Adrian R
Well-Known Member
So like I have owned this amp for nearly two months and I think I now really got it sounding great... very 800 like...but with more gain...
I replaced all the pots with new ones from Marshall...identical to stock...
Replaced the filter caps with ARS LCR clones...sound identical imo
Replaced bias caps, had network adjusted to get a nice warm bias with EL34s. Didn't have enough range stock.
Installed a 3-4H Heyboer 100mA choke... similar to what the 2204s use.
Well, was not all that pleased. Sounded good, but it sagged too much...just didn't feel right. Nice clean tones.
So I had the Heyboer 100mA choke swapped out for a 3H 250mA choke...
That was the difference. Man, what a change. Now it sound great! Very Marshall authentic...hard to distinguish from a 2204. Plenty of punch... especially with the MV at 4 and above.'
It likes OD pedals. I use my trusty FD2 with it like I do with the DSLs. That was the ticket. With the two gain controls, plus the pedal, man you can dial in a bunch of different gain textures...really versatile..
However, I noticed you have to keep the sensitivity control on the low side to avoid unwanted noise... but you don't need much for to really affect the tone. Adds a great deal of body... I keep it at around 2-3 max. Sounds killer with the pedal engaged. This amp is a keeper...and a steal compared to what current 2204s sell for.
I bet this head would sound awesome with the Hot Mod V2!!
I replaced all the pots with new ones from Marshall...identical to stock...
Replaced the filter caps with ARS LCR clones...sound identical imo
Replaced bias caps, had network adjusted to get a nice warm bias with EL34s. Didn't have enough range stock.
Installed a 3-4H Heyboer 100mA choke... similar to what the 2204s use.
Well, was not all that pleased. Sounded good, but it sagged too much...just didn't feel right. Nice clean tones.
So I had the Heyboer 100mA choke swapped out for a 3H 250mA choke...
That was the difference. Man, what a change. Now it sound great! Very Marshall authentic...hard to distinguish from a 2204. Plenty of punch... especially with the MV at 4 and above.'
It likes OD pedals. I use my trusty FD2 with it like I do with the DSLs. That was the ticket. With the two gain controls, plus the pedal, man you can dial in a bunch of different gain textures...really versatile..
However, I noticed you have to keep the sensitivity control on the low side to avoid unwanted noise... but you don't need much for to really affect the tone. Adds a great deal of body... I keep it at around 2-3 max. Sounds killer with the pedal engaged. This amp is a keeper...and a steal compared to what current 2204s sell for.
I bet this head would sound awesome with the Hot Mod V2!!
