@@JohanSegeborn BTW Johan, I was also a tad concerned with the slight lack of low-end. A switch to either Creamback H75s or Greenback H 55hz solves the living shit out of that!
The differences are slight enough to be equivalent to differences between two Plexis, and could easily be compensated with slight tone and volume adjustments. Nice!
After watching this a few times I think most people, excluding many pros, wouldn’t want to have a loud 50 watt Marshall to get an almost identical tone. The SV20 can be modded to remove the harshness and then it’s even closer. The SV20 is a winner and and makes a lot of sense for most who want that Plexi tone.
Honestly I did not expect them to be THAT close. I thought the 1987X would have a lot more body and space, but the difference seems to be minimal. The SV20H is really impressive.
Really close in sound, as you said. Slight more punch in the lower register with the 1987X. Gigging musicians playing without PA could still benefit from the 50 W. I also trust you regarding single note fullness for recording. That is probably a value. Still, both amps sounds really great, particularly through those cabs. You're more than welcome to spend more videos exploring these details. Yes, we are interested!
There are some days in the week on which I prefer SC20 over SV20, and on some others, I take SV20 over SC20. It is a beautiful time we live in, at least concerning the amps! 🙂
+1 for SC20H next! Nobody does as good of a job as you with these reviews. I found the SC20H to be really harsh sounding when I played one at my local guitar center last year.
@@dylanjastle Speakers make a big difference. I love my SC20H and have done a few videos with it myself, but if you want a Marshall video done right, you gotta go to Johan
@@JosipAngeloBorovac i personally prefer the cleans of a plexi over the cleans of a JCM. the distortions are pretty similar but im more into rock and the JCM seems more metal, can still do rock but i just prefer the plexi for almost everything. but it's basically equal in terms of the distortion. I use fuzz and overdrive pedals anyway though
To my ears, on studio monitors, I did not hear any significant difference between the two and I would likely fail the blindfold test. I have the SV20 and the whole Studio series trifecta and I can only say that I am getting some serious tones with these little beasts! In my opinion, Marshall nailed it with the Studio series...and great job Johan as always! I look forward to the comparison of SV20 with DSL20...as you say the layout and components are very similar, although the circuit is a whole another animal. Once again incredible stuff from the High Priest of Marshall - Johan Segeborn!
If you were in the room or actually playing them you would tell the difference. I have both of these amps and the 87 is definitely a bigger and fuller sound.
Personally I prefer the accented mids and reduced bass of the SV20H, less thumpy and more chewy how delightful, but I do like the treble zing of 1987X and even moreso an original 50w Mk2 for the best possible high end.
Your videos are always entertaining, thanks for sharing Johan! You have a genuine enthusiasm and love for music that is evident. I'm really looking forward to the DSL/SV video to come, I am an owner and big fan of the DSL20 (and Origin 20) amps. Thus far I have been reluctant to spend more money on the higher end amps and instead have extensively tested most of the popular speaker choices in different cabinets that fit my playing style and venues. Thanks again buddy!
I think your videos are great, they show interesting comparisons & tricks that allow us to choose the best combination and achieve the Holy Grail tone!
So close. For my own SV20H changing the stock tubes to a full compliment of Millards gave me what I hear to be almost exactly the big boy vintage version. Please test some different tube compliments as well
in the SV20H I hear a slight sponginess in the low range when playing for example the E at the 12th fret on the bottom string compared to the 1987x. But they both sound good
The difference I am experiencing, in having both, is that the SV20 at gigs where the cabinet is not mic'ed, barely cuts it. If you are playing at a venue that does not have a problem with volume, and outdoor gigs, diming the SV20 will barely make it. Best to have the extra headroom with a 1987 or 2204 in these situations. For studio use, or venues where you have to keep it down, SV20 certainly suffices, and you may even need to attenuate it. The 5W setting is still fairly loud. Changing from 5W to 20W does not quadruple the volume. It probably increases by about 20%. SV20 is a great amp, but it is called Studio for a reason.
The SV20 really nails the early metal panel sound, it's very very close indeed to the reissue. I'll be excited to see how close the SC20 can get to your 1977 2204.
I have both amps and your test is spot on. The difference between both amps (on the same cab of course) is that the 1987X sounds a bit deeper and fat, but not much! The SV20 could even be easier to place in a mix if there's other guitars.
I agree that the 1987 has more low end response. The SV models are cathode biased instead of adjustable bias. That allowed. for the lower output wattage.
I recently watched a YT video where a tech examined the SV20 and he explained that it was cathode biased. It concerns me a bit that the chassis is just folded and does not have side panels welded for more strength.
Very excellent video! I myself normally cut the electric gtr lows out in the recording process. I would really like to try the SV20H into a new Marshall 1960AHW 412 cabinet.
Same here. First I listened on an iPad and thought it was super close, but now listening again with headphones it's very noticeable that the 1987X has more bottom end. Johan makes a good point that not everyone may want that, but I prefer to have it. The SV20H is still a really cool amp though and the smaller form factor is a plus too.
I like them both, I say have one of each. Depending on the gig or the recording situation both could come in handy. Also one should also buy 1959 SLP, JCM 800, JCM 800 studio, Silver Jubilee, and Mini Jubilee. It’s always best to come prepared 😂
I had the jcm 2000 tsl602. Nice amp but just wasnt the sound that was in my head..i sold it and got the studio vintage and couldnt be happier. It does sooo many of the classic tones i was after and what i thinknof as the marshall sound. I put the little bugera load box between it and the speakers though because even at the 5 watt setting this litgle amp COOKS!!
The right tool for the job is what your thinking should be. That 50 or 100 watt Marshall head is always going to draw you in because it’s the amp of many of our heroes it’s a sound we know and love. The reason 50 and 100 and even 200 watt amps were made was for head room volume. If your the who, Floyd, stones etc and you are playing outdoor festivals or arenas and you have a limited PA well you need power. If you can’t get that 50 watt amp to its sweet spot than you have wasted that amp. Buy the 20 watt amp and truly dial in plexi tones without blowing out your ear drums
Great video! I have both the SV20h and SC20h. Both are equally impressive and I’m not sure which I prefer. Hopefully, you can get your hands on the mini JCM in the future. Thanks Johan!
I have both and I love both. Would be hard to pick for me. I use the 1987x through a Marshall 1960TV for rehearsals and the SV20H through a Zilla 2x12" cab with a Greenbrack M and 70th Anni H for recording. Tame both of them with a Tone King Ironman II if needed. They're just awesome!
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I really like your video on the ST20h. You did a great job there! I read you did end up letting the st20h go. I'm on the fence as well because I've never played a JTM45 and the low end might be too wooly and flubby for me.
@@svarthelikoptern thanks! I did sell the SV20H because I got the combo, but I bought it back from the guy I sold it to after six months and sold the combo. The Studio JTM is also good, but for that greasy classic rock sound the SV20H is better. Also got a video comparing the two of them. And yeah, the low end is an issue for me as well with JTM45 style circuits.
Hello, thank you so much for your work/channel. I have a big request for you - could you please compare Marshall SC20H against JCM800 2203 (the big one) on the same cab?? It could be great and useful for many players. Thank you in advance. Martin
Wow, they sound similar! Both sound fantastic and hard to distinguish unless you've got proper speakers to listen carefully. I'm still hoping that one day, the master will decide to make IR's of his best cabinets. The micing technique and the tone you'd get would be greatly appreciated by your disciples of all things Johan. God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸
Loving this series of comparison videos with the SV20H. Your riff's sound great Johan! I have this amp combo version, and love hearing the sounds you're getting out of it. Makes me want a 2x12" cab!
I've had both amps, I still have the SV20. 1987x kills and has a lot of energy but man I want my ears intact lmao so I returned the amp, SV20 is still pretty loud too but it is somewhat manageable with some good earplugs. For those of you who thinks they sound similar, yes possibly to your ears through your computer speakers but the difference in what you feel in person is entirely different.
Without looking the only way I could tell them apart was the low end was more predominant in the bigger amp but not a necessary thing other ways around that.I think it's a great sounding amp
I intentionally didn’t look at what you were playing when, I really couldn’t hear a difference that mattered. They both sound really really good. Unless I needed that volume, I could see myself being very happy with the SV-20
87 all the way. I was surprised it sounded so much better. Does kinda make sense, both use the same set of tubes so if the studio has the same kind of plate voltages they must be taping the power off with the whole power scaling thing and leave the top 3db left off as an option so that they can get away with using smaller iron, and with output transformers being in such short supply, must help economically quite a bit.
I was under the impression that the SV20 was actually a smaller alternative to a Superlead 100. That the dynamics were all there as well. If that be the case then this head would be miraculous.
The 1987x is not even close 3x as loud as the SV20H. To just double the loudness, you’d need 10x the power. (The SV20H is half as loud as a maxed out 200 watt amp). It’s all about the decibel logarithmic scale.
The SV is very close indeed which is very good news for everyone. But I can quite clearly hear the different dynamic range, bass response and extra treble of the 1987x, the cleans sound more lively, too. So soundwise the winner is clear for me, but the value and practicality of the SV is a whole another story... Looking forward to the single note comparison! Cheers Johan.
The 1987X has that bit more full spectrum sound. The SV20 lacked a little up top and a little down low but same sweet marshall low-mid to hi-mid. Reminds me of comparing my 1959 SLP to a friends 1987X 20 yrs ago. Recording wise you can work with them all but live there's a significant difference in feel and output. Makes me realize I just need to bite the bullet and pick up a used SV20H as I only play at home and record these days. Pairing it with the right speaker(s) and cab would be a must.
i have a 1959 and an sv20. recording them they sound closer to each other than in person. the tone is very simllar but the "size" of the tone is dramatic. i dont mean volume. the notes are simply fuller, bigger and by a lot. the 1959 has so much head room compared to the smaller versions that amp puts alot of space in the notes. i play the amps a little differently because of this. this lack of compression really exposes what you are playing. i will say, if you get a superlead you have to have a plan for the volume. mine avgs 120 db through a 2x12. the SV20 avgs 108 db through the same cab. the difference is immense. An attenuator can be used effectively, but i have found the one i have really thins out the little amp. To be honest my superlead has less squish than these recordings. its a bigger ballsier sound. not sure its good or bad but decernably different
Great point about cutting the low end out so as not to trespass on the base eq, in a full mix you probably wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two, maybe a slight difference in the mids.
You can't go wrong with either one. The studio 20 has the plexi sound but if I had to choose I would go with the 1987x it's hard to beat the punch in the chest power of the 1987x!! More is more!!
The SV20H sounds so close to the 1987X, I don’t think most people could tell them apart in a blind test. I’m a bit surprised you said the SV20H was much quieter, I got the impression when I played one that it was very loud and perhaps put out more than the 20 nominal watts. I’ve never played a 1987X so maybe it’s quite loud for 50 watts as well! Great video, Johan! Cheers!
I think the 'sparkle' difference you mention will just be a difference in presence settings as the amount of NFB will be different - so the same knob positions on the presence controls will also be different between the two.
Thanks for the video! They are really close. The SV20H has smoother mids but that could be down to the taper of the pots. Now, the construction and the quality of the parts: the 1987X will most probably outlast the SV20H by a significant margin. Only time will tell.
Interesting comparison. I think the amps sound very similar in your recording...maybe different in person? The 1987x has a little more harmonic content and dynamic breadth than the SV. Everyone knows that the 1987x is a great amp, but the SV is really surprising though. Marshall did a fantastic job with the Studio amps, especially incorporating EL34's rather than resorting to EL84's like you'd expect in a 20w amp.
I have the SV20H and it's the perfect candidate for a reamping live rig. The power tubes are run very conservatively and should last very long and going into a reactive load and on to a poweramp (or a fryette power station/boss tae/black cat) you get your fx's where they're supposed to go and can keep level where it needs to be...
I think that Marshall didn't sell amps as good as those since the Vintage Modern. That remains my favourite because it is cheap, it has a kinda plexi tone, and it is really dynamic. Anyway really good comparison!! Thank you
So Johan I had a Marshall Origin 20H in white with the match 2x12 cab. Sounds god aweful, but then when I run that same head through my 1989 model 1960A slanted 4x12 cab it comes alive. I also have a Marshall Class 5 head, that I absolutely love! So I’m thinking of selling the Marshall Origin 20H and matching cab to fund a SV20H only and run it through my 4x12! What ya think? I think it’s gonna be a great idea! Also love your playing and fine selection of vintage gear. Also I’d like to add my main amp is a Marshall 1991 reissue Bluesbreaker. I think it will be my “main” amp till I die 😂. You just can’t beat it! 😂❤❤
They really sound similar to me. I think the days of big iron transformers are over. I use an 18 watt (JTM45 Marshall type circuit) that I built with my band and it works just fine.
Thanks for comparing! Hey do you know where the phase inverter coupling caps are located on the SV20’s circuit? I’ve essentially modded it mostly to super bass specs and these caps are the only parts I need to change!
Thanks! LESS Watts but less headroom roundness and Low end! Little transformer 1959>1987>sv20. Sound similar but not the same. SV sound great, more like a mini plexi.
Both sound awesome, the sv20 sounds a little more trebly. I always watch your videos, why do you get such a good sound with such rich overtones? What pickups are you using?
As a bedroom player I love the sv20h with an attenuator because they are all too loud to play at home with a new baby 👶 next door and some retirees who I appreciate thankyou marshall
Recorded, the differences are not huge, but the 1987X sounds bigger, more open, more clarity/presence. It's very apparent when you are playing crunchy chord stuff, less so for the lead work. That said, the SV20 is again showing it can hang with it's big brothers. Great job, enjoying the series.
Thanks to your tests of these great amps I’m gonna buy a 20w plexi combo I know there is a slight difference but it’s nominal also I’ve got some “THROBAK” vintage PAFs around 7.4K neck 8.7k bridge so I can’t wait keep the great content coming bro.
@@thomasrychlik8584 I like the be Channel of the JJ. Kind of a 20w version of the be100. The Pink Taco sounds great but it's a lot of $ for a single Channel amp.
This comparison is a lot closer to each other in sound than the last one you did. Thanks johan, I’ve been trying to decide between the two and the price difference is not there in my opinion.
The SV20H is very versatile. Very killer tones. Love the 1987X as well. The 87X bottom end is noticeable, but I agree it could be too much in the mix of some music and would need to be lowered a bit. Excellent comparison Sir.
I liked the sound from my Jext Telez White Pedal so much that I bought a Conqueror and a Pep Box to try and simulate the tone. Sounds pretty good, but ultimately inadequate. I have a Defiant, but I get the best tone from my similarly-designed Super Foundation amplifiers. I reckon if I put a Supreme up against the Conqueror, it would be as I think that I am hearing on this experiment. The little ones just don't quite do it for me. 🎸
Nice job. I could tell by the camera shake that the 50watt, as expected, pushed higher SPL"s. But exactly how much I would love to know. I do know that a 20watt[22watt] Fender Deluxe Reverb is not quite loud enough for me to gig with an two guitars, bass, drummer, and keyboard band. An AC-30 is even with a single 12". As well as the DSL-40CR. Would the SV20H with a single 12" cab get the job done ? Hard to believe a dual EL-34 amp from Marshall only touts 20watts when compared to the DSL-40 using the same power tube pair. I am guessing the input and output tranny's on the SV20H are such that the design was limited to that output. Also, I've always wondered why low wattage amps seem to be "studio" amps where you can crank your amp to no end if need be. You can get what's called "room compression" and it's my favorite type compression...lol.
First thought: They sound the same. In the long run, the 1987 has a little more balls, but that's literally peanuts. My son owns a JCM 800 Studio and it's areal deal, too. Thanks for Q.E.D.
I pretty much agree with what you said johon. They're not that far off but there is a difference. Do you think the 50 watt sounds more solid and fuller. I think we're doing single note leads there would be a difference in recording. It'll be interesting to hear that when you do the video!
Great comparison! They both sound very similar. Just curious, are you running the settings the same for each amp, and if so, what are the settings? Thanks!
Thanks! I’m using bass 3, and the rest on 75% on the lead channel. For the cleans I jumper it with Vol1 set to 1 and Vol2 set to 4. EQ knobs on 5 but treble and pres maybe slightly less. Cheers
@@JohanSegeborn Thanks for answering. Seems like this model could get away with a ppimv without getting too fizzy and saggy. Makes me really curious about the sc20!
Hmm like a very few others, I hear the limited dynamics of the treble on the SV as the major diff..(the diff in bass is less noticeable, and less of an issue-a differnt speaker could cure that). SV is quite a bit more compressed in treble and dynamics in every setting- even the cleanest. And predictably, the more ctanked and overdriven the examples are, then both are compessed more and the dynamics are less notceable, but it's still there---the SV doesn't need mods for less treble - i it needs a more open and dynamic treble-and there's no easy mod for that , it's the basic character of most low-power amps..... but all in all it's not bad.. and for the folks that just don't hear much diff, that's really good news- , right? folks can enjoy the smaller ,lighter, more-full mids Sv, -and save a lot of weight and money...
Wonderful video. Purchased an SV20H and waiting for it to arrive. As you said, great bang for the buck. The 1987x sounds fuller, and in honesty I would prefer it, but it’s also more expensive.. and I’m just a hobbyist. The SV20H gets you close, I believe. Thanks for a great video!
Your videos are excellent Johan. The sound you get from all of your Plexi videos is the sound i think of in my head. What i love about the sound is the crispy / compression of the higher frequencies. I find a lot of other demos on youtube struggle to dial that sound using the high treble channel. Do you put this down to the cabs / mic you're using?
I preferred the 1987X,but the SV20 is almost half the price and did great...for the money,I think I'd grab a Ceriatone 50 watter...I really do prefer the fullness of bigger glass and transformers
Makes we wish I didn't get rid if my 1987x. I'm gonna buy the 20 watter, it's awesome but the girth and bloom from the 1987x is superior due to the higher wattage and bigger transformers.
The fact that Johan has gone sv20 crazy is making me feel so good as an sv20 owner :-)
Hahaha! Cheers ;-)
@@JohanSegeborn BTW Johan, I was also a tad concerned with the slight lack of low-end. A switch to either Creamback H75s or Greenback H 55hz solves the living shit out of that!
Yeah im gonna get the SV combo brand new for £600 as it has no box but has all warranty and guarantee papers an lead ect can’t wait.
Me too here!
The guy obviously has money out the wazoo. Most likely has one of everything.
The differences are slight enough to be equivalent to differences between two Plexis, and could easily be compensated with slight tone and volume adjustments. Nice!
Thanks Vic!
No they couldn’t. The 87 in the room sounds better. I have both of these amps.
After watching this a few times I think most people, excluding many pros, wouldn’t want to have a loud 50 watt Marshall to get an almost identical tone. The SV20 can be modded to remove the harshness and then it’s even closer. The SV20 is a winner and and makes a lot of sense for most who want that Plexi tone.
Are there any mods to make it more like the 1959 super lead? That’s my favorite plexi, it has the best balance of great cleans and high gain.
Every time I hear this guys voice, I wonder if his dad was Count Chocula. ❤ Great content 💪
Marshall did a great job with that little 20W plexi, it sounds great and almost identical to both the 1959 and 1987. Well done Marshall.👍
They could easily just do a 20w 1987 circuit but then they wouldn't be able to charge three times as much for the 50w 1987x
I have both of these amps and they do sound different in the room.
Honestly I did not expect them to be THAT close. I thought the 1987X would have a lot more body and space, but the difference seems to be minimal. The SV20H is really impressive.
It does have more body when you’re in the room. I have both of these amps and the 87 is a different animal.
Really close in sound, as you said. Slight more punch in the lower register with the 1987X. Gigging musicians playing without PA could still benefit from the 50 W. I also trust you regarding single note fullness for recording. That is probably a value. Still, both amps sounds really great, particularly through those cabs.
You're more than welcome to spend more videos exploring these details. Yes, we are interested!
Thanks Bengt, great to hear that! Then more is coming up!
They both sound great. They really nailed it with the Studio Series. I hope the SC20H is next
There are some days in the week on which I prefer SC20 over SV20, and on some others, I take SV20 over SC20. It is a beautiful time we live in, at least concerning the amps! 🙂
Thanks!
+1 for SC20H next! Nobody does as good of a job as you with these reviews. I found the SC20H to be really harsh sounding when I played one at my local guitar center last year.
@@dylanjastle Speakers make a big difference. I love my SC20H and have done a few videos with it myself, but if you want a Marshall video done right, you gotta go to Johan
@@JosipAngeloBorovac i personally prefer the cleans of a plexi over the cleans of a JCM. the distortions are pretty similar but im more into rock and the JCM seems more metal, can still do rock but i just prefer the plexi for almost everything. but it's basically equal in terms of the distortion. I use fuzz and overdrive pedals anyway though
The 1987 has slightly more thump on the attack and lower notes on my speakers. On the clean it was imperceptible. Marshall Nailed it.
These videos are one of the best sources of information for me in order to find out which Marshall cab or head I should go for. Thanks!
To my ears, on studio monitors, I did not hear any significant difference between the two and I would likely fail the blindfold test. I have the SV20 and the whole Studio series trifecta and I can only say that I am getting some serious tones with these little beasts! In my opinion, Marshall nailed it with the Studio series...and great job Johan as always! I look forward to the comparison of SV20 with DSL20...as you say the layout and components are very similar, although the circuit is a whole another animal. Once again incredible stuff from the High Priest of Marshall - Johan Segeborn!
Thanks my friend! Cheers
how can't you hear the difference 😅😅 ..
If you were in the room or actually playing them you would tell the difference. I have both of these amps and the 87 is definitely a bigger and fuller sound.
Personally I prefer the accented mids and reduced bass of the SV20H, less thumpy and more chewy how delightful, but I do like the treble zing of 1987X and even moreso an original 50w Mk2 for the best possible high end.
Both sound amazing. They are so similar sounding that I can't distinguish them. Great video Johan!
Thanks, glad to hear it!
Excellent comparison, thanks Johan! Minimal differences between these two. The importance of the right cab is again in full display! Cheers, M.
Thanks Max, glad to hear it! Cheers!
Your videos are always entertaining, thanks for sharing Johan! You have a genuine enthusiasm and love for music that is evident. I'm really looking forward to the DSL/SV video to come, I am an owner and big fan of the DSL20 (and Origin 20) amps. Thus far I have been reluctant to spend more money on the higher end amps and instead have extensively tested most of the popular speaker choices in different cabinets that fit my playing style and venues. Thanks again buddy!
Thanks man, glad to hear it. I focus on speakers too!
I think your videos are great, they show interesting comparisons & tricks that allow us to choose the best combination and achieve the Holy Grail tone!
Thanks Guillaume! I’m really glad to hear that
Thanks for doing this for so long, with so much enthusiasm!
Thanks Frank!
Wow, Im surprised the Studio Vintage sounded so good.
I couldn't hear much difference at all. Thanks Johan!
Thanks!
I can promise you if you play them both there are definitely differences. I have both of these amps.
So close. For my own SV20H changing the stock tubes to a full compliment of Millards gave me what I hear to be almost exactly the big boy vintage version. Please test some different tube compliments as well
in the SV20H I hear a slight sponginess in the low range when playing for example the E at the 12th fret on the bottom string compared to the 1987x. But they both sound good
The difference I am experiencing, in having both, is that the SV20 at gigs where the cabinet is not mic'ed, barely cuts it. If you are playing at a venue that does not have a problem with volume, and outdoor gigs, diming the SV20 will barely make it. Best to have the extra headroom with a 1987 or 2204 in these situations. For studio use, or venues where you have to keep it down, SV20 certainly suffices, and you may even need to attenuate it. The 5W setting is still fairly loud. Changing from 5W to 20W does not quadruple the volume. It probably increases by about 20%. SV20 is a great amp, but it is called Studio for a reason.
Wow, that is really impressive. I am really interested to hear the comparison with the DSL next! Great video Johan!
Thanks Rob! Glad to hear it!
The SV20 really nails the early metal panel sound, it's very very close indeed to the reissue. I'll be excited to see how close the SC20 can get to your 1977 2204.
I’m gonna that one too asap!
These demos are the benchmark against which all others are judged. Well done!
I have both amps and your test is spot on. The difference between both amps (on the same cab of course) is that the 1987X sounds a bit deeper and fat, but not much! The SV20 could even be easier to place in a mix if there's other guitars.
Glad to hear it
I use my SV20H for that exact reason, with another guitarist in the band, my SV cuts through without being over bearing...unlike my AC50 LOL.
I agree that the 1987 has more low end response. The SV models are cathode biased instead of adjustable bias. That allowed. for the lower output wattage.
Ah, interesting! I didn’t know that
I recently watched a YT video where a tech examined the SV20 and he explained that it was cathode biased. It concerns me a bit that the chassis is just folded and does not have side panels welded for more strength.
Loved this video. Really looking forward to Wednesday as well!
Thanks Andreas!
Very excellent video! I myself normally cut the electric gtr lows out in the recording process. I would really like to try the SV20H into a new Marshall 1960AHW 412 cabinet.
Really looking forward to the DSL20 vs SV20 - the DSL20 is such good value.
Glad to hear that! Cheers
All I can say is that if you’re trying to buy the mini plexi now, the search just got even harder!!
(Glad I got mine last month lol!)
Yeah I heard there was some delivery delays
Very interesting. I also looking forward to see your next comparison with DSL 20.
Nice job Johan;)
Thanks Chris! Glad to hear that
Maybe not huge differences here, but to me, the 1987x consistently sound more open, present, dynamic chimey and sparkling.
Agreed, the 87 is consistently better... almost to the point of wiping the floor with its little sister here, not quite but amost.
@@analogkid1261 Simple electrical physics!
Same here. First I listened on an iPad and thought it was super close, but now listening again with headphones it's very noticeable that the 1987X has more bottom end. Johan makes a good point that not everyone may want that, but I prefer to have it. The SV20H is still a really cool amp though and the smaller form factor is a plus too.
Yup. I've got both and the 1987x is more 3D.
Any way you can improve those shortcomings on the sv20? Maybe different tubes any petals something like that?
I like them both, I say have one of each. Depending on the gig or the recording situation both could come in handy. Also one should also buy 1959 SLP, JCM 800, JCM 800 studio, Silver Jubilee, and Mini Jubilee. It’s always best to come prepared 😂
1987X sounded very noticeably clearer/livelier/‘sparklier’. 😎👍🏼
Thanks Kieren
I had the jcm 2000 tsl602. Nice amp but just wasnt the sound that was in my head..i sold it and got the studio vintage and couldnt be happier. It does sooo many of the classic tones i was after and what i thinknof as the marshall sound. I put the little bugera load box between it and the speakers though because even at the 5 watt setting this litgle amp COOKS!!
The right tool for the job is what your thinking should be. That 50 or 100 watt Marshall head is always going to draw you in because it’s the amp of many of our heroes it’s a sound we know and love. The reason 50 and 100 and even 200 watt amps were made was for head room volume. If your the who, Floyd, stones etc and you are playing outdoor festivals or arenas and you have a limited PA well you need power. If you can’t get that 50 watt amp to its sweet spot than you have wasted that amp. Buy the 20 watt amp and truly dial in plexi tones without blowing out your ear drums
Great video! I have both the SV20h and SC20h. Both are equally impressive and I’m not sure which I prefer. Hopefully, you can get your hands on the mini JCM in the future. Thanks Johan!
Thanks Joe! First chance I get
I find the SV a little thicker sounding due to channel blending
I have both and I love both. Would be hard to pick for me. I use the 1987x through a Marshall 1960TV for rehearsals and the SV20H through a Zilla 2x12" cab with a Greenbrack M and 70th Anni H for recording. Tame both of them with a Tone King Ironman II if needed. They're just awesome!
Pretty similar to my setup. 2x12 Zilla with GB and Ironman II mini. I have the sc20h though, thinking of getting the sv20h and st20h.
@@svarthelikoptern haven't tried the Studio Classic in a long time, but the Studio Vintage and Studio JTM are both great!
@@StevenAnthonyGuitar I really like your video on the ST20h. You did a great job there! I read you did end up letting the st20h go. I'm on the fence as well because I've never played a JTM45 and the low end might be too wooly and flubby for me.
@@svarthelikoptern thanks! I did sell the SV20H because I got the combo, but I bought it back from the guy I sold it to after six months and sold the combo. The Studio JTM is also good, but for that greasy classic rock sound the SV20H is better. Also got a video comparing the two of them. And yeah, the low end is an issue for me as well with JTM45 style circuits.
Great vid--would love to see the "in the mix" comparison.
Thanks Johnny!
I think the difference is the speaker distorting at pushing more air, that's why its a tiny bit more lively
Hello, thank you so much for your work/channel. I have a big request for you - could you please compare Marshall SC20H against JCM800 2203 (the big one) on the same cab?? It could be great and useful for many players. Thank you in advance. Martin
Wow, they sound similar! Both sound fantastic and hard to distinguish unless you've got proper speakers to listen carefully. I'm still hoping that one day, the master will decide to make IR's of his best cabinets. The micing technique and the tone you'd get would be greatly appreciated by your disciples of all things Johan. God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸
Thanks my friend, I’ll definitely do that eventually!
Loving this series of comparison videos with the SV20H. Your riff's sound great Johan! I have this amp combo version, and love hearing the sounds you're getting out of it. Makes me want a 2x12" cab!
Thanks Isaac! Great to hear that!
I've had both amps, I still have the SV20. 1987x kills and has a lot of energy but man I want my ears intact lmao so I returned the amp, SV20 is still pretty loud too but it is somewhat manageable with some good earplugs. For those of you who thinks they sound similar, yes possibly to your ears through your computer speakers but the difference in what you feel in person is entirely different.
Without looking the only way I could tell them apart was the low end was more predominant in the bigger amp but not a necessary thing other ways around that.I think it's a great sounding amp
great test, the 1987X makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up just a little bit more!!
I intentionally didn’t look at what you were playing when, I really couldn’t hear a difference that mattered. They both sound really really good. Unless I needed that volume, I could see myself being very happy with the SV-20
You really couldn’t hear any difference?
87 all the way. I was surprised it sounded so much better. Does kinda make sense, both use the same set of tubes so if the studio has the same kind of plate voltages they must be taping the power off with the whole power scaling thing and leave the top 3db left off as an option so that they can get away with using smaller iron, and with output transformers being in such short supply, must help economically quite a bit.
I was under the impression that the SV20 was actually a smaller alternative to a Superlead 100. That the dynamics were all there as well. If that be the case then this head would be miraculous.
The 1987x is not even close 3x as loud as the SV20H. To just double the loudness, you’d need 10x the power. (The SV20H is half as loud as a maxed out 200 watt amp). It’s all about the decibel logarithmic scale.
The SV is very close indeed which is very good news for everyone. But I can quite clearly hear the different dynamic range, bass response and extra treble of the 1987x, the cleans sound more lively, too. So soundwise the winner is clear for me, but the value and practicality of the SV is a whole another story... Looking forward to the single note comparison! Cheers Johan.
The 1987X has that bit more full spectrum sound. The SV20 lacked a little up top and a little down low but same sweet marshall low-mid to hi-mid.
Reminds me of comparing my 1959 SLP to a friends 1987X 20 yrs ago.
Recording wise you can work with them all but live there's a significant difference in feel and output.
Makes me realize I just need to bite the bullet and pick up a used SV20H as I only play at home and record these days.
Pairing it with the right speaker(s) and cab would be a must.
Thanks for the awesome video on the amp! I also agree that they sound very similar in the recording.
i have a 1959 and an sv20. recording them they sound closer to each other than in person. the tone is very simllar but the "size" of the tone is dramatic. i dont mean volume. the notes are simply fuller, bigger and by a lot. the 1959 has so much head room compared to the smaller versions that amp puts alot of space in the notes.
i play the amps a little differently because of this. this lack of compression really exposes what you are playing.
i will say, if you get a superlead you have to have a plan for the volume. mine avgs 120 db through a 2x12. the SV20 avgs 108 db through the same cab. the difference is immense. An attenuator can be used effectively, but i have found the one i have really thins out the little amp.
To be honest my superlead has less squish than these recordings. its a bigger ballsier sound. not sure its good or bad but decernably different
Great point about cutting the low end out so as not to trespass on the base eq, in a full mix you probably wouldn't be able to distinguish between the two, maybe a slight difference in the mids.
Thanks Scott!
You can't go wrong with either one. The studio 20 has the plexi sound but if I had to choose I would go with the 1987x it's hard to beat the punch in the chest power of the 1987x!! More is more!!
They’re similar but additional dynamic range never hurts
The SV20H sounds so close to the 1987X, I don’t think most people could tell them apart in a blind test. I’m a bit surprised you said the SV20H was much quieter, I got the impression when I played one that it was very loud and perhaps put out more than the 20 nominal watts. I’ve never played a 1987X so maybe it’s quite loud for 50 watts as well! Great video, Johan! Cheers!
Thanks Will! Cheers
I think the 'sparkle' difference you mention will just be a difference in presence settings as the amount of NFB will be different - so the same knob positions on the presence controls will also be different between the two.
Thanks for the video! They are really close. The SV20H has smoother mids but that could be down to the taper of the pots. Now, the construction and the quality of the parts: the 1987X will most probably outlast the SV20H by a significant margin. Only time will tell.
Interesting comparison. I think the amps sound very similar in your recording...maybe different in person? The 1987x has a little more harmonic content and dynamic breadth than the SV. Everyone knows that the 1987x is a great amp, but the SV is really surprising though. Marshall did a fantastic job with the Studio amps, especially incorporating EL34's rather than resorting to EL84's like you'd expect in a 20w amp.
I have the SV20H and it's the perfect candidate for a reamping live rig. The power tubes are run very conservatively and should last very long and going into a reactive load and on to a poweramp (or a fryette power station/boss tae/black cat) you get your fx's where they're supposed to go and can keep level where it needs to be...
Having the extra low end is useful. When using an overdrive pedal. Because most overdrive peddles cut the low end out.
I think that Marshall didn't sell amps as good as those since the Vintage Modern. That remains my favourite because it is cheap, it has a kinda plexi tone, and it is really dynamic. Anyway really good comparison!! Thank you
I've owned a couple of those before and sold them....el34s are the Marshall roar..
Thanks Massimo!
So Johan I had a Marshall Origin 20H in white with the match 2x12 cab. Sounds god aweful, but then when I run that same head through my 1989 model 1960A slanted 4x12 cab it comes alive. I also have a Marshall Class 5 head, that I absolutely love! So I’m thinking of selling the Marshall Origin 20H and matching cab to fund a SV20H only and run it through my 4x12! What ya think? I think it’s gonna be a great idea! Also love your playing and fine selection of vintage gear. Also I’d like to add my main amp is a Marshall 1991 reissue Bluesbreaker. I think it will be my “main” amp till I die 😂. You just can’t beat it! 😂❤❤
Love this deep dive into the Studio Vintage. Awesome job! Keep it up. Cheers!
They really sound similar to me. I think the days of big iron transformers are over. I use an 18 watt (JTM45 Marshall type circuit) that I built with my band and it works just fine.
Great job both amps sound great, the 20 watt one needs to be connected to the bass channel and everything will be great!!!
Thanks!
You bring up a great point about the low end honestly most sound guys shelve it anyway.😉
Also if needed...this amp pairs well with something like the Fryette PS100. Extra eq and more punch if necessary. Also a solo level boost function!!
Thanks for comparing! Hey do you know where the phase inverter coupling caps are located on the SV20’s circuit? I’ve essentially modded it mostly to super bass specs and these caps are the only parts I need to change!
Thanks!
LESS Watts but less headroom roundness and Low end! Little transformer 1959>1987>sv20.
Sound similar but not the same. SV sound great, more like a mini plexi.
Both sound awesome, the sv20 sounds a little more trebly.
I always watch your videos, why do you get such a good sound with such rich overtones?
What pickups are you using?
As a bedroom player I love the sv20h with an attenuator because they are all too loud to play at home with a new baby 👶 next door and some retirees who I appreciate thankyou marshall
Recorded, the differences are not huge, but the 1987X sounds bigger, more open, more clarity/presence. It's very apparent when you are playing crunchy chord stuff, less so for the lead work. That said, the SV20 is again showing it can hang with it's big brothers. Great job, enjoying the series.
Thanks Jeff, great to hear that!
Thanks to your tests of these great amps I’m gonna buy a 20w plexi combo I know there is a slight difference but it’s nominal also I’ve got some “THROBAK” vintage PAFs around 7.4K neck 8.7k bridge so I can’t wait keep the great content coming bro.
That Squire Telecaster sounds great , which amp would you choose out of these two , they both deliver warm tone .
Both sound great ! Virtually identical tone. I wonder how the SV20 will stack up against the Friedman JJjr or Dirty Shirley mini ?
Thanks Mitchell!
Mitchell, I have had all 3 amps, the JJ is more high gain more modern voiced, the 20w dirty shirley was too flubby on the bottom for my liking
@@thomasrychlik8584 I like the be Channel of the JJ. Kind of a 20w version of the be100. The Pink Taco sounds great but it's a lot of $ for a single Channel amp.
The smaller output transformer and lower voltage on the output tubes contribute to its lack of thump in the low end.
I noticed there’s no choke on the sv20h. Including one would improve the sound?
This comparison is a lot closer to each other in sound than the last one you did. Thanks johan, I’ve been trying to decide between the two and the price difference is not there in my opinion.
I play both through the same cab here. In the last one they each had their dedicated cabs
The SV20H is very versatile. Very killer tones. Love the 1987X as well. The 87X bottom end is noticeable, but I agree it could be too much in the mix of some music and would need to be lowered a bit. Excellent comparison Sir.
your videos really helps alot...keep posting great content
Excellent comparison as always
Thanks!
Sv20 great tone but if you need to use an effects loop forget about it
The missing low-mid is fairly broad and might lend itself to successful compensation by a recording console’s EQ. Pretty damned impressive.
I liked the sound from my Jext Telez White Pedal so much that I bought a Conqueror and a Pep Box to try and simulate the tone. Sounds pretty good, but ultimately inadequate. I have a Defiant, but I get the best tone from my similarly-designed Super Foundation amplifiers. I reckon if I put a Supreme up against the Conqueror, it would be as I think that I am hearing on this experiment. The little ones just don't quite do it for me. 🎸
Nice job. I could tell by the camera shake that the 50watt, as expected, pushed higher SPL"s. But exactly how much I would love to know. I do know that a 20watt[22watt] Fender Deluxe Reverb is not quite loud enough for me to gig with an two guitars, bass, drummer, and keyboard band. An AC-30 is even with a single 12". As well as the DSL-40CR. Would the SV20H with a single 12" cab get the job done ? Hard to believe a dual EL-34 amp from Marshall only touts 20watts when compared to the DSL-40 using the same power tube pair. I am guessing the input and output tranny's on the SV20H are such that the design was limited to that output. Also, I've always wondered why low wattage amps seem to be "studio" amps where you can crank your amp to no end if need be. You can get what's called "room compression" and it's my favorite type compression...lol.
Have you ever done a video plugging in a combo to a 4x12? I really wanted to hear the differences between the Combo 1x12 against it plugged to a 4x12!
Thanks for demoing the cleans as well.
Cheers
First thought: They sound the same. In the long run, the 1987 has a little more balls, but that's literally peanuts. My son owns a JCM 800 Studio and it's areal deal, too. Thanks for Q.E.D.
Thanks!
I pretty much agree with what you said johon. They're not that far off
but there is a difference. Do you think the 50 watt sounds more solid and fuller. I think we're doing single note leads there would be a difference in recording. It'll be interesting to hear that when you do the video!
Great comparison! They both sound very similar. Just curious, are you running the settings the same for each amp, and if so, what are the settings? Thanks!
Thanks! I’m using bass 3, and the rest on 75% on the lead channel. For the cleans I jumper it with Vol1 set to 1 and Vol2 set to 4. EQ knobs on 5 but treble and pres maybe slightly less. Cheers
Johan Segeborn Thanks for the info on the settings! Great series on the SV20!
Great job on the comparison. Its exactly what I expexted it to be.
Thanks Ali!
@JohanSegeborn which speakers do you like best for SV20H?
Something currently in production or available. Nothing rare or hard to get.
Hi! I liked the G12-65 Heritage
Been putting out great stuff Johan!
The 50w is 3 times as loud you say, what can I expect volume wise?
Thanks Sem! 50W is 117dB through a 1x12. 25W is 114dB, so maybe 112dB here
@@JohanSegeborn Thanks for answering.
Seems like this model could get away with a ppimv without getting too fizzy and saggy.
Makes me really curious about the sc20!
I’ve owned both amps, and either amp is capable of causing hearing damage.
Hmm like a very few others, I hear the limited dynamics of the treble on the SV as the major diff..(the diff in bass is less noticeable, and less of an issue-a differnt speaker could cure that). SV is quite a bit more compressed in treble and dynamics in every setting- even the cleanest. And predictably, the more ctanked and overdriven the examples are, then both are compessed more and the dynamics are less notceable, but it's still there---the SV doesn't need mods for less treble - i it needs a more open and dynamic treble-and there's no easy mod for that , it's the basic character of most low-power amps..... but all in all it's not bad.. and for the folks that just don't hear much diff, that's really good news- , right? folks can enjoy the smaller ,lighter, more-full mids Sv, -and save a lot of weight and money...
Wonderful video. Purchased an SV20H and waiting for it to arrive. As you said, great bang for the buck. The 1987x sounds fuller, and in honesty I would prefer it, but it’s also more expensive.. and I’m just a hobbyist. The SV20H gets you close, I believe. Thanks for a great video!
Your videos are excellent Johan. The sound you get from all of your Plexi videos is the sound i think of in my head. What i love about the sound is the crispy / compression of the higher frequencies. I find a lot of other demos on youtube struggle to dial that sound using the high treble channel. Do you put this down to the cabs / mic you're using?
I preferred the 1987X,but the SV20 is almost half the price and did great...for the money,I think I'd grab a Ceriatone 50 watter...I really do prefer the fullness of bigger glass and transformers
Hi, Johan!
I like 1987, but they are both great! For telecaster its great! See you!
Siegfried
Thanks Siegfried, glad to hear that. See you!
Makes we wish I didn't get rid if my 1987x. I'm gonna buy the 20 watter, it's awesome but the girth and bloom from the 1987x is superior due to the higher wattage and bigger transformers.