Marshall SV20H vs 1974X Handwired

I'm comparing a Marshall SV20H to a Marshall 1974X, using a a 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom.

[@greygardens81]

They sound nearly identical in this kind of A/B testing. The SV20 seems to be marginally brighter. In a mix, these differences would never be distinguished. Like any handwired, premium design I think if you have the money for it, and value the craftsmanship/labor behind an amp like the 1974X then go for it, otherwise the SV20 gets you there. I love these kinds of videos! Keep up the good work.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad to hear it

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

I'm very happy with my SV20, Marshall really got that one right. Admittedly I modded it a little with the Legendary Tones preamp plug-in, But it's got the sound and feel I've been chasing for years.

[@lloydloar1]

The 1974X sounds like a bridge in tone between a JTM and a Plexi. It's got a rounder, squishier tone than the plexi, but yet a little more edge than a JTM. I really like both. Very intersting comparison. Thank you!!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Lloyd!

[@stanislavmigra]

agreed

[@riku4441]

Hey Johan, great video as always. Nice to remind us how important is the speaker in the tone, we often forget that.

[@NYCguitarist]

The 1974 is warmer and has more body as you get lower in volume. Since I play with low volume on my LP often, that's interesting to me. Thanks Johan 👍

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, glad to hear it!

[@MisterBlue03]

It's all in the fingers and your Crocs! Keep rockin' hard Johan!

[@NINEWALKING]

Bluesbreaker 18 will always have special place in my heart. I build my version and one is even being played in USA. I have changed it a bit and beefed up some stuff. I have switched to vintage wire so that only plastic isolation wire is coming from the hook up wire of the iron. I have lowered the noise floor and by changing the parts quality and values I came closer to old amplifiers regarding to tone. Plus I give them bit more powerful parts . I made them to last as long as you want to service them. There is a special thing happening in BB18 amplifiers many people do not know but every player feels when playing them. It is a combination of everything that makes this amplifier. Simple thing to say but hard to explain. They sound bigger and bit Plexi like because of the cathode biased power stage with no NFB. This gives them specific wildness and attack. This works only with smaller power amplifiers and real Plexi amplifiers do not share and can’t share that topology. But it makes them feel bigger than they are. Second thing is tube choice. EL84 tubes in the power stage are very specific. They have more chime than EL34 tubes but keep the middle that we all love. Therefore they sound closer to the 6V6 tube than EL34 sound compared to the 6L6. EL84 just has more balanced and nice wide range. They have nice definition. Just hear them in Vox AC15 or the AC30. Last thing is power related. Power stage saturation happens at the accessible levels. You can use them in venues and gigs. They sound big but aren’t making you the public enemy nr.1 Why people they say that they are also sounding a bit like the JTM45? Well to balance out that wild character they went with the tube rectifier. EZ81 in case of two EL84 tubes. This one just fits. You use all the same sockets for all tubes. Makes it simple. It has 6V heater so no need for the 5V rectifier tube winding in the power transformer. It has natural sag and fits to the overall tone greatly. No wonder they have designed it way they did. They wanted smaller Bluesbreaker and they got very close to it. While still in the headroom volume level they sound even more similar. Back in those years they knew how to make them. Great classic design. A lot of people do not know but there was a 36 Watt or sometimes called 40 Watt version with the 4x EL84 and GZ34 rectifier. This was not really known amplifier and was hard to market. Namely it was direct competition to their own amplifiers and it had more parts then those other amplifiers. Hence economically hard to justify. Though if you have chance to try them you might fall in love. Wilder than JTM45 but still smooth and still Marshall sounding amplifier. In today’s world that version has hard time. Expensive to build and bit to wild for some players. Plus to loud for many venues. Most players would like to have 1 Watt Plexi that sounds like 100 Watt Super Lead but at low levels so they can use it everywhere. But there is no substitute for the wall of sound that you can surf on.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Great info. I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge! Cheers

[@NINEWALKING]

@JohanSegeborn thanks man it means a lot to me.

[@hkguitar1984]

Pretty close overall, however I thought the 1974X had a little extra something good going on. Very close, comes down to personal preferences. Great Content/playing Johan, thank you. 👍

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad you like it

[@ro307805]

You’re awesome Johan. You just sold me an SV20 combo, lol....

[@alanst.4417]

Yeah, Johan should get a lifetime sponsorship from Marshall but he's too honest and independent 😉

[@07parachute]

Both sound really good. 1974 sounded a little fuller, perhaps less compressed and SV20 seemed slightly brighter. Very informative comparison as usual.

[@robertthompson6302]

I have the 1974x. Funny thing is, it takes pedals really well… so we’ll, I rarely get it above 2 in volume for most clubs and have the other guitar player in the band telling me to turn down often. I used to think these were a secret weapon, but alas everyone knows these are the best sounding amps for teles, strats and Les Pauls alike… and flying V’s I might add;especially for covering classic rock numbers.

[@MarianoGrande73]

Great video !! I liked the 1974x better but both are great with the amazing speaker

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Mariano!

[@darrellminx5459]

To my ear the 1974x sounds a bit more aggressive. I think it has a slightly bigger harmonic range. But both are ice amplifiers. Thank you for doing what you do. Aloha from Hawaii. Cheers Johan.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Aloha Darrell!

[@soapboxearth2]

I built a 1974 type thing using a ceriatone tmb layout. I really love that amp. Like the other dude says, it's in betwen a plexi and jtm. Ive stayed away from the pcb stuff that marshall is putting out but that one fors sound quite nice

[@cliveclive54]

Hmmm? The handwired sounds great but I think the SV20 would blend better in a mix or live situation 🤔🤘🙏

[@alanst.4417]

That's a nice one, Johan! Both amps just great sounding, as you and other guys summarized, the 1974x just sounds beautifully complex on its own probably because of the tube rectifier and HW stuff. But for higher gain hard rock sounds in a mix I'd probably pick the SV20 anyway 😉 Cheers!

[@gabor222]

I have built a 1974 clone but after a few years of use I disassembled it and used the parts for an other project. It was too loud for bedroom use and I wanted something louder and a bit modern for band practice. I still miss it's tremolo, it sounded great.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers

[@jcoulter43]

Both are fantastic sounding amps. The SV20 is slightly brighter sounding, but that could be EQ. Loved how you demo'd the volume changes and how greatly that affects tone. The volume knob, the most unused feature on most guitars! 😂 God bless and rock on 👍😎🎸

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man, glad to hear it! Rock on! 🎸👍

[@honkytonkinson9787]

Very close! Might close the gap with the right boost or EQ pedal

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@fuujinmugen]

1974x all the way 🤘 Been using one since 2012. Only thing is it often picks up the local Radio Station. Can hear the Radio Presenters chatting 😂 Great Comparison Johan, thank you 👍

[@krispatel1]

Have grid stoppers added and it should fix that

[@davidsaric2012]

I think they'd blend really well together for recording, both offering unique characteristics.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah, the SV20 can be blended in for cut where needed

[@joeschlicht]

Both sound excellent. I prefer the 1974x and I want either this or the Princeton Custom Shop as my next amp. Ironically I saw both used in a guitar store recently (in a small town shop!) Crazy. I couldn't spend the cash at the time, and it hurts me I didn't walk away with either. I'm not suffering with my current choice of amps at home though. Quite satisfied.

[@californiasurfpunkmetal6207]

Johan, the 1974x really wakes up with vintage Mullard tubes in it. The Mullard EZ81 rectifier tube made a massive difference!! You should try this in a video.i think you will be shocked at the change…

[@JohanSegeborn]

Interesting! I’ll definitely try that

[@spideymarino]

Both sound absolutely great. I would say that the SV20 sounds slightly more aggressive, brighter and tighter. I’d be happy with either based on this tbh. Great job. 👍

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad to hear it

[@melexdy]

Had the same though myself,well said!

[@adamwatson6916]

Page did use the middle postion quite a bit but it wasn't some default setting by any stretch . He used the Bridge pickup the most .

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah it was more common live

[@ianorourke6320]

Both are great. Each is chewy in it's own way. Definitely Marshall sound

[@crflores76]

El 34 all the way!!! Both are amazing…. Maybe 1974x would be so dark with a close cabinet…

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Yeah the 1974x needs the open cab

[@void_snw]

There really is rather small differences between various marshall circuits. coupling caps, preamp cathode resistors and bypass caps, even the 2203 is pretty much just a plexi with the normal channel going into the bright. I'm putting a lot of these things and some other stuff on switches on my SV20. IMO the volume going into the power amp is a bit hot for the lower voltage cathode bias, so a PPIMV just taking a bit off makes it the more stiff and raw big brothers. Letting any of the preamp tubes clip colder gives it that attack compression for the huge feel. Truly a great circuit.

[@mitchellferre1652]

I prefer the SV20. Both sound great ! I would hit the front end with a Tubescreamer or SD1. Marshall Governor would be nice too !

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Mitchell!

[@BMichel347]

You're on fire 🔥

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers 😀

[@ghostofborsalino2752]

Great video as always Johan. It’s close isn’t it but I wonder how much closer it would be if you jumped the SV20 but plugged into the high “normal” input?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! That’s a good point. If I remember correctly that turned out significantly darker though

[@davevanepp5087]

Hi Johan, I highly suggest trying a pair of 6CA7's in your SV20H, it will sound much bigger and better. I would also try a pair of KT77's, I have yet to try the 77's yet, but I would expect them to yield similar improvements in tone over the stock EL34's in the SV20 series.

[@olssong7941]

I'd like to see you try the Orange Crush Mini, it's got an 8 ohm speaker output, and it would be interesting to see it connected to some cabinet :3

[@darrellminx5459]

Ok we wait. Cheers from Hawaii

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers Darrell!

[@auntjenifer7774]

The modern. Head unit sounds brighter Than the 1974X combo and the combo has a bit more dynamic stuff going on !

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, yeah the tube rectifier gives it a more complex dynamics

[@kowpow2259]

Can't go wrong here. I liked the SV20 for it's sharper tone and the 1974x for the woodiness.

[@YMESYDT]

Did you notice a difference in feel? I've been very interested in the 1974x so this was very intriguing

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah it’s very much more responsive and fun to play

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha Johan. They both sound great.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Aloha Victor! Glad to hear it

[@khrys_maxwell]

Just on my phone, the 1974x is bigger and rounder with more dynamics and definition. The SV20 is bright and brittle.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! I preferred it too but the SV was surprisingly close I thought

[@waterbuffalo4225]

Any plans to review the Friedman Plex model and compare it to another 68 plexi?

[@adamdodge8303]

Any chance you can review the new-ish Marshall ST20 Studio JTM? Thanks in advance!

[@davidfellows6250]

Turned all the way up they sound quite a bit different., but once turned down to about 8 they get really similar. I think you could eq the difference.

[@dioXxXtyler]

Both are great the tones so awesome. but speaking of Marshall would love to see a affordable bugera infinitum 1960 based off a plexi circuit and a cheaper option to see how it would sound with a good cabinet with it

[@user-gv8ix3oj3n]

Using cans, it sounds like the sv could cut better in a band. Both nice , I'd love to be able to do this kind of thing

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks!

[@cripmeister9104]

That's funny because I play my SV20H thorugh a 1974CX cab, I like it 😃

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cool! 👍

[@gbrt9569]

Hey Johan ... Have you had a chance yet to get your hands on the JTM Studio (ST20H) ? ..From the reviews ive seen its the best of the 4 studio amps...It would be great to get your opinion on it ?

[@An2oine]

The volume changes the tone with the 1974X and the SV20 sounded quieter but still mean, like more attack.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah definitely. I think that’s a big benefit of the 1974x

[@peterosipov400]

Very close, but I surprisingly liked SV20 slightly better. Brightness works for that Les Paul. Is that Dimarzio Super Distortion in the bridge?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Peter! Yeah that’s a 1977 Super Distortion

[@기타리스트마키]

I think Hand Wired P t P is always give better tone before saw this video. Marshall Studio Vintage is so well made. that's made me get rid of PCB's prejudice

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks

[@NINEWALKING]

Sound preference is highly subjective thing. I can see that someone could like SV20 more or say that they are close or better said closer than you think they would be. Before I go to what I prefer or hear I have to mention the other aspect of owning such amplifiers. If you have asked me about Marshall first series PCB’s I would have said they are beefy and bulletproof. Now after they have lived long life’s I do not like them at all. Nor I like cables used in those amplifiers. Modern PCB’s just went even cheaper and worse. All parts that heat up or have bigger size often cause issues. Often the sockets are on the PCB as well. Often, in modern amplifiers they use reborn cables that increase failure rates and shorten the life expectancy. Turret board hand wired amplifiers are basically made to last forever if maintained by normal tech. Now I here the difference and sure you get the diminishing returns. You can call it close but for me it’s two different worlds. Specially when you play them. I hear more definition on X and more natural sag. Plus you get amp you can have for ever.

[@Burkhimself]

Sounds like the ‘74x has a little more gain ? Seems like the SV retains more treble when guitar volume is down. I’ve always heard good things about the ‘74x…..would love to hear a 1974x vs a jcm800 4010 ! 🙏🏼

[@JohanSegeborn]

The SV actually has a lot more gain. When the SV is on 4 it’s equivalent to having the 1974x on 10. And yeah they react very differently to dialling back guitar volume. I prefer the behaviour of the 1974, where fullness is preserved and a bunch of different characters can be achieved. 4010 vs 1974x is coming up too soon! Cheers

[@GraniteSoundtrack]

1974X sounded crazy good. SV20 was very good too.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Glad to hear it

[@dennisperusse3837]

I still like the 1974 better but both amps are fantastic.

[@incubism]

Both sound great. That 1974x looks cooler though :-P

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, it’s a beauty indeed

[@zoomzoom3950]

I'll take my 1959HW for the win, IMO. Blistering sonic bliss! (the whole neighborhood can enjoy)

[@JBASH2011]

Before I comment- need to ask, whats the "new" pickup in the R9, looks double creme..old Dimarzio PAF? I prefer the sv20 by far, I'm not normally into most el84 amps. Don't like the midrange el84s bring. Great comparison as always.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Now both Les Pauls (R9 and 73 custom) have a 1977 Super Distortion in them

[@JBASH2011]

@@JohanSegeborn awesome, thanks for the answer, Johan!

[@zacharyglover625]

What settings are you using on the amps?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Hi! On the 1974x it’s basically cranked on both channels and jumpered, with bass channel high input as guitar input. On the SV20 all buttons are on 5 but with treble, presence and high gain at 4

[@truthfactreality6814]

The sv20 all the way. Although I have an afd100, silver jubilee and jvm410JS so not fussed. I would like a studio head though maybe the silver jubilee or plexi

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! It’s indeed more metal sounding

[@markoRE]

Ännumera of the sound pornographer going på här 🧐❤️ jag had bought the sv'tjugon. Just as bra.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers Marko 😉

[@scottnoricsson2023]

Mini Plexi of course, every day

[@JohanSegeborn]

Cheers Scott

[@DaveSheremata]

Both sound great! Too bad Marshall isn’t like it used to be. I’d go for a hardwired amp any day, just for serviceability (Coming from a man with a broken Mesa Mark V, that’s been “repaired” twice…)

[@robertcarey3383]

1974X with tube rectification will certainly be smoother and more fun to play than the brittle solid-state rectification in the SV20. I much prefer the 1974x.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks Robert!

[@garrettstiles7808]

Both sound great, but different, at the high and low ends of the guitar volume to me (9-10; 1-3). 1974x absolutely kills the SV20 in the middle values though, say 4-8. I do think the 1974x has more complex and pleasing harmonics the whole way through FWIW.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks! Yeah the 1974x sounds more organic whereas the sv20 sounds more synthetic, although the bulk of the tone is very similar

[@pomod]

They were way more similar than I had anticipted. The 1974x seemed to sag a bit more

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah some of that comes from the rectifier but I’m sure the entire circuit is less “efficient” in the best possible way 😉

[@Undead1963]

Is this a good one ?

[@antiHUMANDesigns]

Yeah, that 1974X is better. Very smooth top end.

[@VoodooKush]

SV20 - more treble 1974X - more mid/bass

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks

[@natecoleman277]

El34 vs el84

[@mindofown]

I dont have the language to describe what I heard but I thought the 1974 had something more?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah, it’s sounds more high resolution

[@mindofown]

@@JohanSegeborn Thats a good word to describe what I heard

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

74x

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

Yeah there is something about the midrange character that resonates in a more musical way. The other amp seems to lack body and is harsh in the top end.

[@RulgertGhostalker]

the 1974X takes it in my opinion ... it's mostly the note attacks, the way the valve rectifier crushes the transients. for people that covet the soft envelope sound, Si rectification just doesn't deliver what we are listening for.....it's the supply sag and recovery.

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks yeah it really makes it sound less synthetic

[@DMSProduktions]

Very LITTLE in it! Playing response might be different, but sound wise, not much. 1974 maybe a bit darker, SV20 brighter & a touch more gain! 1974 maybe a tad more low end response, but again marginal. BOTH sound great!

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks man, yeah they’re surprisingly close. The SV20 is slightly colder and a bit more synthetic sounding

[@DMSProduktions]

@@JohanSegeborn Synthetic? Meh, idk...

[@minsang6704]

my sv20 doesn't sound like yours...just realize that the cab is more important than i thought

[@JohanSegeborn]

Yeah most of this tone comes from the Pre 1973 Greenback

[@minsang6704]

@@JohanSegeborn I think sv20 basically has less bass, and my one is 10inch combo... i think it's so Trebly. Can you recommend something i can do to make it sound thicker and warmer? changing tubes.. speakers..and some modifies?

[@mrkite89]

@@minsang6704 Use an external cab or change the speaker to a darker sounding one: this IS a bright amp if you use the high treble channel. I play mine with a 1960BHW (4 x G12H30\55Hz) and I find it bright, maybe too bright when played alone but very classic Marshall in a mix...

[@minsang6704]

@@mrkite89 I changed the stock speaker to G10 greenback, it sounds good but cannot increase the bass...i'm gonna buy 2X12 greenback cab

[@minsang6704]

@@mrkite89But definetly sounds incredable when in band mix! amazing plexi sound

[@nebojsatomic1210]

liked 1974x better

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks

[@soapboxearth2]

I built a 1974 type thing using a ceriatone tmb layout. I really love that amp. Like the other dude says, it's in betwen a plexi and jtm. Ive stayed away from the pcb stuff that marshall is putting out but that one fors sound quite nice

[@JohanSegeborn]

Thanks, yeah the Ceriatone version is great