NAD: Marshall JCM 800 2203x

[Blix]

Some of the 70's 2203/04's I've played had pretty touchy master volumes. Thin and bright sound when set really low, but around 3, BAM there it is.

 

[laxu]

Some of the 70's 2203/04's I've played had pretty touchy master volumes. Thin and bright sound when set really low, but around 3, BAM there it is.

That's my experience with them, and most Marshalls for that matter. Need to get closer to band volumes to deliver the goods.

By comparison for example the Bogner Goldfinger I had, had no such issues and still delivered similar tones.

 

[megametal7]

Congrats…. Lets hear some pedal to the metaaaaaal chaga chaga

 

[Sirloin]

That's my experience with them, and most Marshalls for that matter. Need to get closer to band volumes to deliver the goods.

By comparison for example the Bogner Goldfinger I had, had no such issues and still delivered similar tones.

Some of the 70's 2203/04's I've played had pretty touchy master volumes. Thin and bright sound when set really low, but around 3, BAM there it is.

For me it’s all about where the preamp gain is set since the bright cap is on the gain pot. If the preamp is high enough it’s not bright regardless of where the master is set. At least that’s the way this amp behaves. It’s a 2024 build and it is totally stock.

 

[OrganicZed]

Very nice.

 

[EOengineer]

For me it’s all about where the preamp gain is set since the bright cap is on the gain pot. If the preamp is high enough it’s not bright regardless of where the master is set. At least that’s the way this amp behaves. It’s a 2024 build and it is totally stock.

I find this less of an issue if you live in Gibson land, but it can be a real battle to balance gain and brightness on a 2203 if you’re using fenders with single coils. The only mistake Marshall made with these amps is failing to put that input stage bright cap on a pull knob. Sometimes I want the cap, sometimes I don’t.

 

[Blix]

For me it’s all about where the preamp gain is set since the bright cap is on the gain pot. If the preamp is high enough it’s not bright regardless of where the master is set. At least that’s the way this amp behaves. It’s a 2024 build and it is totally stock.

Preamp gain on 10 is my go to on them, so the bright cap was out of the picture. :)

 

[Sirloin]

Preamp gain on 10 is my go to on them, so the bright cap was out of the picture. :)

I sometimes run it that high. I was playing it last night and found about 2:30-3:00 o'clock on the gain was ideal for me. Add a boost and watch out!

 

[la szum]

View attachment 38488
I have the MXR/Zakk version and it’s fantastic

All that dead space is killing me.

 

[la szum]

Don't sleep on that Lo Input. An whole host of other tones at your disposal.

 

[Sirloin]

Amp slayed last night

 

[Sirloin]

All that dead space is killing me.

Playing live in a fast paced cover band, I need the room and I need to keep it simple.

 

[James Freeman]

Master Volume = 1.
Yes, I know all about it, IT"S LOUD/.

 

[Sirloin]

Master Volume = 1.
Yes, I know all about it, IT"S LOUD/.

That pic was before we started. Actually was able to turn it up a bit more.

 

[la szum]

Get to use a JCM800 live on an actual stage in 2025. So jelly!

 

[KingsXJJ]

Awesome looking rig. Cabinet Direct looks nice! Built well? Inexpensive?

 

[GuitarBilly74]

Amp slayed last night
View attachment 39066View attachment 39065

Great rig man!!!

 

[Sirloin]

Awesome looking rig. Cabinet Direct looks nice! Built well? Inexpensive?

They are built very well. Not cheap.

 

[LCW]

I blame @Sirloin .... But I have a 2203 incoming! Found a deal (and in stock) I didn't want to pass up...

 

[EOengineer]

I blame @Sirloin .... But I have a 2203 incoming! Found a deal (and in stock) I didn't want to pass up...

the Recto and 2203 in stereo is basically the sound of every awesome rock album from the 90s. That’s gonna be fun for you.