Marshall 2203 vs 2204

[@semdallinga69]

Marshall imo should reissue the 2204, it’s the quintessential 70’s rock amp

[@JohanSegeborn]

I agree, they should do a ‘77 2204 RI

[@-DILLIGAF]

@@JohanSegeborn I got lucky & just bought a '77 2204. I compared it to yours Johan as you have a video going through your '77 circuit it's almost nearly IDENTICAL inside Mustard's and all!!! What an incredible amplifier! Cheers!!!

[@truescotsman4103]

i have a very special 77 too. I wanted to build a clone of this amp there are a lot of options. ceriatone makes a great kit it sounds almost exactly like the original. Nick does a great job of cloning classic amps.

[@in.der.welt.sein.]

Wangs and Ceriatone make copies. The wangs 2204HW is awesome.

[@-DILLIGAF]

@@in.der.welt.sein. yes they both make a decent copy. If you want to go all-out check out MGL Ampworks, MGL 50. He uses Merren Transformers with the lower B+, NOS Mustard's in the coupling caps, and other key ingredients for the early JMP 76 - 83 coveted years. He has bought and sold many over the years and saved one choice amplifier. He brought it to Greg Germino and had Germino make one for him as close as possible. They loved it so much they made it a production model with Germino amps (Lead50?). Then he broke off on his own and now has created MGL Mark's Guitar Loft where they've got a second model with higher gain "HG" and a few added features. Hand-wired, effects Loop and some other modern appointments you may wish the old amps had. It's all there. A modern production JMP as close as you can get.

[@RiotHomeRecording]

I own multiple all original unmodified Marshall JMP’s & JCM 800’s with their original cabs. All from late 70’s & early 80’s. They all have that amazing classic Rock n Roll sound. They’re my favorite era Marshall’s. I’m glad I picked them up years ago i see them going for 3 times the amount they were.

[@scottdunn2178]

Don't you miss the days you could pick up used heads and cabinets for $300-$400 ? Even Plexi Marshalls were under a grand.

[@RiotHomeRecording]

@@scottdunn2178 I didn’t get them that cheap but I got them for around $700 -$1100. Actually the only time I paid $1100 was for my 1979 JMP head with the original cab. And they’re all super clean. I see beat up modded ones with holes drilled in them going for over $2.k now

[@scottdunn2178]

@@RiotHomeRecording It's gone crazy. They want 3K for a JCM800 reissue 🤣

[@jcwoodstl]

I have a 2204 JMP head on a JCM800 412 cab that i traded a shitty fender roc pro half stack and $100 cash for back in like 2002

[@pavelm9078]

Re: "going for 3 times the amount they were": just to remind: they are investments. Congrats!

[@TunedupFlat]

Having both a 1977 2204 and a 1980 2204, I feel like some of the comments about mustard caps making the difference are just silly. Both sound great and that has way more to do with the drake transformers than the color of its capacitors

[@rokkebill]

These amps are brutal in the treble dept. Sounds like like late 70’s Angus. That bite in the attack 😍 I found my 2203 to to be richer and more bass when the gain is up some more, and I also loved putting the master at 5 so the gain also comes from the output tubes. Try this - every pot on 5, except bass on 10. Very fun 🍻 Nice video btw

[@jessedelaney77]

2203 all day long for me. I’ve had a few and currently have an 1980. Also, a 2203 set clean on an Ampeg 8x10 is the greatest rock bass sound ever created.

[@HugoWelti]

Clean =/= great rock bass tone. :P

[@philippschlereth9349]

Hej! Today I want to thank you, Johan, for all your great advice and your videos! Because of them I recently bought a ´77 JMP 2203. I've never heard anything better and punchier! It sounds pretty similar to your ´77 JMP, but just with a little bit more headroom. Keep on, mate!

[@jcoulter43]

Great video as usual. I really like both. Can't say I prefer one over the other honestly. The 100 watter just sounded bigger, like you said. God bless and rock on 🎸👍😎

[@JohanSegeborn]

Rock on my friend

[@ianorourke6320]

Very accurate description. I love my 77 jmp2204. It's perfect

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Ian!

[@blakespurlock5322]

This is why we love you Johan.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers my friend! :-)

[@Superchixxx]

Sounds great! I have an ‘81 JMP 2203 and an ‘84 JMP 2203 - both from Sweden. The ‘81 sounds more open than the ‘84 and dare I say classic. Your 2204 is killer and has that open “grind”. Thanks

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad to hear it

[@vintagetone22]

all marshalls amps up to tge 1987 are great.cant be beat

[@riffsnoleads]

*laughs in Peavey*

[@kurtbader9711]

Jmp 2204s are the best amps I've heard for the way I play, I've had a '77 and a '78 for decades. EL34's in both, and I have to admit I was fortunate enough to have a legendary amp tech who tuned them to sound incredible. Set up correctly they sound like they're going to melt, but they always work. Original caps and transformers. Plus, with the 2204s you go deaf a little more slowly.

[@stevencancel1727]

Usually prefer the 50 watt heads, but your 2203 sounds pretty nice!

[@Kjetil_MB]

Love that lightning strap Johan! Reminded me of Justin Hawkins of The Darkness 😎⚡️

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers! ;-)

[@LegendaryTones]

For master volume heads, I’ve always personally preferred the punch and headroom of the 2203 over the 2204. The 2204 is a fine amp however and both are great. 2203 is tighter (great for metal especially when equipped with 6550 tubes as shipped originally to the US) but a 2204 gets a nice bloom with earlier power tube compression.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@LegendaryTones]

@@JohanSegeborn I would love to hear that Hot Mod V2 Evo in your 100 watt! The 50 being a 1977 might squeal. One of the interesting circuit differences is Marshall didn’t add shielded wire on V1 of their master volume amps until mid 1978. So we always tell our customers to consider upgrading to the later specs which is one shielded wire for pin 7 on V1.

[@HarkoBarf]

@@LegendaryTones i did exactly that according to what I read on your website about shielding the wire. My '79 2203 didn't have it and it squealed like that guy in Deliverance. Now it doesn't anymore. THANKS! I will order a Hot Mod soon as well.

[@teikituatini2463]

I have a 77 2203 with 6550s - best amp

[@teikituatini2463]

I have a 77 2203 with 6550s - best amp

[@ScottRadkeMusic]

Have both….. love both….. and overall- I always prefer the 2204’s (mine or Johan’s ;)

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks ;-)

[@andreas5153]

I like the paintings in the background, and I want to share the information that my neighbor was involved in the theft of the original Edvard Munch painting which you have a poster copy of, hanging on your wall. I must say, my neighbor surprises med now and then....Also, I love this demo!

[@Stashmanfpv]

Luv the #2204 I’ve a clone that’s amazing and actually sounds better then the Marshall #2204. It’s a magical amp and I’ll never part ways with it. It was the one Marshall that sounds terrific in all settings. It has an amazing clean channel for pedals, If so desired, and the high channel is typical Marshall with some “magic” mixed in. Honestly, I’ve never played another #2204 like mine that sounds as good. It was built with all the best parts, etc. and by a person that knows just about everything in regards to amplifiers. I’ve known him for 35yrs and he makes some of the most incredible amplifiers ever. And I mean that whole-heartedly. But now, I’m working on my Dumble clone and so far it’s probably the best amp I’ve EVER played, and I’ve played a bit of everything in my 45yrs of playing and collecting. The Dumble amp will be the beginning of MY KZbin channel. And I plan on doing demos of all my gear at that point, as I have a LOT of gear that needs to be demo’d. Thanks Johan! You always have the best videos!!! ✌🏼

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

We all used those back in the 70s and early 80s...classic rock tones..

[@Jarrodpimental]

I’m just going to say it. When I was a child I thought Wally walrus was a fake accent as a joke but you actually sound exactly like him and it’s mind blowing everytime.

[@astro2069]

I would love to see the sir #34 modded 2204 paired with a legendary tones hot mod. Keep the videos coming my friend 😎🤙🏻🍻

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks my friend!

[@chrisjones8977]

The #34 mod would eat the hot mod for breakfast. Hot mod is harsh and uneven sounding.

[@astro2069]

@@chrisjones8977 I’m curious as to how the hot mod sounds with the mod. A #34 with and without hot mod demo. Would also be nice to throw in a stock 2204, and stock with the hot mod in the mix as well.

[@chrisjones8977]

@@astro2069 Marshall amps by and large are very inconsistent from amp to amp. That being said they are also the best sounding rock amp you will ever hear when you stumble upon a good one. I think if you heard a a good amp with the real #34 mod you would be quite satisfied and wouldn’t want anymore gain. I have found over the years that unless you start with a fairly good sound to begin with anything after that is like polishing a turd.

[@DMSProduktions]

They BOTH sound like rock, and/or roll! \m/

[@bengtjohansson6364]

I also think both are good enough. There was clearly a difference between them, but preference would make the choice. Thanks again for doing these demos and comparisons. It's really interesting, also for someone playing today's 20 W Marshalls (lunchbox amps).

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Bengt, glad to hear it

[@sassulusmagnus]

Two bold flavours of Marshall goodness. Equally great sounding. I have a late 60's Super Lead and an early 80's JCM800 2203. Each wonderful in their own way, but I would still love to get my hands on a late 70's JMP 2204. What a sound. Thanks for doing this comparison.

[@frustreradpunk]

This comparison just reassured me of why I kept my '80 2204 and sold my '77 2203. I'm a 50 watter guy!

[@jukkamurto2411]

I have a -79 2203 serviced and slightly tweaked by Daniel at Forsberg Amplification. Second owner, bought it in 1985 and it will propably be my 17-year old sons main amp also...

[@MM-pd5zi]

Good comparison as always, thanks! Please keep in mind, that the old tubes are different soundwise. Normally they sound a little bit warmer and fuller. I have also a stock 1978 2203 with the original Mullards inside and it sounds so full and warm, really awesome. When I put new Tubes inside (JJs or similiar) it starts sounding a little bit harsh like my JCM800 from the 80s (also with new Tubes). So I would say the sound difference comes mainly from the Tubes. Johans 1977 2204 still has the original ones inside, as I saw it right.

[@doc_matter]

So interesting. I constantly hear this from people, makes me want to put some old mallards in mine to try get rid of that harsh mettalic type of sound

[@boshi9]

All tubes sound pretty much the same.

[@schreds]

i have a50 watt 86 2204 and just absolutely love it especially when i ABY it with my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe tone for DAZE

[@rodneythekingcobra]

100 Watter has THE sound !!!! Brilliant vid

[@Guitarista78]

I just searched this earlier today for the JCM800. Great minds think alike....

[@frantisca]

So many fuses in the 2203 !! Amazing test. What’s sort of funny, is that I started plunging in the inners of tube amps with the Positive Grid Bias app on an iPad. I got more familiar with all the different options and tweaks and got to know better the world of valve amps. All within the size of a pocket book ! I don’t pretend I can obtain the same tones as you do with all your vintage gear, but I reached a point where an untrained ear could be fooled. Without bragging…! 😄😉

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Rene

[@steakncheddar]

It's interesting that the 2204 is factory cascaded. It must be a later '77 (didn't see a pic of '77 inspection sticker) because when the 2204 first came out they had the non-cascaded 4-holer preamp with a master volume added, believe it or not. It wasn't nearly as gainy as the later 2204. 2203s always had the cascaded preamp as far as I know. Actually, It would be very interesting for you to demo that rare configuration at some point, i'm not sure you've played one yet on the channel? I remember seeing gutshots of one of your early 2204s, and it had a non-factory mod to cascade the input which is what often happened to those amps. PlexiMaster might have one, new video idea? :)

[@ghostsethrich7306]

Johan, do you think you might make a video about the 2205 or 2210? They seem to have less desirability on the used market, but Joey Santiago has always played a 2205, and his sound has such a nice texture to it. It would be cool to hear you explain how the diode clipping in those two amps differs from later Marshalls, too.

[@jayartz8562]

I have a 4212 (2x12combo 2205) sounds great, very versatile.

[@SR-xk8cd]

What a great amp, and what a combination a Gibson Les Paul and a Marshall, Rock N Roll Heaven. Nice playing Johan.

[@lanceraustin]

Like you, I have a '77 2204. And then, I also have a '78 2203. I can't say I've done a study, but my impression is that they sound nearly identical. Not so in this video! I agree with you that the 2204 smokes. Surprised to read all the commenters choose the 2203. Perhaps most importantly- Johann, following your PayPal link, something is wrong- It's telling me I need to enter the amount, while simultaneously not allowing me to.

[@philipdonovan6510]

This video makes me fine with the 2204 build I'm currently doing, 50 watts is far more than I'll ever be able to use in the venues I visit anyhow but yeah, I don't find that the extra characteristics found in the 2203 leave me wanting for it over the 2204. Where I'm playing a strat the somewhat subdued nature of the 2204 may work fine. Thank you Johan, a good comparison you did here.

[@zer0tzer0]

Best amps Marshall ever made, and still should .

[@siegfriedwashburn3484]

Hi, Johan! In my speakers all sounds great!👍 See you! Z

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man, see you!

[@scottdunn2178]

Anyone else notice the logo on the '83 JMP is the larger JCM size? Why were Marshall still building JMP's for that market when production was full-blown JCM800 in '81-'83? Weird. These "leftover" '81-'83 JMP's certainly must be rare.

[@ro307805]

My 2204 is my second favorite amp for metal. It was my favorite for many years until I accidentally discovered that my 1962 Gretsch 6160 chet Atkins executive country gentleman is the best metal amp I've ever heard or used after trying my original jekyll and Hyde pedal on it with the red button...

[@lemmy8ob]

Excellent video, the ultimate classic British tone showcase! Of course both amps rule, can't go wrong -w- Marshall...they keep on working & were engineered to be overbuilt and last forever, while still being simple enough to repair or mod if necessary.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Len! Great to hear that

[@Auen73]

Bandwidth.........the 2203 has more/wider. The 2204 has less/more mids. 2203 for Metal.......2204 for everything else😁👍. Dave Friedman said the mid/late 70's 2204's had a lower plate voltage ⚡? than the 2204's from the 80's...... Regardless....... both amps hear are beautiful ❤️

[@vintagetubeamplifiers]

Excellent, as always. Thank you!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, glad you like it!

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Lower wattage amplifier should also sound browner in tone, as explained to me by James Brown. Has something to do with the lower headroom clipping off the high frequencies of that Batman like looking waveform when in preamp distortion

[@0megalul309]

The late 70's bakelite switch jmp's are always underrated. I like that marshall reused the toggle switch for the reissues so it makes the rocker switch editions more antique.

[@ShaneMcCrae]

I’ve always loved the 50 watt JMPs.

[@SebastianPerez-cs7no]

Hi Johann! Wonderful as usual. Would you mind explainning the difference between JCM 800 2203 and Super Lead 2203 on tone? Thank you.

[@zachariahwade8482]

The Superlead is a model 1959, 100 watt 4 hole NMV. The 2203 is a 100 watt 2 hole MV

[@arash9728]

that's a really sweet tone. gratz Johan

[@Nightjar726]

The reason the 100 watt has more headroom and is tighter besides the bigger power amp is the power transformer voltage. The old 2204’s had voltages of around 390v on the plates which is very low. I had a 2204 from 78’. They are pretty cool for some stuff but a bit mushy cause of the super low plate voltage. 460v is much better.

[@Magnetron33]

I have a Master Lead 50w Mk2 Made in 1978. Where do I find the 2204 model number? I don't see it anywhere. It's done in Red

[@stevencancel1727]

I have both of these from 1979, 2203 has 6550's all factory original, 2204 rebiased for EL34's I would trade my 100 watt 2203 for a 2204 in a heartbeat!

[@sowhulljnr]

How do you like the JMP 2203 or 2204 specifically with Tone Bender fuzz? The tone bender episodes you have done have been with the plexi type non-MV Marshalls, but I'm interested would the MV Marshalls also be good with Tone Benders?

[@rickya3877]

I used to have a 70's 50 watt...slammed the input with a Boss Super Overdrive...btw,the Ceriatone Hiwatt build came in and it is fantastic!...sounds best through Fane F70's...all my others sound best through various Scumbacks... Hiwatt and Fane really do pair up great

[@FabrizioCalderara76]

They are similar but I prefer the 2203, because has more low end and it also sounds more open :-)

[@beeps123]

I have a jvm. Regular 410h. These two amps here are nice but I doubt I’ll ever get my hands on one. Can I survive with what I have??

[@GabeHelma]

I think i could settle for a JVM 😆

[@psychorock83]

2204 is a great amp one of the best if not the best.. definitely i agree with the fact that marshall should reissue this amp in the 50w version which i believe is the best sounding.

[@vincenzoerriquenz2356]

Hello Johan , I suspect that the major differences between the two heads are endemically related to their wattage, usually 50 and 100 watters of the same models differ in the frequencies they can deliver better, 50watters are usually smoother, easier to overdrive, honkier and more detailed, the 100watters are huge in all spectrum but lose detail , especially on the mids, these heads make no exception, cheers! P.S.: both are great but i prefer the 50watter!👌🏼

[@crflores76]

I’m agree

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Vincenzo! I agree!

[@joemasse4568]

Yes 50 watts is more than enough, like Blackmore said, a big amp is like controlling a elephant, not always simple?

[@Zoso7227]

I liked the 50 watter much more in this for that bite. IMO

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Walter!

[@kahlrhoam6769]

@Johan; Nice pad, Dude! 👍

[@BurnFX1]

Great video! JMPs are more "wild" than JCMs

[@AlinStoe]

@Johan Segeborn i must consider myself lucky, i manage to get this 2203 from Simon :) Just got it today, great amp in a wonderful condition for it's age.

[@lucasstoll5387]

Have you ever done a comparison like this where you pull a couple of the power tubes from the 100 watt? I feel like you might have. Also, have you ever used THD Yellow Jackets?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hi Lucas, no not yet.

[@semdallinga69]

I was really wondering how a large condenser mic would sound in front of the 4x12, really like the result here, especially since I have different speakers in the same cab

[@JohanSegeborn]

With many speakers it’s really tricky to find a natural sounding position and even more so if you mix speakers

[@semdallinga69]

@@JohanSegeborn Yeah exactly! I think a large condensor might work really well, as you demonstrated. Do you have any “budget” recommendations, like sub €1000,- ?

[@danec1384]

So hard to pick which is better! Is it correct that the 2204 was pretty much unchanged circuit wise from JMP to JCM but the 2203 changed a fair bit? Would be cool to see a comparison between different years of 2203s if that is so!

[@watkinscopicat]

the 50W is just much more usable and practical for most things.

[@bddmhopp5]

Johan is the Marshall Man

[@zbaby82]

I wish you could have played both amps straight into the cab(s) without any effects or attenuators etc.

[@qddk9545]

The 2204 has what is called Mustard capacitors, which are the holy grail of caps. That does have something to say with regards to sound.

[@Rocky-sn6fl]

LoL

[@weedywet]

You have the benefit (or detriment?) of hearing them live in the room. All we get to hear here is the microphone and over youtube. But based on that, the 2203 sounded better in every way.

[@tommituomala3051]

I have a 2204 with white tolex, but I always liked more the sound of 2203.

[@tommituomala3051]

How stupid of me! It's the other way round. Mine is 2203.

[@coffeecupman]

2203 for me. The distortion of the 2204 sounds thinner and more like the kind of distortion you could get out of a MIAB. I feel like you could do the 2204 with the 2203 and a pedal, but not the other way around.

[@Telecoaster]

Shouldn't a 1983 2203 have the newer JCM800 styling?

[@xyzd70]

I know you've compared a JMP master volume and a NMV JMP at full volume before but I was wondering if you could compare a JCM 2204 and a 1987. I've got a 4104 combo I love but I always wonder if I should've gone with a plexi or the 20 watt reissues Marshall has out now. There's something about the EQ that seems different on the NMV models even without jumping channels

[@TheChadPad]

I think you had a little problem there with the labeling 4:00 Killer amps. Great comparison. I like 100w for clean headroom

[@jaycee30865]

Johan what is the true physical/electrical difference between JMP and JCM? I know that the JCM had a higher B+ due to different power transformer. Otherwise I don’t see any difference on the schematic. So I’m thinking components must be different but I don’t know what components are different. Capacitors? I know they were both on circuit boards. If you don’t mind sharing quickly what you think the biggest contributor to the difference is. Thank you.

[@richiehall4207]

Clips made with gain or preamp on 2.5?????

[@riffsnoleads]

Definitely agree that the bass response is the most notable difference. For me this is whatever since I always keep my bass at 0. I'm sure this has been asked to death but have you ever checked out the Bugera 1960 or 1990?

[@JohanSegeborn]

No not yet but I’d be glad to

[@80shairmetalband]

77 2204 different slightly circuit than 2204 in 81 Jcm800, changed 83, 85, 87, 89, Jcm800s tone varies a lot with same model cause used different parts, basically same circuit but different plate voltages on power transformer, changes their tones.

[@80shairmetalband]

1983 2203 circuit slightly different than 81, 84, 86, 88, 89 2203, Marshall used different amounts of capacitors, different plate voltages in the power transformer, different bright caps, makes them all sound different.

[@chriscorral6365]

I have a 2204 and a 2210 (100w)... the 2204 is smoother all around, but the boost section of the 2210 produces a really nice saturation of the clipping stage. 2204 takes boosts and eqs nicely, and the cleans are divine. Super versatile amps!

[@kesamek8537]

There's a reason Malmsteen uses 50w JMPs from the 1970s, and this video is the reason.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers!

[@johnmarshall3903]

Except he doesn't use 2204's he uses 1987 models.

[@AlexRamosDrTaz]

@@johnmarshall3903 right, and then he adds the DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 up front for a gain boost.

[@johnmarshall3903]

@@AlexRamosDrTaz And they were 1970-1973 models with the high plate voltage.

[@shredgd5]

There’s something weird: the licks are only played with the 2204 for the most part, you only seem to play the 2203 briefly (because the tone changes, I may say it’s not as pleasant), although it doesn’t seem you changed amp by seeing the video. Can you please check your editing?

[@joelmahan]

I can't decide I better get both

[@bennyjones1597]

I like them both hahaha I really do they both have different characteristics but I do like them both

[@Johnny-oy9fh]

Turn the gain up to around 7 and master around 7....too...😳🎸👍

[@azguitar]

I don't understand why you're running the gains so low? Man, I've never seen that, and I always have my '79 2204 on at least 5 with my pedalboard, amp by itself gain at 6 to 8 for rock.

[@RexCars1]

" Let's Go "..

[@uvhciM]

No contest - the 2204 sounds much better to me. There's a lot harmonic richness going on in it that's basically missing in the 2203. You can easily here this at 4:36-4:45.

[@roberthurless4615]

I have never seen a MV Marshall with a seperate fuse board like that one. Is it a Canadian or European model? And btw, I much prefer EL-34's to 6556's.

[@stevencancel1727]

His 2203 is very much like the 1978,1979 100 watt 1/12 combo only difference is the original 1978 was a 4 holers with a factory master volume on the front panel, has the same fuse allotment and same style impedence selector

[@tomasoprodi9340]

are those inside the 2203 all fuses? never seen anything like

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah, I think that may be a Swedish market arrangement but I’m not sure

[@hoboroadie4623]

@@JohanSegeborn I bought an old Vox amplifier from Sweden, the dodgy voltage selector had been removed and it was wired solid for safety. I always felt like that was a little too much faith placed in the competence of the consumer.

[@lemmy8ob]

@@JohanSegeborn The SEMKO stamp is the Sweden Safety Approvals agency, so they probably mandated the use of extra fuses in the output section in order to pass their Safety standards....yes, the other models did not have the extra fuses...even back then Marshall had knowledgeable compliance people in their company

[@greacen]

That caught my eye too - need to have a bunch of extra fuses on-hand.

[@northernamplification8894]

The Scandinavian and Canadian models between 1981 and 1987 (give or take) had a bunch of extra fuses inside. Scandinavian models also have a different power switch, with a silver frame instead of black which makes them easily recognisable. Canadian models had toggle switches only (Plexi style), even on the JCM800s.

[@davidleerotharmy]

Let’s go

[@billhewlett1214]

I want a 2203 had one through the 80s fried it twice because of my own stupidity miss dearly 😭

[@Kjetil_MB]

Hang on, 2204 came out before 2203? :O

[@kaarefestvog6540]

I think the level of filtering is slightly different between the 50 & 100w.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah more filtering capacity needed with more power, Later in the 80s the 100W JCM800 filtering was reduced with unpleasant results

[@kaarefestvog6540]

@@JohanSegeborn I have an 81 2203

[@Twobarpsi]

Which Marshall is best? *Yes*

[@cheesefruit200]

2203s always sounded "stiffer" to me 2204s warmer and fuzzier

[@JBASH2011]

Loved my 2104 and it sounded a fair bit different than my 800 series 2204 through the same cab. It was definitely more lively and percussive than the 800 series. Here it's not apples to apples, but the 2203 sounds bigger and flatter, in a bad way.

[@mrjoode81]

3:51 4:01 4:25 4:47 4:59

[@louaguado995]

I've always preferred the sounds of a 50 watt tube amp. Less clean headroom than a 100 watt one, but I never play clean anyway, lol.

[@JohanSegeborn]

50W is definitely more pleasant to play

[@gooseabuse]

Marshall has some of the worst product branding I've ever witnessed. JTM, JMP, JCM, etc so confusing! Also the JMP is 2204 then the new model goes down a number to 2203, WTF I'm sure there's a reason that makes sense to someone but for me this is just baffling.

[@80shairmetalband]

great tones for low to middle rock, acdc to Zeppelin, but Jcm800s way overrated, they can't do even vintage high gain of 70s or 80s. Pros had them modded for more gain or used gain pedals. 800s by themselves limited to acdc, Zeppelin, cult, middle road rhythm rock.