Marshall Studio Series Amps - Shootout!

A few months ago I got to try out the Marshall studio series SV20, SV20, and the 2525 Silver Jubilee. I was blown away by these 20-watt monsters and decided to buy all three. In this video, I compare the Marshall SV20 Plexi, the Marshall SC20 JCM800, and the 2525 Silver Jubilee. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
#marshallamplifiers #marshallstudio

[@Narada65]

All three sound amazing to someone who has lived and played through nearly every generation of the Marshall line-up since the very early 70's. These amps all have that signature character that just feels like home.

[@antonioribeiro3297]

Excellent comparisons and tips, congratulations!

[@dver4624]

That Jubilee sounds absolutely stunning.

[@thenumber1bobo]

brother, I can tell you, its the only amp I use anymore. Ive debated picking up a 100W version but with the studio Jube and a Fryette PS-2...I just dont need it. Unbeatable tones, crunch for days. Can say a DGT or 594 with split-coil tones are basically perfect tones.

[@StratsRUs]

I've had a a small combo 1987 Silver Jubilee for awhile. I am going to get the Plexi now you've shown it off so well. Thank you for a great channel.

[@AndreiaSantos-fs7zb]

Very very nice video! I am expecting my 2525h in the end of the week and im like a kid waiting for christmas!!! Great range of amps.

[@steviesedge]

A pleasure to have found this channel. Although, I couldn't tell you which one of these I like, but would err towards the silver jubilee. I'd be happy with any of these. I've only ever owned the DSL, JVM and a JCM 900, the dual reverb model and the mk 3 (which I still have) but none of them have really done it for me except the mk3.

[@James-tt7vg]

Great video...nice sounds precise acknowledgement of the different sounds ...Bravo.

[@odallard]

I was too close to pulling the trigger on a 2525H, but this video convinced me to go for the SC20H. Crunch city!

[@michaelheath76901]

Your comparison solidified the opinion I already had: The Silver Jubilee is awesome! I wanted one in 1987, and I want one now! Especially with the more realistic 5/20 watt version. Affordability is the biggest issue, however. I'm quite happy with my EVH LBX II. It was difficult for me to get that one used. The Jubilee is 3x as much. If that is the one I have for life, I am truly blessed. I do like that Marshall sound and cleaner tone in the Jubilee. 💖 Time will tell how that works out. 😊

[@mikormichele]

Very usefull video, thx Paul!

[@BrianMorris-zc4md]

Thanks for the insight Paul.

[@BenJ2827]

I actually bought the Plexi after watching your review. I also have the 800 but love the raw aggressive sound of the Plexi. Just need the Sliver Jubilee now for the set - stop it or I’ll be broke! 😎

[@notsosure7757]

Damn it, this offered no help at all. I still want all three 🤦🏻‍♂️. Great content as always 👍🏼

[@massimos6863]

Great Demo Paul awesome playing Jubilee

[@jdmoney1000]

What a fantastic video...All three sounded great. I was never really a jubilee guy, but your points on the versatility and the sound clips were pretty convincing... but then there's the 800....

[@TheStudioRats]

I loved the jubilee but yeah the 800 is fantastic

[@JuddLofthouse]

Excellent post great playing ..all good amps 👌👌

[@lespaul-vy4vn]

Great video. When the mini 800 and Plexi were first announced at NAMM I bought the 800 that day. When it came I was so excited. But after it was hooked up and i began to play...it was back in the box and driven to the local UPS to be returned. I returned it and had the Jube delivered. Best decision I made. The EQ is so sensitive that makes the versatility of the Jube sick. Great video once again.

[@RobertJSedky]

Great review! I am planning and saving up for my first Marshall. Still need to decide which one of the 20 - Watt monsters to pull trigger on!

[@dmac3316]

Finally got the chance to play the silver jubilee combo today. It was the easiest to dial in and get a variety of great tones compared to the others. I’m big on versatility and was impressed so I’d vote for it but the other 2 are really cool too.

[@robstonezone354]

Great demo

[@dandyroll7610]

The Plexi sound is amazing!!!

[@ryandeleon222]

The Plexi for sure, but the Silver Jubilee was surprisingly good!

[@Mojoman57]

Brilliant! Thanks.

[@matuldamegasen8562]

Great review!

[@shughy1]

Plexi every time, just has that edge, the power but with control and sparkling clarity

[@deadshot4245]

yep i always go to a plexi myself or a fender twin reverb and a pro co rat in front i found that rig to be useful but it doesnt have the same punch

[@FEAROWNAGE]

That Plexi is something I need in my life at some point.

[@thenumber1bobo]

y'all don't even know man. Ive had all three of these...the Silver Jube kicks the others' ass. Its all about getting those trash JJs/Shuguangs out and some NOS mullards in, and actually spending time with the EQs as they are unconventional (per vintage Marshall circuits) and finicky. Once dialed in, its virtually unbeatable.

[@shughy1]

@@thenumber1bobo silver jube is a good all rounder but it does not have the classic tone of a plexi, there are 3 models for a reason

[@thenumber1bobo]

@@shughy1 yeah I know, it sounds better. Like I said. I’ve had all three. Guess which one I kept.

[@lycidas8875]

I also tried all three and ended up with the JCM800, setting the bass to 5.5, the rest of the eq on 5, gain between 6 and seven. That way the sound cleans up quiet nicely on the neck single coils of my Strats, while getting into 70s AC/DC territory with the bridge humbucker. For more gain I use an EHX Soul Food in front of the high input with the volume up full, drive on 9 o'clock and the tone just a tad over 12 o'clock (on the brighter side). Pushes the little Marshall into modern territory while keeping most of its original character.

[@alexyjm]

Great playing.

[@jefflebowski1838]

The DGT sounds incredible when coil splitted

[@scottdrumm4828]

Great video ! Silver Jubilee 🏅

[@rjpoole1979]

Damn covid. I’ve been staring at out of stock notices for the silver jubilee for months. I want it. I can’t have it. Epic channel and playing man. Keep it up.

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks Ryan!

[@chadhunter5949]

Sweetwater has it in stock.

[@kronbakeren]

I just heard a 2203 and loved it! but nowhere near able to afford it, so the jcm 800 studio is the best deal for me and thank you heaps for this video! only tuck me 15 years to find which marshall to get .. haha

[@surfrby8876]

Jeez I can’t decide 😵‍💫

[@lifebreath77]

Three really good 20w options! Good vid. Marshall have hit the mark. I’ve got the SV20H coming my way. Looking forward to it as an alternative to my ‘77 2204.

[@SOAMLE]

How'd you like the SV20?

[@lifebreath77]

@@SOAMLEI liked it so much I got the mini Silver Jube too! Really great amps. I’m thinking to buy the SC20H to complete the studio trifecta. Perfect gigging amps for most venues or for band practice.

[@Paul-D]

After having the Jubilee for a few weeks it really is amazing and genuinely huge sounding at an actual home volume. The SV20 is the one i wanted to like the best, its the coolest looking afterall. But the jubilee just fits me at home more. Just craving that fender super reverb tone now, but the tonemasters are overpriced imo ahhhh it never stops haha.

[@serapiopereziii3741]

I guess it all boils down to which era of Marshall you like. Having owned a 60's Plexi the Studio Vintage is my go to.

[@Joey.Darkwoods-Studio]

Those sound real good... the 800 is my fav I would say. But they are all nice!

[@tonytrotter2708]

Love your reviews, I like your playing style too. Any chance you could do some videos with tab running at the bottom?

[@alfredosantantonio7098]

Totally agree with you. Silver Jubilee is the best for versatility. Plexy is too loud no master volume and for me was unusable for studio purposes. In my home studio, I only use master volume amp with great satisfaction. Congrats for video👏👏👏👏

[@josespoti1155]

Jubilee has an advantage for high gain, I use a JHS Switchback to maintain the direct connection without pedals, and when I want some just push the switch to an old Japan SD1 with some mods I did. On the Loop FX recently I added a Space Echo Re-2. I will keep this rig till I learn to play in the next 10 years.

[@Cherry_Sunburst]

EXCELLENT.

[@JosipAngeloBorovac]

Such a great video! First I bought JCM800 Studio and absolutely fell in love with it...however, was craving for SV20 badly. Now got that one as well. The bottom line is...I will sell loads of my other stuff and amps and plan to downsize my amps to this "trio" only. Hopefully, I buy a mini Jub within the next year or something...meanwhile I have something to enjoy! :-) I agree that JCM800 sits in between the two and in my setup that amp really cleans up nicely with the volume pot. I would also add that if JCM800 is set fairly high on master (such as 7 or 8) and preamp is backed all the way to 4 or 5 you can really get into that Plexi territory. The more gain added on JCM800 more bass follows it while with preamp rolled back I was able to find that "glassy" sweet spot similar to Plexi. So I think it is a fairly versatile amp, although for more modern and compressed sounds Jub seems to be a way to go! Just my two cents...you have great content and videos going on, please keep on doing this terrific job!

[@Tennis_Fan2022]

I've heard similar takes over on the Marshall Forum. Question, are these loud enough for a band situation? A sound guy got our level once and we were around 100db to 105db so my rig has to be able to keep up. Wouldn't want to get lost in the mix with one of these.

[@scottabney4579]

They sound amazing on their own. The cleans you can get on the sv20plexi are amazing and that kick ass Marshall edgy sound when you turn it up loud is so awesome . And many guys have said they are great for live gigs .. Just not sure about that . I did one gig with mine , it was o.k. i have the sv20 slant 2/12 also . I have not tried the 800 or Jub . I prefer running some pedals thru the effects loop though . The sv20 really doesn't really like looper pedals through the front . It just gets a bad sound unless your playing super clean with no overdrive . Works well through the loop on quiet volumes only . So the only problem i had was mainly when cranking the volume for live band scenarios and not getting a good sound with my looper and time based pedals that i run through the effects loop . Which usually sound great in amps that have more wattage. Sounds ok when its quiet like bdrm volume but the 20 watts just isnt enough headroom when you crank it to appropriate live band volumes. Then it drowns out the sound of the pedals that are running through the loop and it sounds really bad . The cure would be dont use the effects loop , i suppose . Or use way less overdrive And run the time based effects and all effects through the front of the amp . Thats just the way it is . Or get a 2nd one and run in stereo . Ironically i am back on my Mosfet lead 100 . because it doesn't have those kind of issues. Its from 1983 . Still sounds decent. And the effects loop sounds killer ! The sv20 sounds so awesome by itself or with some overdrive pedals and basic standard pedals . I would definitely recommend them to anyone who wants that true Marshall sound on a budget and doesn't necessarily need an effects loop . Because they really do sound incredible.

[@Narada65]

@@Tennis_Fan2022 That's what P.A. systems are for. I've seen guys play super loud, outdoor gigs running a Fender Princeton mic'd through the P.A. No one needs more volume than these little 20 watt monsters can provide unless you're a garage band with no P.A. or sound man. Having said that, if you are in doubt, get a Fryette PS-100 and you can re-amp the thing loud enough to take the roof off any venue or you can crank the amp and dial it down to bedroom volume. The Powerstation is a game changer. And it has an FX loop that is as good as any in the business. So you can take all your FX out of the amp's loop and put them at the end of the signal chain where they sound best. Any amp sounds better with nothing in between the pre-amp and output section. Especially when you're pushing the amp.

[@tonytrotter2708]

I have the plexi, and I love it. I wish it had switchable channels

[@karst41]

I have watched a few videos on the SJ it is a very nice amp. While I love an 800 The SV and it’s cleans are spectacular. i would opt for the SJ and SV but these would definately need to feed into BFBassman with the 12t 6 cabinet… Things just get damm interesting. thanks for the Demo

[@willsicam7429]

So helpful.

[@01kid01]

My favorite is the Ace Colt --> handmade plexi and a JCM800 in a lunch box

[@jacquesbureau5294]

Great comparaison!

[@nick_be9159]

Got the plexi and added the Legendary Tone Mr. Scary Mod to it... I sold my Mesa´s and other marshalls for this beast! It´s insane! I use it with a Bogner 4x12 with old UK G12T-75 and WGS ET-65 speakers in X- pattern

[@Ninuzzo]

Great Shootout! Got the SL2555 and its stunning. Might getting the little brother too! Whats your signal path? I wonder if your using a real cab + mic or a loadbox + IR

[@RichusRkr]

I'm always dropping in guitar centers and other music stores, I've seen lots of the SV20s and SC20's but haven't seen one silver jubilee yet...

[@MrSheymie]

Vintage for me too. More soulful to my ear. Sounds like enough drive too. Too much gain can take away the sweetness I think.

[@slashtrio]

I’ll have one of each ! They are sound excellent. Maybe the plexi or jubilee fighting for first

[@deschamps555]

Great videos. In a way I'm really glad I've found this channel, but the downside of it is that you talked me into buying a SV20H. And that might be just the beginning...

[@Stillkickingarse]

Ok, I want all three !

[@guitarist100]

Damn , they are all good,mirror on the Jubilee spoils it,all great for AC/DC stuff, might just upgrade from my DSL15H ,but which one of 🤔 thx Paul for this dilemma cheers from Scotland.

[@esmoroglu]

Silver Jubilee for sure, how did they get this warm clean and wide gain tone at the same time…

[@luisfguitar]

I think if you can have only one of those, it's the most versatile one. Great cleans and sounds great at mid or high gain.

[@TheRicokilla]

Now that’s how u do a review 👍

[@kurtmackenzie7349]

You have to plug the 800 in the low gain to really clean it up.I bought the 800 but was torn because the plexi sounds so amazing clean.Great amps!

[@realdocloco]

Most people don't realize the "low gain" entry on the JCM800 is nearly like another amp! They're so used with useless low entries on other amps that they don't even try this one (I'm not different, it tooks me years to discover it!)

[@dutchguitarist3078]

I am using the Low Gain with a Tubescreamer, sounds way better IMO and if you have a Attenuator, you can have all the balls on realy low volume.

[@mindofown]

good review

[@antonioalbares]

Great video.. just by the way you played the 2525, I could tell you enjoyed the most. I've had all 3 and currently own the SV and SC. Very different from you, I own other modern sounding amps and I found the clean dull, and the gain "meh" (every modern new metal sound tone). Then again, different strokes for different folks.

[@timeshock1255]

Brilliant video, mate. All are great amps, however, personally I would always choose a Silver Jubilee. But they all sound great, of course. Great audio, great video.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Timeshock

[@HuguesDUROIR]

As always well done Paul! The jubile is really nice for « clean » tone. And I love the plexi too, I love the way you play it!

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Hugues.

[@Thirteen31Music]

Curious - were you using a booster/tube screamer during the video? Sounds like there is a tone of gain on the JCM and Jubilee and There are capable of going full on heavy gain if required.

[@stringdoc]

Surprised at the Jubilee's clean tones. My favorite by far! Would love to hear you review the Matchless Spitfire.

[@vicferrari89]

I have an opinion of a the Matchless anything amps. Overpriced. Thank you.

[@srsanders455]

I echo the comment below, would like to see a shoot out between the Amp 1, and the Plexi, or Jubilee. As always great stuff Paul, I'll never own one of these cause I need more wattage to keep up with my awesome but heavy handed drummer "Danimal". :) So its really cool hearing these Marshalls perfectly recorded.

[@TheStudioRats]

Cheers Stephen, I’ll get round to it.

[@mitchellferre1652]

I like the Silver Jubilee !

[@daviddorrian5349]

Really curious to know what amps you got rid of to make room for these. I've just Ordered the 2525H and SV20H and a SV 2x12 cab. Hope I'm not disappointed

[@brammanck]

Silver for sure. But damn that plexi looks good….

[@thedddemon]

I've tried the 2525 mini when it first came out and it sounded brittle as hell. Maybe it was the speakers. It would've been nice if you played through the low gain input of the jcm800 as well.

[@diamondjim001]

Hello Paul and thanks for this video. I've owned the SV20 since day one and just love the vintage tones. I'm on the fence in getting the silver Jubilee and I was wondering if you could do a video on the FX loops on these three and just how good they are and how well they take pedals? Again thanks and cheers!

[@vicferrari89]

Yeah, why no pedals?

[@JulianFernandez]

thanks so much!

[@TheStudioRats]

Anytime

[@aristocaster]

Now you just need Amp 1 Mercury and you can do comparison between Marshalls and that, Ok you can compare it to Iridium too, but it will be slightly different thing, because Iridium is so much tighter and gainier amp. 😀

[@cleitonrocha81]

Fantastic video!! Where were you running they trought? Whats speaker?

[@dnhrage1]

Excellent demos, question, does the sv20 take overdrive and distortion pedals for instance playing edge of break up and you need high gain will it fart out so to speak.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

I have the JVM combo version of the 50th anniversary Marshall one watt amps. It has been my favorite amp since 2013. The clean channel dimed is just glorious and i play it on half power alot. To be able to dime an amp and get all the glory at basically conversation volume is not something i have ever been able to replicate as one watt amps are not that common. It has worked perfectly for 10 years. Plugged into a cab on the gain channel it makes some noise too. I cant imagine most guitar players who jam and record would ever need more than 20 watts

[@markp4818]

You comment was pointless, had nothing to do with this video whatsoever...

[@jonljacobi]

Like you, I want all three...

[@RichusRkr]

i originally took home the JCM800 SC20 and while it looked so amazing, I couldn't seem to get the ice pick out of it even with the treble and presence turned way down, though it decreased, this annoying ice pick kind of nervous sounding treble was always present, returned it and got the SV20 plexi and it blew me away. jumping the channels turning the normal up while adding just enough high treble channel, you can get as smooth and silky as you want and then add more treble bite by turning up channel 1 as you need it.. I found plugging into high input of channel two and jumping the low inputs gives me the best sound. (the JCM800 sounded so bad to me that I almost think I got a defective unit, though I didn't tell GC that when I returned it.)

[@chrisjones8977]

The nvm 800 circuit works really well with 25 watt Celestion speakers. I used to run one through 75 watt Celestion and it sounded really brittle and then when I switched to the 25 waters the sound was fk’n incredible. I also love the studio vintage. You can’t go wrong with a plexi.

[@chrisjones8977]

Jcm

[@zuszmanpatrice8409]

Bought Silver Jubilee after long reflection and happy with it but don’t see big differences between these 3 marvellous amps

[@guitarexpert2245]

Now please turn off the Effects loop on the Stuido Classic and do the same demo. The amp get much louder and much more punch with it turned off. It's quit noticable. Fun video.

[@deadshot4245]

noticed a bigger smile while playing the sv20 plexi

[@basandi4017]

Hi Paul, it sound warm with nice middle freq... What is your chain? Definitely reverb... What reverb you are using in this particular video? Also any EQ? What else did you use?

[@MrYnot99]

what cab are you using ? whats the signal path? they all should bloody awesome 🙂

[@MartinCoolMusic]

Which one would you choose if you can only buy one, the SV20 or the SC20. Is it possible to achieve the SC20 rock tones using pedals in front of the SV20?. I really like the Vintage vibe of the SV20 but the SC20 sounds so good for modern rock.

[@stevep1941]

Great comparison.. I guess any of these heads would really annoy the neighbours if turned up, but to get rid of the neighbours completely, you would need the 100w versions?

[@imunchienandalusia]

I think the plexi sounds the best out of them but i got the Jubilee for practicality. The master volume on it is great. The plexi you have to have an attenutator and even then it's difficult to get it where you want it at home.

[@PEMAMETAL]

Can't believe this is without any boost pedal. Lots of gain there, with the knob at just 12 o clock. I have the original 2203 from 83, and a 1988 black Jubilee (both 100 watt), I think they don't have all that gain. My 2203 for example I usually play it with the gain at 8 (3 o clock)

[@TheStudioRats]

I guess it’s down to the power amp drive as it’s only 20 watts.

[@mattchurchill]

I liked the Jubilee best, like you mentioned, it's more versatile.

[@alexcrowe5052]

Which one cleans up the best with the volume on the guitar rolled back? Is just a little better, or is it a pretty big difference?

[@r1deftone]

I like the Jubilee.

[@thefilmpoets]

Jubilee for 80s metal, Plexi for everything else.

[@vicferrari89]

I feel as though you need to do a comparison of these amps with OD or Distortion pedals. I don't know why so many demos don't do bot amp cranked and then pedals. Its so important IMO.

[@Davefranzin]

Ciao, dude what do you think about of the volume, are they powerful? do you think that for live use they are fine, to rockin, or 20watts are few

[@billhannum4117]

Sv20 was my favorite

[@muzikman4488]

Nice video. What cab, speaker, and mic are you using with the amps? Or are you going through a load box and IR?

[@TheStudioRats]

I’m using a two notes torpedo studio.

[@coltonsinclair4591]

I wonder if anyone watching this has actually physically plugged these into the speaker of choice not just over produced studio youtube reviews. I tried all three side by side. SV20 and JCM800 are insanely loud, like you need to crank volume all the way to even get distortion. They are strictly studio amps. Jubilee was by far the most responsive, tones of gain, you can play it at any level and it sounds great. But you know what else sounds great for bedroom players, the DSL20. Half the price, and if you don't need it cranked max volume all the time, you'd be super happy with it.

[@c3vette47]

That Plexi is AC/DC crunch.

[@KelsterVonShredster]

I would love to see a video on how you dial in your load boxes in these amp head videos. I currently own the mini jubilee and have owned the studio vintage 20 in the past and despite owning the waza tube expander (and ox in the past) my videos never sound this good...do you connect the waza out to fancy pre-amps or compressors? Or is there in-DAW editing? The sounds in these videos are just so huge and perfect and full sounding...I would even pay for a lesson virtually if you do that sort of thing.

[@TravisKidd]

Same question also

[@TheJamison76]

Great comparison, I definitely like the jubilee the most. I never liked Jcm style amps, they're tough to get to sit in a mix in my experience.

[@TheStudioRats]

Interesting, cheers Nick.

[@0megalul309]

Jubilee is a jcm at heart

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Play all three with the BEST SOUND you can get out of them. Peddles effects, everything.

[@jeffreyziemba5588]

Does the 2525 have enough headroom live for cleanish slight bit of dirt tones for a live band? Ive tried a peavy 6505mh it it was in no way loud enough at all. Even in the drive section

[@kevincourcey813]

Maybe it was just the way you were playing it, but the 800 Lead sounded like it had more "snap" than the other two...the punch was sharper. Agree that overall the Silver would be the choice.

[@TheStudioRats]

Yeah I really like the 800 for drive tones but the cleans don’t do it for me compared to the jubilee