boost or distortion going on here which really muddies the comparison a lot. I had a JCM 900 100w and the DSL 100 was in no way similar except for somewhat similar Marshall harmonics. Way different beasts.
lookingjust987654321 if by a boost you mean a pedal or outboard unit of some sort, I’m sorry but you are mistaken. This was guitar straight to amp for both.
which did you prefer and why?
alvarg I still have the DSL, and the SLX is gone now. The SLX was a little more “one dimensional”, but it sounded great truthfully, and was easier to dial in a great sound. I just sold it because I knew it would go a little quicker, and I wouldn’t be missing a lot. So if you want flexibility, the DSL is tops, if you just want a ballsy rock sound at all times, the SLX is probably a better bet.
@@BCyr1991 Hey ! this could be a long shot, but more or less how did you dial the SLX ? it sounds incredible !
@@eugeniuandriuta3388 Honestly, I set everything on the SLX (except the volume) to within 1 or two ticks of "Noon." Its sounded excellent straight up, and made it awesome to gig with.
0:01 01:10 03:35
Tube amps need to be on for half an hour or so to sound at their best.
cab?
Raúl Mateos the Hughes & Kettner you see, Celestion Greenback speakers
BCyr1991 did you swap the stock V30s out for the greenbacks? Sounds killer!
A cheap guitar center guitar strap over a cheap cymbal is enough said lol.
go home kid