SL-X tone/pre amp EQ

[dashizzler]

Ok. I just bought a used SL-X off eBay(It's actually my 3rd SL-X) and 90 amp tech dollars later (it was a little messed up when I got it, but that's a whole nother story) it's pretty much everything I want in a head, great Marshall gain, single channel, plain and simple. So my post is more or less about the tone, and I suppose I would like to hear from other SL-X owners if they have experienced this. The pre amp is not very responsive once I get over 1oclock on the knobs. Now, it doesn't seem like there is anything wrong. I remember this from my other heads years ago. The way I have it set up right now is basically the pre amp is dimed out. Even the presence knob is pretty high. I know this amp is dark sounding for a Marshall, but this is CRAZY DARK. I did buy new JJ's and I know these tubes are generally darker from what I understand. The low end is great, as the amp is the 5881 version, I just want to hear some feedback on your experience with this, if any or might it just be my unit. I guess I should give a rundown of the gear, ESP LTD Viper with Duncan Distortion>Monster cable>SL-X>Monster speaker cable>Mesa standard/X-pattern Celestion T100's and K100's. and like I said, JJ 6L6 with JJ ECC83S, and the tubes are brand new, less than and hour on them. Also my other guitar is a BC Rich V with a single EMG 85 in the bridge, with the same result. All in all I'm not coplaining, I suppose if I want different tone it would be nice to have a wider range of pre amp eq, or is this all I get with a one channel amp? I have Tung-Sol's in my DSL and they sound great, bright and crunchy but not sheering. I'm wondering if a tube change might be in order...

 

[Blacque Jacque]

Hmmm, I don't find my SL-X dark particularly, mine's a 5881 50w & it gives me a great straight ahead rock type sound. There is enough range in the pre section to alter the tone quite a bit. It will never sound like a Fender though

I've dropped a 5751 in the V2 slot to decrease the fizz from the 2nd gain stage, other than that it's dead stock.

I run the following settings:
Preamp - 9
Gain - 12
Treble - 7
Middle - 5
Bass - 10
Presence - 6
Master A - 6
Master B - 7

The full rig is assorted guitars with EMG89's at the bridge, straight in to the amp, no fx, JCM900 1960A cab (G12T75's).

 

[dashizzler]

I'm starting to think it's my T100's the more I hear it. They are supposedly "scoopy" like T75's from what I've read, but I had 75's before and they sound nothing like the T100's. I don't know. Actually with the mids on my amp turned up higher and the EMG's in BC Rich, it sounds pretty bad ass. I really like the tone, don't get me wrong, and I don't think that gain stage sounds fizzy. Well I think it has just the right amount of fizz.

 

[Blacque Jacque]

I'd certainly try a different cab / speakers if it's something you can do easily. I've no experience with T100's, I've only run the SL-X into the 1960 or a JCM800 1935 (Bass)..............