JCM 800 questions

[LPJohnny]

I have a few questions about the JCM 800 series and I
would appreciate some help from forum members, as I'm
a new member and trying to learn. It appears that the
50W (2204) and 100 W (2203) heads came in versions
with vertical and horizontal inputs and also with EL34
and another type of power tube. My questions is, is one
of these versions preferable to another?

Can the DSL 50 get a JCM 800 type? Is an original JCM 800
preferable to a re-issue? Finally, what is a fair price for a
used JCM 800 head in good, unmodded condition?

Thanks for your help! LPJohnny

 

[Adwex]

I believe the vertical input models are preferred, I think because the jacks are not mounted to a board = more rugged/reliable.

 

[LoKi]

They also removed some filter caps in the horizontal models, and used different OT's I believe. They sound a bit different than the earlier models, which were essentially JMP master volumes with a little more grunt.

The DSL 100 does a passable JCM 800 sound.

People seem to prefer the original 800's over the reissues, but generally speaking, there are less options available to the older ones. Single channel, no effects loop. I like the originals, but I've tried the newer ones and they sound good too. The ZW signature 800 is quite nice, and the KK as well, with the built in noise gate and 'beast boost'.

 

[LPJohnny]

I just learned that it looks like Marshall also made a 2 channel
JCM800 in 50W and 100W models. Are there any preferences
to the 2 channel or single channel JCM800s? What's a fair price
for an original JCM800 in good-excellent shape?