Marshall DSL40 vs Origin 50 Amplifier Comparison - Did I Buy the Wrong One?

[@Thirteen31Music]

To my ear the DSL sounds nicer and If I was buying one of them I’d choose the DSL hands down.

[@guitarlusteuphoria4507]

I own the DSL 40 also. You can't beat that low end bloom, and the sound of the cabinet with the Celestion Vintage in it. Even my stuck-up Matchless and Dumble snob friends all say the DSL-40 sounds awesome. Keep the DSL, Shane! Good vid.

[@tsigo2]

the crunch on the origin is more realistic to old Marshalls and dirty.

[@decimusrex92]

Plexi baby Plexi!

[@mjeffbr]

I prefer it too, maybe I am looking for something other than modern sounding amps, I never had a vintage sounding one

[@leandrotristian8229]

I guess Im kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to watch newly released tv shows online ?

[@tyrocky3759]

@Leandro Tristian flixportal :P

[@leandrotristian8229]

@Ty Rocky Thanks, I signed up and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :) Appreciate it!

[@GibsonSGJKL]

I really like the tone of both, but the origin is more my style. More transparent and a bit more grit and top end. It really cuts through and would make a great blues amp. But I can see how it would not be as good for a heavier style.

[@ronaldsweet3484]

You only heard the DSL's clean/crunch channel. The Origins doesn't even come close to the DSL's "Ultragain" channel.

[@adamwatson6916]

@ronaldsweet3484 the DSl 40 on the Ultra Gain channel with the Gain set low and/or the guitar volume rolled off a bit does a better vintage Marshall then the Origin does and will do it at more reasonable volume. I also think low Gain settings on ultra,Gain do a better vintage Marhsall, then the classic Gain channel.

[@gregdunn6040]

I went with the Origin 50 head, I wanted old school dirt. But I started playing in the 70's so it sounds right.

[@marcellinden7305]

On my PC speaker system there are times when the sound very similar and other times where there is a notable difference... that said the DSL does often seem to sound a bit thicker and darker than the Origin which means keeping both could certainly be a luxury option...

[@JamesMcCutcheon]

The DSL lets you go from Clean to all levels of major overdrive. I like the cabinet sound of the DSL. The DSL gain channel seem a bit over the top on brightness. I love the Clean. IT is a very powerful amplifier. I am learning how to set the DSL.

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

If I was Jimmy Page and needed a amp to do Zep 1 again. Id grab the origin in a heartbeat!

[@brunonz]

He used modded supro for Led 1

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

@@brunonz all stock, so the stories go,,amps werent much modded in those days other than swapping tubes and speakers..

[@justinbradfield6499]

You got that right brother !!!! With my origin 50c I can definately reach Supro Thunderbolt tones

[@alexander_winston]

This.

[@Supperconductor]

I think the Origin series accomplishes the goal of being vintage sounding. Are we just used to modern amps? I think I am, I preferred the DSL40.

[@guitarocd9984]

That's what I've been trying to say. Vintage amps were a struggle. The great players made those amps great. After the modern era amps why would you go back. I guess it's fun to own something vintage.

[@bigg4454]

@ Supperconductor - Agreed!

[@merkn247]

Guitar ocd they were w struggle that made those musicians great

[@merkn247]

Guitar ocd it would only make you a better guitar playwr

[@guitarocd9984]

Who said anything different read my comment again. I said the players made the amps great. I didn't say the amp made the player great.

[@trbr1799]

To my ears, dsl=darker, fatter. Origin=thinner, more break up. I wonder if dsl could be eq'd to get closer to Origin, but hard to go other direction on Origin. Hard to beat dsl versatility, tbs. Great vids Shane. Thanks!

[@jefffletcher2614]

I think so. I have both the DSL20 head and the Origin 20 head. I can make the DSL sound like the Origin but I cannot make the Origin sound like the DSL. The previous description of the DSL having a broader range and better lows and low mids is spot on. That's been my finding as well.

[@trbr1799]

Jeff, I have a dsl40c and really like it. I'll mess with settings to see how Origin like I can get! 😁

[@jefffletcher2614]

I found it fairly easy on the green channel by cutting the bass way down, and bringing the presence up, gain on about 10 o'clock. It really thins out the otherwise gloriously fat DSL tone to sound like the Origin. LOL Let me know if your findings are similar

[@trbr1799]

Jeff Fletcher will do! Thanks for the tip!

[@joephillips1976]

Took the words out of my mouth. The Origin sounded thin to me as well.

[@cass2771]

My ears preferred the DSL, in the cleaner tones it struck me as more ‘present’, generally something I attribute to higher frequencies. I was sorting out that description in my head, and then you said it had a darker tone! So I had another listen. Now I’m stuck, not really knowing why, but I still prefer the DSL. I thought the differences were reduced with the overdrive. For my 5 cents worth, you bought wisely!

[@RackhirTheRed]

The DSL 40's are such great sounding and versatile amps I can't imagine anyone being disappointed in one. They're basically JCM800's with some upgraded functionality.

[@davidezequielesses1539]

El. Del. De. 40. No. Existe. Contra. El. Marshall. Original. Que. Es. Una. Copia. Del. Super. Lead. Repito. Dale. No. EXISTE

[@davidezequielesses1539]

Quise. Decir. Que. Que. Dale. De. 40. No. Existe. Con. El. Marshall. Combo. Porque. Es. El. Super. Lead. Modelo. Combo. Original. Británico. De. Los. 70. Repito. El. Del. No. EXISTE

[@SomeStrangemysterious]

They both sound great, but I sense a warmth from the origin that really speaks to me.

[@theslayerofgoblins849]

Love the single notes of the origin but the chords just turn to mud.

[@kenmorales5988]

GREAT COMPARISON!!! I traded in my DSL40 toward my Origin 50 w/1936 2x12 cab. I love both, but I don't regret it one bit! I don't need all that extra on-board gain because I have great overdrive pedals (Ibanez TS808 and Friedman BE-OD). The other guitarist I'm playing with currently uses a DSL40C. We both run GLP's through our rigs. When we show up to practice, all he ever brings is his guitar and combo amp, whereas I have to bring my amp, cab, and pedalboard (specifically referring to the TS808, and BE-OD) in order to approach the versatility of his DSL40. Bottom line: We both agree our rigs sound great together. I love the tone he gets out of his, and vice versa. There are no losers in that room. 🤘😉

[@josefbleaux6724]

I've got the DSL40 and love it. I've not tried the Origin 50. However, based on this review I'd say they are both pretty AWESOME.

[@DennisAlvarezMusic]

I prefer the DSL. The cleans were more "Hendrix like". And I liked the way the way both channels reacted to the overdrive (over the Origin). Although I haven't actually played through either.

[@petergedd9330]

Got to agree with that, its happening you dont have to stretch the imagination.

[@thehound2161]

You did not purchase the wrong amp. The DSL40 has a slightly expanded range compaired to the Origin50, from what i hear. Just slightly, both sound great. Price would be the selling point. I would also think you got a good deal on the older DSL40, thus a win.

[@rudijurgens2166]

The Hound I believe this DSL is the latest 2018 version.

[@jonbradbury3843]

It is, as is stated in the video

[@thehound2161]

Indeed. I was looking at the title and now see the CR in the description. Cool.

[@gulagz1549]

Expanded range. Spot on.

[@johnballantyne3458]

Am I the only one here that liked the Origin better?

[@raulsanchez6437]

2 very different amps.... I already got my hi gain amps... definitely looking for that vintage sound. Got a 1936 2x12 with v30’s that Origin can sit on.

[@twidget59]

It's not a Plexi. If you think that's what you're buying, you'll be sorely disappointed. Shades of a Plexi would be more accurate.

[@giannapple]

You are not alone... :)

[@frmadeira]

Paul Ewing This, actual knowledge of what you're talking about.

[@ericnootebos5855]

John Ballantyne me too!

[@TheBigH1975]

Yeah, the DSL sounds better to me, especially clean. I couldn't quite describe what I liked about the sound, but you defined it for me with the Low-Low Mids comment. Cool stuff.

[@PLEGG2323]

I used to own an old Marshall Plexi head in high school, the Origin reminds me of that sound. I think that's what Marshall was shooting for.

[@dgt6583]

same as...I owned a Plexi 50 way back early 80s and just got the Origin 50, plugged it in and yeah, it's very like the Plexi.

[@nicksavanah5966]

I just got a new dsl 40 and just love it, its so versatile you can play just about any type of music genre, a must get amp

[@drewbarries]

My first impression on the clean was that the DSL had a cleaner tone with more lows and highs but compared to the Origin it sounded a bit mid scooped. The origin had more of a VOX type mid push and had more edge of breakup clean. As you introduced more crunch I felt the same EQ characteristics and the harmonic content was a bit different. The DSL seemed to have less complex harmonic content whereas the Origin seems a bit richer in harmonic content and a little bit muddier too. Overall I’d probably go with the DSL for the pristine chimey cleans and maybe just add eq to get the mids up.

[@LMacNeill]

I had been waiting for a DSL20CR (the 20-watt version of the DSL amp here) to come back in stock for WEEKS. And it’s *still* on back order. My sales guy suggested I check out the Origin 20. Very happy I did! It has that old Marshall Plexi sound. You definitely have to play around with it - don’t just leave the EQ knobs at 12:00. Don’t be afraid to crank them all the way up or down - especially the treble and the tilt knob. You can get some amazing old-school Marshall sounds out of the Origin!

[@chrisw5742]

Yep I think I want one.

[@bobboitt3126]

They sound close. The Origin cut more, the cleans seemed "cleaner" I prefer the look of the Origin but versatility of the DSL. Im pretty sure with some tweaking the DSL could do everything the Origin can plus.

[@ronmullins407]

I like the Origin 50 because it is sonically more articulating

[@gerryloughran1676]

be happy with either if was to pick one would be the DSL got more depth - its a keeper

[@jerrymckenzie6205]

The DSL gets the nod for me - smoother and more modern. The Origin didn't sound bad though - more raw sounding. The Origin would probably sound better with a humbucking guitar like a Les Paul.

[@behindenemylines7623]

From my end and through my head phones the DSL 40 is way warmer, the Origin is a bit more snappier. The origin did sound great though!

[@toreknutsen7251]

I think the origin will cut better in a band mix. A little brighter. Both sounds good, great job😎

[@kostisk8914]

Tore Knutsen that was my thought too. It also had that high end sizzle that I recognize from older Marshall’s. At least that’s on my iPhone buds.

[@DMSProduktions]

LOL! Says it all!

[@spada60]

Jeez man haven't u heard of EQ. U can make the DSL sound brighter. Ur better off having a pleasing fat sweet sound which most ears prefer and also having the option of making it more trebly mon.

[@joebloggs1444]

Using that pedal makes it impossible to tell as it's the pedal we are hearing not the amp. Just turn the amps up to get drive and then we can hear what each sounds like.!!...😎🙄

[@satchmodog2]

The reverb enhances the DSL, it totally supports the Origin. I played both hoping the Origin would be the one to go home, but without reverb, it sounds like it's being smothered by a pillow. I wound up with the DSL head.

[@n97223]

Thank you for posting this Shane, I'm going to listen to this a few more times and then sleep on it...having a hard time deciding which I like better.

[@jonislow]

Hey! So which one did u get?

[@saltyassassin]

I tried both and ended up buying the DSL. The Origin doesn’t have the full gain stage the DSL has. I can hit so many sounds on my DSL. Origins not a bad amp, but if you want more gain, you need a pedal to drive it. I really like the Tone Sculpt on the DSL

[@Jabbaerwocky]

I prefer the Origin 50 for my style of playing. It is less versatile than the DSL40CR admittedly but it does that one style very well. I suspect tube rolling would do it a whole lot of good. It sounds thin stock but the potential is there. A Celestion Creamback 65 or AlNiCo Gold 50 may just be the ticket. I like the much rawer tone of the Origin 50. I am also a Les Paul player. Try the Origin 50 with the Les Paul, straight in, no pedals.

[@m.thousands1848]

What style do you play ?

[@jamalabdul2009]

Listening to both amps back to back, I will say that the Origin did sound a little better, but the tone of the DSL can’t be beat! Still the Origin still sounds fizzy with the overdrive and to me it’s not a pleasant sound. You made the right decision again Shane!!! Cheers!🎸🤘🏽🤙🏾🎸

[@monmixer]

Plus there is no reverb on the Origin and their are two different ones on the DSL 40. I like the Origin when it came out and considered buying one but did not because of the verb. DSL has 40 channel-independent digital spring reverb with 2 different verbs I believe. Normal and Ultra what ever ultra is. lol Plus being used to a 22 watt amp the 40 may be better and I think it has 20 watt switch.

[@absea7918]

I recently purchased the Origin 50c, and love the amp so far. As others have pointed out - its intended to be "vintage" sounding. So if you are looking for modern sounds, then its not going to meet your expectations. It has a bright, mid-range punch that cuts through in a band situation really well. I don't use it for high gain - but more of a "pedal platform" that has great tone, and tons of headroom.

[@michaelmsummers]

I like them both clean but the DSL just sounds more alive and sounds much better when pushed. As I said in your origin 50 review it sounds nice clean but real fizzy when you push it. IMHO the DSL is the more versatile and well rounded of the two. Great review as usual!

[@carlygtr554]

Trade the DSL towards the Origin. Origin a purer sound, no preamp buzz and a way better (not anemic) clean tone.

[@kenmorales5988]

same here. no worries; no regrets! 🤘😎

[@spada60]

U have hearing problems bud. The DSL is a great amp clean sound on it is better and fatter than the trebly clean on the Origin although the clean on the origin isn't bad at all

[@kenmorales5988]

@@spada60 hearing problems??? why can't people disagree about musical tones and both be correct??? If you think that dude has hearing problems, I think you have a very closed, very limited mind. I'd rather have trouble with my ears... 🤘🤨

[@kenmorales5988]

That's exactly what ?I did, and I haven't regretted one bit since! 🤘😎

[@tomsmith7225]

I tried both today at guitar center with and without pedals, I have to disagree the Origin in room is plain and a bit nazzily and vintage. The DSL easily sounded much better to my ears. Once you dial in some decent gain or a gain pedal there is no comparison DSL hands down. I bought the DSL and there is no preamp buzz what so ever. I suggest people try both 1st if you can as these videos dont do the DSL justice.

[@juanfichtl2011]

DSL sounds more sweet, the Origin has a cool bright top end that sounds more plexi-ish!

[@choplass]

The DSL would have been my choice as well, because of its versatility & durability. The origin has smooth tolex and no edge guards, also the cab looks a bit more fragile, it does not seem like a gigging amp.

[@adamwatson6916]

The origin sounds boxy . The dsl has more prescence . The dsl 4ocr can be made to sound very similiar to the origin. The origin seems muffled st times. Would like to hear the origin head through a good 1 by 12 compared to the dsl .

[@glennnmurphy]

This is like comparing a car to a truck. I have had a few of the DSL amps and I also own the Origin 50 Head. Its a plexi amp, and it sounds like a plexi should. Take the Origin 20 or 50 head and hook it up to a 4x12 WOW they sound amazing and full! 2 different amps that both sounds great, but remember they have 2 different purposes.

[@asagehopkins]

I just bought the Origin and a Telecaster. Enjoying it. Can’t do everything, but that’s ok. Plenty of fun to be had.

[@Clambelly]

DSL is much cleaner, more articulate. Origin has more break-up on clean channel, sounds slightly Muffed. Difficult to know what the better amp would be in a live band setting. DSL certainly has the advantage of better, higher clean headroom, if that is important. DSL seems smoother in overdrive lead channel. Origin has better styling, but DSL overall sounds better.

[@pcbullets8726]

DSL 40 all day long, I own one and use it to gig with every week. Very versatile amp and it takes pedals well. I could see why some people would like the Origin 50, just a matter of preference though.

[@EOHRyan]

Have to say I prefer the Origin, has that oldschool sound nailed with the wooly bottom end and the compression in the low mids where as the DSL is more open and full, more like a modern sounding amp.. Which I suppose is kinda the point, but I tend to prefer that oldschool sound.

[@RajagopalaRaoS]

I had given up playing electric around 2017 end and stuck to acoustic a while, so I kind of missed a new DSL range had come up. For a few days I was kinda sceptical why you like the DSL40 but man do I love the changes whatever they are. Amazing tones and a reachable price. Great stuff!

[@spenserphoenix]

Was about to pull the trigger on the origin... After this it'll be definitely be the DSL!

[@jrguitar2369]

I'm 50 years deep in the biz, and recently purchased a DSL to replace lugging a JCM900 half stack on smaller venues. Mated to my Strats and Teles, I'm pulling lots of fat tones in conjunction with my pedalboard, and the DSL is HELLA LOUD. As usual, Marshall is building real workhorses for the working players. One recommendation; if you're going to pack one, get a road case with wheels. These amps are surprisingly heavy for a single 12" speaker.

[@cliftongardner4367]

I think they both sounded fantastic! I think for versatility and features, I'd have to give it to the DSL, especially since it's cheaper. The Origin really brought more character out of your Tele's pickups though... I just got one of the older DSL40s on sale and that's a beast of an amp, too. Besides the Origin 5 (apparently), Marshall has been killing it lately!

[@slimturnpike]

I play teies exclusively, and maybe that's why when I go back and forth between a DSL40 in the backline at one gig and my Origin 20c at another, the Origin sounds so much better

[@baaford]

Great playing. The origin just farts out too much for me, prefer the DSL.

[@sgmarshall3]

They both sound good on this demo. Good tones!

[@jeffreylazzarinisr7419]

As a shop owner here in San Diego, Ca. We carry both & for me the Origin is more a Plexi sound & the DSL is a JCM 800/2000 ish. Thanks for the great vid. BTW the Origins are flying out of my shop!!!!!!!!!!$$$$

[@rich-lf1bm]

What’s your shop? I am in San Diego! Chula vista

[@davetaperek2206]

Running Rat/Big Muff pi into Origin...Wicked 70's hard rockin' tone...I ♡ it!!

[@allanjcarpenter]

They’re both great sounding amps, but I love the clarity of the DSL.

[@jsphillip60]

That's the thing... They sounded different from each other, but they both sounded great!

[@antmax]

Versatility of the DSL for the win here. I also like that the knobs are on the front within easy reach if you practice sitting at home with the amp quite high up. Don't have to get off the chair or stand over it and lean down with a guitar. Now I just have to decide if I want a 20hr or 40cr :) Cheers for the video Shane. been a great series and really helpful.

[@sid35gb]

I’ve got the origin 20 amp just tried it with my Ibanez s series loaded with Tesla sharks Alnico 2 pickups they have a vintage voice omg 😮 incredible 70’s rock tones love it 😎

[@paultesta35]

I just got a origin last week an amazing amp vintage classic rock sound it's got it all

[@gregoryz6545]

I canceled my origin 20 head order and ordered the dsl20 head (for $430 no less) should be here by Thursday. Instead of the sometime in June arrival of the origin. Thanks for the video. Saved me from the frustrating time I would have spent with the origin.

[@peterschmidt9942]

The origin looked bigger on it's own, but side by side with the DSL they're pretty similar cab sizes. Funny you should say the DSL had more low end and the origin was treble-y, because in the video it seemed the opposite! But the EQ of the Origin still sounds a bit flat. Might also pay to crank a Les Paul through both, I think you'll find a difference with the tone with a humbucker going through them than with the tele (which is inherently a treble-y guitar). Nice comparison though.

[@peterschmidt9942]

It would be interesting to just turn everything to 10 on the origin and see how it sounds then! Even if you wanted to be your hero, I don't think many clubs would let you play any of these on 10 before being booted out the back door.

[@xMasterxRazorx]

Definitely preferred the Origin for clean. Preferred the DSL for dirt. I need to hear the Origin through some different cabs I think.

[@strazza555]

the DSL sounds softer, the Origin punchier. DSL sounds more like an 800 and Origin more like a plexi, that is def what they were going for and i think they did a good job on both! I'm a blues player too but i think i like the origin better, I like the clean tone, and it's a little less polite when pushed.

[@jonloomis]

Found myself wondering if, with a bit of EQ tweaking, you couldn't get the Origin to sound a bit more like the DSL. Felt like the "tilt" control on the origin could have been backed off a bit to tame some of that fizzy top end. In all, I think I definitely preferred the DSL--it just sounded great every time you went to it. Thanks for another helpful demo!

[@paulmea3166]

They have different speakers too...

[@adam05270]

I think the speakers are what’s making the biggest difference in tone. I would try them both as heads through the same speaker cabinet.

[@therollband1290]

I had a DSL, they’re very versatile and can do very high gain. I think the Origin is designed to sound like an old plexi and that’s all it does. I think it has el34 power like the old Marshalls so it has a lot of headroom but it’s not designed to be high gain. If you get the origin and you want high gain you’re gonna need pedals.

[@adamwatson6916]

The DSl 20 and 40 also have El34 .

[@flyfishervt]

I thought that I wanted the dsl until I played both today. I got the exact tone I wanted within minutes from the origin, never really got what I was looking for from the dsl. But that’s just me. My tonal preferences will probably change within five years. Lol

[@MACV-Justice]

I think both amps sound amazing. To my ear, the DSL sound more open and round whereas the Origin still sounds great, but less open and a bit more flat if that make sense. I've been looking at picking up one of these amps and based on the sounds in this demo, I found the DLS tones called to me more, but the Origin still sounded great. I did find, however, that I loved the tone of the Origin at the 4:34 mark of the demo over the same riff played on the DSL. That riff with the overdrive through the Origin was like a time warp to Hendrix'ish Woodstock revisited. Very Plexi. The DSL had too much low end for me.

[@Bridging_the_Political_Divide]

Same here.

[@phallystorm]

I have Both. I have the Origin 20, and the DSL 5 . The Origin is more organic like a vintage Plexi. The DSL is more gainy, and has that Buzzy cheap diode clipping tone. What I do to eliminate that Fizzy tone is drop the gain on the DSL to 9 o'clock, and drive it with an OCD, and open up the volume, and regulate the other volume on the OCD. Both of my amps are running into Marshall 4 x 12 1960 A Cabs. The Origin does not have the gain like the DSL, but with an good O/D pedal in front, Forgettabout it. Point I am making is, you can make all amps sound different with tweaking your amps bass, mid, and treble frequencies, by using OD pedals, different tubes, different cabs, etc. I can get the DSL to sound just like the Origin, but with much tweaking.

[@AndyPandyh]

The DSL knocked the Origin out of the park at least on the clean tones, much more pristine. Also it has reverb which is great. I am buying a DSL40cr now, thanks for the help.

[@AntonStratocaster]

I like Marshall DSL a lot more

[@twinsmm1]

Definitely had lots more clarity to my ear.

[@pvtlehto]

Almost sounded like orgin was too muddy. But ill buy both lol

[@buzzwilson9346]

So hard to say when not hearing them live but I can hear how the Origin might, maybe, stick out more in a band setting but the DSL just sounds creamier on my end. Both sound incredible but I'm still liking the DSL. Might be different in a gig environment like I said though. Great A/B Shane and very helpful as I'm currently looking closely at both of these. Thx!

[@slowpoke7888]

So did you buy one, Buzz?

[@cvo5166]

Thanks Shane. A review I was really waiting for, though I already acquired a Origin 50H. What I've found out, is that the Origin, just like the "good ole" Marshalls, sounds best when overdriving the pentode power tubes. So, high master volumes. I also have a DSL50 85th anniversary. It also sounds great. The Origin reacts extremely well on your guitar's tone and volume control. Just like the plexis do. That's where it shines. Both great amps, different animals.

[@danielguitar5150]

These are the vids, I love to see. You always pull through with awesome content, Shane! Good stuff

[@stolenhal0]

I actually like the Origin a a tiny bit more than the DSL40 except the lack of reverb is kind of a deal breaker.

[@n97223]

I have listened several times in the last couple of days....I want to like that Origin 50C and truthfully I think it sounds good until you hit the overdrive, then I thought the DSL sounded much smoother to my ears. At this point I am leaning toward a DSL20 Head and a 2x12 cab. I don't play out, just at home so 20 Watts should be more than enough. Thanks again for the effort you put in to these demos and I appreciate that you call it like you see it.

[@rodneygriffis9282]

What speakers are in them. That makes a huge difference. I own both a DSL 40C and a DSL 100 HR. I can run either the 1X12 by itself, which I upgraded to the Celestion A Type speaker. Or I can easily push my 4x12 cabinet with it. Same cabinet that I run my DSL 100 head. Sounds fantastic. I mixed up the speakers In The 4x12. I have a combination of A Type, V Type, and a Lead 80 in it. Unmatched sound. I can tell you that it sounds better with a closed back cabinet than the open back combo. But either way you can not beat the sound of a Marshall. I have tried so many amps from Fender, Peavy, and Orange. Once I went to Marshall, I never looked back.

[@JoseMartinez-jh3sg]

DSL all day long. Love the timber the DSL 40 provides without the unnecessary distortion.

[@pickledblues]

Played both recently. In person the Origin blew the DSL away. I bought the Origin 50 on the spot and I wasn’t even looking for an amp. The plexi style thump is what sold me.

[@pmkrak]

I've found from playing an Origin 20 head that fully cranked that it just gets crunchy but never completely distorts. More like a clean breakup. The DSL will bring the goods though. It'll get pretty raunchy. More than I'd use.

[@markstanford594]

The Origin all the way. Clean or distorted it just sounds better. Good comparison video.Thanks

[@Medicated1]

With the way you play, I think the CR sounds much better for your needs, I'd like to hear how an origin sounds with a v-type speaker. I'm an amp reverb guy so the origin wouldn't be my choice either. I know you can get great pedal verbs these days, but I prefer it in the amp. Great comparison, well done Shane!

[@gabefoltz5815]

Hey, my biggest problem with this review is that the primary showcase is the speakers of either combo, not the amp itself. What I would really like is to see a new DSL head compared to a new Origin head (same wattage) and pushed through an identical cabinet. Pushing the amps through the DI out would be an interesting corollary.

[@johnsmith-dg8hv]

That’s an excellent point as I feel the differences that stand out could be just the quality of each amps speakers ? If both these combos have the same speakers than that is a different story

[@michaelcarey9359]

For what's only a difference of 10 watts, you could really hear that the Origin was "a bit" louder. At points rather than dark, it put out some of those sweet rock harmonics. I don't think the Origin needed the overdrive at all. The DSL, for all it's slightly darker sound, did seem like it would cover a bit more ground, and had more choices, but if i wanted rock, the Origin sounds more balls out.

[@BenCoombs]

I think you made the right purchase my man!!

[@intheblues]

Thanks dude, me too!

[@firstnamelastname9370]

Ben Coombs the right choice journey is lifelong (literally)!

[@johnspokus]

I have a DSL40C and I’m happy with it. I managed to get the limited edition Onecwith the vintage look.

[@slowpoke7888]

Just what I was looking for, thanks Shane.

[@IndyRockStar]

I think you chose right buying the DSL40CR. I bought one and liked it so much I bought a 2nd one so i could run wet dry. The 40 watt DSL is way more than enough for most gigs.

[@garystackhouse5787]

I like the mids in the Origin better. I think it would cut through a thick mix much better. I suppose it all depends on what you're looking for... if you play with yourself the DSL is thicker and probably sounds better, but if you're a gigging pro, to me the Origin would be better in a band mix. My 2 cents....

[@powdermnky007]

One thing that is important to me that you didn't touch on, is what amount of gain can you get on the Origin at a loudish- bedroom volume level?

[@333Lightspeed]

Like the Origin much more. Not that fizzy like the DSL. Seems they had done some homework/upgrade with the PCB's and better Caps and Resistors; like the JCM 800 series!? I personaly hate the JCM2000 series.. Nightmare to repair and the sound is just cheap......Not the "shiny period" for Marshall. Sorry if I bother some "Marshall Lovers". But I Like "the original" sound also! JCM800 are Classics. And 900series also not too bad.

[@ignacioaliagasola1339]

Both of them are very similar. What are that pickups?.fantastic video

[@jcgarcia1931]

Shane, your DSL has a Texas Heat speaker yeah? Have you changed anything else on it like pre/power tubes? To me the Origin had a bit more hair on it, similar to my own DSL40CR, with the original speakers n tubes. I like em both but the DSL gives me more modern options. Nice side by side...

[@TimesBTough]

I have the DSL 40C as well. This convinced me I don't need the "Origin". The clean tone seems to sound considerably better with the DSL40

[@motorrebell]

Origin is my choice , Its a simple No nonsense oldschool amp wit that Awesome 60s -70s vintage marshall rock sound at a great price ! .

[@ekostopoulos]

I think you made the right choice mate. Both amps are nice, but the DSL sounds "warmer", "rounder" and more 3-dimensional, while the Origin is too "woody" for my taste. Also, the DSL probably has the best clean tone I've heard in a Marshall.

[@collintheplonker4809]

I had the DSL40 but sold it after a couple years. It was really heavy, so I got a Vox AC10 and sold the DSL. Of course, I am gassing for the Marshall tone again. Now it's the Origin I am looking at.

[@michaelbarber1123]

I just picked up a DSL100HR a couple of weeks ago and I'm really enjoying it. The Origin sounds really nice and midrangey for those 60's and 70's rock sounds as well. Think I'll by trying out one of those pretty soon as well to see how well it stacks up against a Blackstar Artisan.

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

Hey shane great video. Comparison was perfect. Really hard to choose. They both sound good. After i heard the origin on the first lick you played, i have to admit my heart skipped a beat. Man those vibrations.

[@joebajornas3131]

I like the "punch" of the origin...at higher volumes though I think the treble needs rolled off. I agree with some of the other comments that the origin would sound better in a band setting while the DSL may sound slightly better stand alone at higher volumes...overall for me I would go with the origin. Both are great amps though