a choice: Jubilee 2553 vs 2555x

[nubis99]

Hello all,
I've seen mixed reactions to the jubilee on this forum, but I'm seriously considering getting one now I've sold my 1987x. So I've been looking at the 2555x reissue on Thomann. But lo and behold, after checking some classifieds turns out someone is selling an original 2553 half stack (head and 2x12) for roughly the same price as the reissue stack. so here's my dilemma, do I go with the 34 year old amp, or the new one? I mostly have some concerns in terms of maintenance and just general fit/finish quality. I'm also kind of interested in seeing how the 50w vs 100w thing works out. so yeah, any opinions, thoughts and/or warnings would be appreciated.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Well, they sound remarkably similar, or they should. Personally unless it is for collectible value, get the new one. New amp, new caps, exterior bias points, half stack....
50 watts not much quieter than 100 amd both amps have a half powwr switch.
Go new man!

 

[MaskingApathy]

I would also do the new one.

 

[Kelia]

Hello all,
I've seen mixed reactions to the jubilee on this forum, but I'm seriously considering getting one now I've sold my 1987x. So I've been looking at the 2555x reissue on Thomann. But lo and behold, after checking some classifieds turns out someone is selling an original 2553 half stack (head and 2x12) for roughly the same price as the reissue stack. so here's my dilemma, do I go with the 34 year old amp, or the new one? I mostly have some concerns in terms of maintenance and just general fit/finish quality. I'm also kind of interested in seeing how the 50w vs 100w thing works out. so yeah, any opinions, thoughts and/or warnings would be appreciated.

I would go with the new one, old ones had issues at the beginning iirc .

If you want a solid opinion on this, listen to Santiago at 1.06

 

[El Gringo]

Go new for all of the reasons that Jethro Rocker stated as that is just a fact and very true !

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

Just some of the pros and cons:

2555x- 100 watts. Many people feel that a 100 watt amp sounds better. Not only can it push more bottom end, the bottom end is usually more focused and more solid with 100 watts. The master on the Jubes is very good, so you can run it at any needed volume level despite the 100 watts.

As Jethro pointed out, the 2555x is new with new caps and it has outboard bias facilities. Moreover it can run a wider variety of power tubes. My 50 watt jubilee required a cap job 5 years ago. Also the original Jubilees can only take EL34s without mods. You will need to use a bias tool or install 1 watt resistors to the cathodes of the power tube sockets on an original to bias it your self.

2553- 50 watts or 25 watts, so you can get into the power amp more if you want. Original Drake iron. Flying leads construction. Lighter weight and more compact size. 2553 is more rare and has collectors value. The cab (if still stock) may have G12 Vintages, but more likely G12T75s. In my experience the G12V (or a made for Mesa V30) is what you want with any Jubilee. The reissue cab has the G12V, but they won't be broke in yet. Also the three decades old 1/4 stack will have a little, or a lot, of wear and tear.

 

[El Gringo]

Just some of the pros and cons:

2555x- 100 watts. Many people feel that a 100 watt amp sounds better. Not only can it push more bottom end, the bottom end is usually more focused and more solid with 100 watts. The master on the Jubes is very good, so you can run it at any needed volume level despite the 100 watts.

As Jethro pointed out, the 2555x is new with new caps and it has outboard bias facilities. Moreover it can run a wider variety of power tubes. My 50 watt jubilee required a cap job 5 years ago. Also the original Jubilees can only take EL34s without mods. You will need to use a bias tool or install 1 watt resistors to the cathodes of the power tube sockets on an original to bias it your self.

2553- 50 watts or 25 watts, so you can get into the power amp more if you want. Original Drake iron. Flying leads construction. Lighter weight and more compact size. 2553 is more rare and has collectors value. The cab (if still stock) may have G12 Vintages, but more likely G12T75s. In my experience the G12V (or a made for Mesa V30) is what you want with any Jubilee. The reissue cab has the G12V, but they won't be broke in yet. Also the three decades old 1/4 stack will have a little, or a lot, of wear and tear.

Take it a step further with maintenance costs and down time sucks . Very true about the Vintage 12's need time to be broken in , but with some honest volume pushing air you will get there soon enough . A super great amp that has blown my mind and ears away not to lest forget the tone that is music to my ears . Well Done Marshall I liked my 2555X half stack so much that in 2019 I got a second 2555X half stack with the matching 2551 AV cabs ! The fun part for me is that I run them together , as I had to try them out together when I unboxed the second half stack and I liked them so much together that I just couldn't bring myself to do as I orginally intended which was to use them as the air and the spare ( ha ha )

 

[JacksonCharvelAddict]

Take it a step further with maintenance costs and down time sucks . Very true about the Vintage 12's need time to be broken in ,

The 2555x was my first new tube amp. I didn't realize that you have to break in those new speakers before they sound good. I almost returned the amp but the guys here told me how to break in those speakers. After a few weeks it started sounding awesome. Then I bought the B cab and had to go through the rough break in period all over again.

 

[Jethro Rocker]

Just some of the pros and cons:

2555x- 100 watts. Many people feel that a 100 watt amp sounds better. Not only can it push more bottom end, the bottom end is usually more focused and more solid with 100 watts. The master on the Jubes is very good, so you can run it at any needed volume level despite the 100 watts.

As Jethro pointed out, the 2555x is new with new caps and it has outboard bias facilities. Moreover it can run a wider variety of power tubes. My 50 watt jubilee required a cap job 5 years ago. Also the original Jubilees can only take EL34s without mods. You will need to use a bias tool or install 1 watt resistors to the cathodes of the power tube sockets on an original to bias it your self.

2553- 50 watts or 25 watts, so you can get into the power amp more if you want. Original Drake iron. Flying leads construction. Lighter weight and more compact size. 2553 is more rare and has collectors value. The cab (if still stock) may have G12 Vintages, but more likely G12T75s. In my experience the G12V (or a made for Mesa V30) is what you want with any Jubilee. The reissue cab has the G12V, but they won't be broke in yet. Also the three decades old 1/4 stack will have a little, or a lot, of wear and tear.

Yeah the small box is really cool amd as a collector's end of things, I personally would get the 2553. But I already have a 2558 amd 2525H so I don't really care about another new amp. I also prefer 2x12s for hauling purposes.
This isn't about my chpice though!!

 

[nubis99]

Hi all! Turns out the seller of the 2553 isn't selling after all! (we've all been there, let's be honest) so that makes the choice a lot easier! And judging by your comments the 2555x isn't a bad shout either way. Now to find a store that has one in stock sooner than October. seems either Brexit had some impact or they're just really, really popular amps at the moment.

 

[JacksonCharvelAddict]

Hi all! Turns out the seller of the 2553 isn't selling after all! (we've all been there, let's be honest) so that makes the choice a lot easier! And judging by your comments the 2555x isn't a bad shout either way. Now to find a store that has one in stock sooner than October. seems either Brexit had some impact or they're just really, really popular amps at the moment.

I believe the 2555x was discontinued in the US. People trash talked them when they first came out but now people realize how good of a value they are. I was really surprised how well built they are for the price.

 

[nubis99]

I believe the 2555x was discontinued in the US. People trash talked them when they first came out but now people realize how good of a value they are. I was really surprised how well built they are for the price.

they're still available in Europe, but availability has been an issue. my guess is that's to do with the new import regulations that are in place now the UK isn't in the EU anymore.

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

You can still get them from Sweet Water, but you must special order them and get on a waiting list.

 

[JacksonCharvelAddict]

You can still get them from Sweet Water, but you must special order them and get on a waiting list.

Thanks for the info! It's nice to know I can add a second one to my backline if I ever start playing live again. I could destroy the entire mid-west with two stacks.

 

[johnnyeggz]

I’ve a 2555x.

It’s a great sounding amp, plus it has the bias ports, and makes emergency tube changes a snap on the road.

 

[Gene Ballzz]

Wasn't the 2555x fairly recently available at killer blowout sale types of prices?
Just Askin'
Gene

 

[Crikey]

Clearly the 2555x is best.

 

[El Gringo]

I believe the 2555x was discontinued in the US. People trash talked them when they first came out but now people realize how good of a value they are. I was really surprised how well built they are for the price.

Sweetwater has them in the US and they are available

 

[El Gringo]

Wasn't the 2555x fairly recently available at killer blowout sale types of prices?
Just Askin'
Gene

not at blowout prices

 

[El Gringo]

Thanks for the info! It's nice to know I can add a second one to my backline if I ever start playing live again. I could destroy the entire mid-west with two stacks.

Exactly as that is what it's about . I destroy my own self as many times a week as I can . Nothing finer and then after playing the recreating begins