Was the Marshall Class 5 really that bad? ( An extensive sound test )

When I woke up yesterday I didn't expect to make a 35 minute video about the Marshall Class 5 which hasn't been in production for many years, yet here we are. I use the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster Custom and Gibson Les Paul Standard 50's and try to see if this thing is a great used value or something that is better left in the past. All audio is the SM57 placed on the front of the speaker grill center cone direct into pro tools. Let me know what you think about this amp and if you actually watch this entire video, you are truly a legend.
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0:00 Intro
0:48 Overview of the Class 5, differences between versions
3:27 Telecaster Clean
10:35 Telecaster Crunch
14:24 Telecaster Higher Gain
18:04 Les Paul Clean
25:18 Les Paul Crunch
27:31 Les Paul Higher Gain
30:17 Low Power Mode and Headphone thoughts
31:59 So is it good, great, or garbage?

[@doylebrown3095]

Who said they were bad? I love my Class 5, it's one of my favorite amps I've ever owned.

[@AudiomoMusic]

The internet told me it's the worst amp of all time. I strongly disagree with them haha

[@adamwatson6916]

Like any other amp there are people who like them and people who hate them. The poeple that don't like them usually sight them having to much low end . I tired one recently and I thought it sounded good but i did find a bit bigger in the bass then I prefer . I like a rolled back bass with a bump in the low mids and lots of top end. So the amp was not really for me . I did not sound bad by any means just not what I look for in a Marshall.

[@jeffrey.a.hanson]

The one I played crushed the Origin and had a nice balance to it. Took pedals like a champ and has a nice reaction to pick attack.

[@church751]

@@AudiomoMusic what forums are you reading? These amps have been praised since they came out and have done nothing but go up in value. Cheapest one on reverb is 50% higher than they were brand new but "the internet told you it was the worst amp ever."

[@realdocloco]

@@adamwatson6916 that's why there's a bass control - just like with the JTM45 you should not be afraid to roll back the bass on it, even to 0.

[@vcr210]

Excellent demo. And you're playing is pro level, not just blues riffs. Thank you!

[@TheBigbrizzle]

I gigged with a class 5 for a couple years regularly and it stood up next to vintage amps all day long. The only issue I had was the annoying rattle defect on one of them. But the other two were fine, stock speaker, tubes, circuit. It’s a great amp as is

[@1Moggi]

Great video! I've wanted one of these for a while now. Sold my Squier CV Tele to buy one but then as soon as I had the money, a wanted kayak came up for sale! 😂

[@jonagirreglycojones9262]

Excellent video, a much needed thorough demo of the sounds you can get out of this thing. The only aspect I've missed from the video is a demo of the headphone output. I think I read somewhere that it comes after the power valve, and that, as you say, is really hot. But does it have some sort of cab sim? Can you record directly from it? Can you plug a reverb or delay pedal into it?

[@AudiomoMusic]

I would not recommend recording direct with it, it's really shrill. I started to do that portion of the demo but the sounds were really brittle and harsh and I wanted to focus on the speaker sounds. You could absolutely plug in a time based pedal and use it to practice with it no problem while using the headphones but the more gain you use the funkier the delays will get because there is no effects loop on this amp.

[@jonagirreglycojones9262]

@@AudiomoMusic Thanks!

[@crankshaft383]

Not the biggest marshall fan, yet I've wanted one for a while. More versatile than it appears. And a bargain. Affordable competition to vox AC-10 and champ-type amps. Also have a lead 12. Another fun/affordable Marshall (w/ no tubes to maintain)

[@markhoskins]

I have a couple of these. They're really good! I'd have preferred it if they were hardwired TBH. A speaker change is good idea too or getting the head and running it into a bigger cabinet.

[@danielstryhanyn7278]

The amp sounds great! Nice demo Jim.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Thanks Daniel and I really enjoyed it, I didnt reallze how much fun I was having until i sat to edit it and ended up with by far the longest video ive ever made for youtube haha

[@g.graves8939]

From what I've seen it's always someone that uses a million pedals that doesn't like these amps! With only a volume & 3 tone controls it's for a more vintage sound... every Marshall isn't made for metal this is a classic rock amp!

[@motorrebell]

Awesome Review , I like the Class 5 , Should try its successor the "Origin" too !

[@robbolandsvids]

I'm not a huge fan of really biting treble, so this sounded pretty damned good to my ears, especially with the Tele. I have an 80 watt solid state Park built Marshall combo, that's been utterly slated on the few internet reviews I've seen of it, but the last gig I did with it, the other guitarist was complimenting me on my tone, and he was using a tube driven Marshall, so he should have hated what I was using. Gotta love internet forums for clear and unbiased opinions :)

[@AudiomoMusic]

I actually agree with you 100%, my favorite tones were with the Tele outside of the dimed dirty fun with the Les Paul. It's a darker sounding amp but it's a nice contrast for what I normally play through. I like it a lot, much better than the internet forums experts led me to believe i would

[@adamwatson6916]

Anyone who doesn't like what I like is biased? Maybe just maybe people have different tastes and base their opinions on preference and experiences? If I try something and don't like it that makes me biased? If only there was an internet gear forum utopia where we only saw opinions that line up with our own

[@vinceruland9236]

For what it's designed to do, it does it very well. I have the combo, and the head. The combo does pretty darn good. However, the head, when matched with a good speaker sounds great. I bought a Marshall mx112 cab, sprayed the inside with bedliner spray (it's MDF board and doesn't resonate well) and added a vintage 30. That combo straight up rocks!!! BYE, both of mine are early (no low power) models

[@mattwilliams3104]

Ive recently switched to attenuated low wattage (

[@Bollinja]

I have a middle period Class 5 (after the back was changed but before they added the low power mode) and I love it with my 1979 Les Paul Pro Deluxe, not the most versatile amp but great for my AC/DC or Neil Young bad impressions :)

[@AudiomoMusic]

It absolutely smokes at those tones and it's great for what it is. I really don't understand the hate this amp has gotten over the years.

[@onecanadian4946]

This is my fav amp and i have many of different makes, vintages and wattages. It’s great stock with the bass knob off but I did end up doing the lyle caldwell plexi mod to it and it set it immediately as my favourite. For the cost of about $5 worth of resistors and an hr with a soldering iron you can get plexi out of it. A family member has a stock class 5 and we jam a lot, and really there isn’t much difference it’s just that mine has less bass flub and more high end clarity

[@Robinallenyukon]

I have the head and cab ... the interesting thing is the cab has the speaker output jack only but inside the circuit board also has the posts for the combo speaker hook-up internally ... if you wire a 1/4 inch jack to that you get the low power option not available in the head ... just plug in to the new jack and flip switch to headphones an your good to go !

[@sassulusmagnus]

Great demo, very thorough. The designer wasn't trying to create a mini-plexi, just an affordable UK made amp that sounds like a Marshall. The amp should just be taken on its own terms. It's an interesting wee beast.

[@defaulttoprime]

Nice review... Of interest particularly because it's the same version I have, except mine is white, with the block Marshall logo and a tan cane grill... A pretty piece of office jewelry most of the time, but it can be just absolutely amazing with a pedal... or pedals... I feel like people want these one-channel low watt tube amps to act like modelers... That's not what they do... I just love mine...

[@Rainydaydreamaway7]

Have this amp, can’t say I like it much on its own, but mixed with a Fender blackface amp it’s a perfect complement

[@javiercojoba]

I love this amp! It can do anything from pretty cleans up to early 80s NWOBHM if you know how to use it and what to pair it with!

[@MrBluesilverred]

I have one without the low power switch. I absolutely love it. Very responsive EQ for either single coils or Buckers.

[@AudiomoMusic]

I've grown to really appreciate it the longer I've had it. I simply can't wrap my head around people that think these were truly awful amps. It's the absolute perfect jam/practice amp

[@MrBluesilverred]

@@AudiomoMusic Agreed. I’m curious as to why people think these are awful. I just paid $330 for a mint condition off of Reverb. I may buy another. I find there to be a 70’s rock sweet spot in between 4-7 on the volume dial. And the amp is whisper quiet!

[@AudiomoMusic]

Totally agree, just got down playing the les paul through it, at 7 it absolutely nails the tones of so many records. Maybe i should buy a green one if it pops up

[@MrBluesilverred]

@@AudiomoMusic I just found a mint condition Studio Vintage 1/12 cab to pair with the Class 5. What a difference adding a cab!

[@joeydebellis300]

I own one and it screams live thru a 4x12 cab...tone is plexi/blues breaker plenty loud and very reliable.

[@Tennis_Fan2022]

I own one and this is a great demo. My opinion is this will not be enough amp in a band situation unless your bandmates are willing to dial it back. It is great for practice or taking over to a buddies house for a couch jam.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Yeah it would have to be mic'd 100% for it to be gigged if the band was remotely hard hitting. The other option is to use it with a 4x12 and that will help it's cause a lot. For the most part I'd rather just use a different amp for that kind of stuff.

[@Tennis_Fan2022]

@@AudiomoMusic Yep, I have a 50 Watt Plexi clone at this point. The Class 5 was responsible in setting me off in that direction and I'm grateful for it. There's nothing like pushing some air with a 4x12.

[@adamwatson6916]

Definitely a bridge pickup focused amp . The les paul bridge pickup sounds pretty good after it was dialed in especially with the Eq pedal .

[@GuyNarnarian]

They should have just used a plexi style preamp in it. With a presence control. I assume this has no rectifier tube? Did the old Plexis have a rectifier tube? Otherwise it has the ingredients, the 12ax7 preamp tubes and 1 EL34 power tube.

[@mattdoliver1984]

Hey Jim one of these has popped up near me for £200 with shipping, I’m quite tempted by it in all honesty, I have the Marshall Origin 5w and besides the pesky 8” speaker it’s a nice amp, I quite like the idea of having a few little amps around always fun for when you have friends round and you to want to lug a big rig about for an hour or 2’s fun

[@AudiomoMusic]

Do it, you might find it's quite different than the Origin, I actually really like this little amp

[@mattdoliver1984]

@@AudiomoMusic yeah I’m Really thinking about it, I was just doing a bit of research into it and stumbled across your video 😁👍🏼👍🏼 Cheers Jim 🙏🏼

[@clovergrass9439]

This seems like one of the most polarizing Marshall amps. Some love it, others despise it. Johann Segeborn never reviewed it, must hate it. I had the combo and still have 2 heads and 4 C110 cabs with celestion upgrades, though stock speakers sound very good. I think they sound great. The head with my 2061cx cab sounds killer also. Did lots of gigs and rehearsals with it. Huge plus is the light weight of the heads and cabs.

[@FernandoRR66]

No sé por qué pero se oye como si el ampli tuviera una especie de trémolo encendido, no sé si será el método con el que has grabado, tengo uno hace años y disfruto mucho con él, he tocado en salas pequeñas y es un ampli, que siendo básico, da un gran sonido Marshall a mi parecer, gracias por la review ;)

[@therollband1290]

I’m not sure what the naysayers were expecting from a simple 10” 5w class A combo. It’s like a mini bluesbreaker tribute practice amp. I would definitely buy one for the right price. Sounds decent with overdrive.

[@wokeupthismorning]

It is a bit hard to use amp, it is a bit loud for home use and needs a bigger cab for rehearsal. using it tommorow in a live setting with a pedalboard and it is lively and cuts like a real marshall

[@eharmicar]

I have the Class 5 head and use two Marshall c/10 Class 5 cabs with it.First,I’ve never had the volume past half.It’s a very loud 5 watt amp.Second,Marshalls have a darker sound,that’s what they’re known for.I play a Fender Highway One /first run(small head stock)and it has a very creamy Hendrix tone with the Strat.I also use it with my Gibson Les Paul Goldtop w/P-90’s.With the Les Paul it’s off to the races.If you want a bright amp I recommend a Vox.

[@AudiomoMusic]

I actually think my favorite guitar with this amp is my telecaster, it's a perfect match for it - not to say the Les Paul and some of the others don't sound great but I also never put the thing past half either, it's a great tone past it but I find myself using it as a very mellow and full kind of clean-ish vibe. Great stuff man - love the p90 les pauls!

[@cliffords2315]

I have one and it sounds great through my 4x12 greenback cab!! problem is its really loud. its loud enogh for a rock club

[@AudiomoMusic]

Yep, that is indeed the only thing about it especially if you're using a 4x12, not exactly bedroom friendly to get into the sweet spot

[@adamwatson6916]

Sounds like a good amp to pair with guitars that don't have alot of bass like an SG or flying V where the lows com more from the low mids and have alot or upper mid bite. Also brighter humbuckers like gibson custombuckers or burstbuckers 2 and 3 would go good with this amp

[@georgew.8442]

I think all the hate stemmed from a few poorly recorded KZbin demos of this amp. In my opinion, it sounds perfect with a Les Paul and the Tele is a close second. I bought mine used with a bright switch mod that makes it sound identical to my JTM1H. Did you play without earplugs, and if so, were your ears ringing for a while? I have to use earplugs when I play mine haha

[@RamonPalonski]

For dialing in Marshalls you absolutely need to use your ears and not your eyes. The EQ settings on the boost channel of my 4210 combo right now: bass off, mids full, treble 9 o'clock. That might seem odd for someone used to Fender amps where you could put everything on 4 and it just sounds right.

[@AudiomoMusic]

I find that Mesa Boogies are very much the same, so it didn't really bother me. Perhaps thats why some people really don't get on with them, and people REALLY disliked this amp online. I think it's just great but you also have to dial it in for your specific guitar.

[@clovergrass9439]

Note...on the head the panel is 180 deg turned. So the on off toggle is up for on, the graphics are different, input on the far right etc.

[@BathedInMilk]

Who the hell said this amp was garbage?! Jesus I hate the internet. I have a mark 1 and I love it to death. Gigged with it for over a decade at this point, always sounded great, never had any issues, loud as hell, supports an extension cab, light and easy to use. If you can find one and are after THAT sound, get one.

[@AudiomoMusic]

After really playing this thing myself, I said the same exact thing - who the hell could hate this unless they just hate marshall amps in general? You'd be surprised how many people over the years told me it was a piece of junk and to avoid it, glad I didn't listen to them, I love it and I also now gig with it. Love that other people do enjoy it.

[@adamwatson6916]

Has anyone ever heard of preference and people having different tastes in tone and music and he different needs from their rig . You hate the internet because other people get to express opinions that different from yours ? Why do you care if other people don't like what you like ? You like it and that is all you need to concern yourself with. Why do so many people act so shocked and offended when they go on the internet and find that not everyone is validating your opinion. Anyone who does not like what I like is wrong and a bad person.

[@adamwatson6916]

@@AudiomoMusic so you can't be a Marshall fan unless you like every amp they ever made? There are many people who love Marshall but don't love every amp . Some love the 1959 super lead or studio vintage but don't like the origin amps. Some love the JCM 800 but detest the DSL series. How can this be . It's like saying you can't be a Gibson unless you love every guitar and Pickup they make or you can't be a fan of Celestion and hate the vintage 30 . I see these types of statements all the time. If you don't like this amp then you don't like Marshall's. If you don't this guitar you don't like strats . Had someone tell me if you don't like the Origin 20 then you don't like Marshall's even though I owned 4 Marshall's at the time and still own 3 . Sold the one I did not like. How can that be ? How could I possibly love Marshall but dislike the mini Jubilee ? My favorite modern Marshall is currently the DSL 5CR ran through a variety of different extensions cabs and I see people hating on that amp all the time and It does not bother me at all . I does not make me think less of those people or make me believe they are wrong or that they must hate Marshall because it's the only explanation for them not liking what I like. It makes me think they like a different sound then I do and have different tastes or needs. There is nothing wrong with that . I see so many people who express hatred of the internet bases on seeing opinions hey don't like or agree with. It's especially weird hate the interent because someone did not like same amp as you and expressed their displeasure online. If people hate the internet based on opinions they see then what they really hate is free speech and hate having to face the realty that not everyone likes what you like. It's like people go on the internet and expect every opinion they hold to be validated by everyone.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

had this version and upgraded it with a 10" greenback and vintage mullard tubes. one tube was worth like the whole amp. but now i can brag in marshall forums.

[@MrRafaztar]

I have always wondered about these amps. Let’s watch. If nothing else it looks great 😊

[@AudiomoMusic]

It looks great indeed, i like it clean with the fender and dirty with the gibson... very surprising right? 🤣

[@MrRafaztar]

@@AudiomoMusic I think that’s a conclusion which was arrived 80 years ago

[@matthewpower3062]

Cool amp! Cool vid!

[@AudiomoMusic]

Thanks Matthew, told you it was absurdly long haha

[@cageliner]

I have an original British Racing Green version 1 with the semi open back. It IS a chore to change tubes. It is plenty loud, for sure. I'm a fan of 5W Marshalls. I have a DSL5C and an Origin 5, too. My favorite though, is my DSL1HR LOL

[@AudiomoMusic]

I'd like to try one of those 1 watts, but I don't want to ruin my nostalgia of having the 50th anniversary hand wired version years and years ago... those things really flew up in price!

[@cageliner]

@@AudiomoMusic A while ago someone was selling his entire collection of 1W Marshalls. I think it was somewhere around $12,000. The DSL1HR is still a hoot. Even those have went up 40% since I bought mine.

[@ezraestrada4992]

Same color here, I bought a used one for $400 Canadian.

[@RamonPalonski]

The 1 watt 50 anniversary amps are great, but they are not handwired...

[@vinceruland9236]

I love my DSL 1 as well

[@johnnymccoy1998]

You did a great job going through all the tones available here. I never use mine, but it looks cool (mines the white tolex with no low power mode.) it’s the only amp my wife doesn’t mind being in the living room 🤣

[@AudiomoMusic]

Man my wife would love that too, maybe we can do a re-toilex of it as a project together since she loves design stuff... you may have just inadvertantly given me a great idea Johnny thanks man good to see you

[@johnnymccoy1998]

@@AudiomoMusic that would make for good content too…I’ve been known to watch a few re-tolexed amp videos. Side note, that amp sounds cool with a p90 guitar. Kinda has a vibe like “the Longshot” (one of the Billie joe Armstrong bands.)

[@karlmartin849]

It responds well when pushed with a Dallas Rangemaster clone, especially with single coils.

[@AudiomoMusic]

I had to google that, looks cool!

[@z3pp9]

This is the best review this amp. I own one too, I love it.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Thanks so much for that, and yes this amp is very underrated!! It's great

[@z3pp9]

@@AudiomoMusic Definitely, it's a small amp with a lot of potential.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

What's to hate? Good little practice amp, whatever you cant dial in with onboard E.Q. you can throw an E.Q. pedal on it and be done! Good job covering all the 'bases', and mid's, and trebles! Peace.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Speaking of bases I started watching baseball again, I have no idea why I do this to myself.

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

@@AudiomoMusic Being a lifelong Mets fan is gut- wrenching & painful, but the highs are legendary! I was 10 & 27 when it was great! They better hurry up and win another, or for me, it will be too late. And I can't stand the wait!

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Good that you played rhythm very well. Most people just tweedle tweedle all day...

[@AudiomoMusic]

Thanks I’m a rhythm player and its a lost art amongst all the shredding to me too haha glad you enjoyed it

[@adamwatson6916]

Sounds better then the origin 5 .

[@clovergrass9439]

Way way better.

[@buntline1873]

I've recorded with all kinds of amps. The funniest thing is how many people would listen and come back with , is that a Plexi? When I tell them it was some cheap amp they loose interest. But if I tell them it was some classic amp they love the recording that much more. If you can play and know how to tweak things a little bit it will sound good. Guitarists are such suckers.

[@Barbarapape]

The "Made in England" dates it, Marshall like most manufacturers have moved all production to the far east years ago. Living in the UK, it's sad to think that a number of highly regarded amps used to be made here. Trouble was that they were not always the best. As i only play clean i prefer Vox, The "Marshall Sound" was not for me. It's not a bad amp, but i think some upgraded tone circuits and a better speaker might help.

[@AudiomoMusic]

It's sad isn't it? This amp can definitely go with some upgrades but i'm not sure I will go down that path, I'll just use the EQ and use it as is. I do have the Vox itch again, so I'll be on the look out for a good deal on a used one, so long as it isn't the modern ac10.

[@Barbarapape]

@@AudiomoMusic Re Vox, try to find an older model made before 1992 when Korg bought out Vox. AC30's in good condition are not cheap, but with some tlc they will last for as long as valves are available. I bought mine new many years ago, in the 90's and it still sounds far better than most modern valve amps the clean is super clean, unlike some that have a gritty edge to them.

[@chadhagene7665]

not all Marshall products are made in Vietnam, just the origin, mg and dsl line. the 800, 900, jvm, silver jubilee, 1960 cab, 1936 cabs, SC20, SV20, mini silver jubilee, and all the studio cabs are still made in England.

[@zakkwyldesliver]

In the early 90s, I got a chance to play through a few JCM 800 heads that were made in the 80s. They all sounded different. I mean really different. Like going from an AC30 to a Tweed Bassman different. Later, I was told that until the early 2000s, component drift was given a pretty wide berth at Marshall and thus, two amps made on the same day could sound nothing alike.

[@buddylobos5277]

I had 2. Speaker board was cut un-evenly so constant rattle. (Cabinet builder figured it out.) Electrical blew several times. LIVE on stage. Amp light was shorting out amp. Actually got thru to Marshall in England from here. USA They said return them. I traded them for a Great hand wired VOX AC 4 amp. I had high hopes. Doubt highly Made in England. Same wiring schematic as low price China amps.

[@davescupper5789]

Why is mine so muddy

[@SergeiVlassov]

Your one sounds like it is already modded! I tried 3 of them (2 heads and 1 combo) and cleans sounded much darker and muddier, amps were pretty much unusable unless cranked, then they sounded great.

[@AudiomoMusic]

It definitely sounds big! This was fairly loud for the demo but I really felt like the tele is a perfect match for this amp to fight the darkness of the amp

[@SergeiVlassov]

@AudiomoMusic yes, it did sound rather good on low gain in your video, but I mean it is probably modded by one of previous users. Some common mods for it are simple and are not visible from outside. There are reasons in schematics why this amp gets a lot of hate for its cleaner tons in non-modded state. You can get beautiful strat neck pickup clean tones with bigger plexi amps, but not with class 5 without mod. But those who use it cranked they love it as it is.

[@petebrown8145]

I wouldn’t say it was bad. Yes, a bit dark but I like a dark amp. When you set it at bass (9 o’clock), mids around (3 o’clock) and highs dimed, I thought it was perfect for a clean Tele sound. Volume and highs at 3 o’clock, mids and lows at noon. Oh man! I don’t need a grit pedal. Just finished watching the LP half of the video. So, I’m thinking I’ll need to roll off the guitar volume to get clean sounds but with highs dimed, mids around 2 o’clock, bass at 9 o’clock, and volume at noon, killer drive sounds. I need to run over to my local shop tomorrow. They have a used one for ~$500 CAD and give it a listen. If it sounds as nice in person as your video, oh, is my wife gonna be upset.

[@AudiomoMusic]

I actually agree with you. The Tele and Strat worked really, really well with this amp... I still don't understand all the hate for this amp.

[@bigtuna6463]

I just got a used one like it so far turn bass off when using lp neck pu is muddy no bass much better. I think i will keep for awhile and play with it. If no like it sell it very simple!

[@AudiomoMusic]

Yeah rolling off the bass with a LP is a key to success with this one and it sounds good to me at least

[@JBM_71]

It needs a go through a 12 inch speaker. I've never got on with the sound of an amp with a smaller speaker. 🎸🎸

[@rumy6871]

You hit on a big problem with why it flubs out.

[@David-uq2uk]

Marshalls are made in UK . Hand made on a bench . Only got around 20 builders . At there Milton Keynes factory.

[@clovergrass9439]

Thank. You. For the. Info.

[@maxwellblakely7952]

With the Les Paul you have to crank the treble and mid and get rid of the bass completely. And turn the volume fuckin up.

[@Crunchifyable2]

It's bad unless you just want a clean platform or you like half distorted half clean tones. It's like someone took the clean channel from a DSL added some fart to it and called it a day. No offense the people who like it but it's designed wrong and probably shouldn't be called a marshall. The sound you're getting out of it is probably highly influenced by the speaker and the head version of it which I have could never really get a satisfactory tone out of it except for clean. You are correct that there are no low lows, there is a lot of mud, you can dial in a good clean tone but the distorted character is bad and as far as design goes, this one has the tone stack before the big gain stage like certain fenders or a Mesa, not like a marshall

[@joeydebellis300]

I play live with mine thru a 4x12 cab and am told to turn down. This amp takes Effects Processors well if dialed in right. Although not the cleanest of amps it does its job just fine. Note these are very reliable and very gig friendly for its portability. I think the price of these on the used market is very affordable and I see some models such as the one I own getting harder to find. $300 on up is what I been seeing and some rarer models $500 to $1,500...great amp and most likely will be collectable down the line..just my 2 cents.

[@AudiomoMusic]

They are really good man, people just expect too much I think out of amps these days. No effects loop, doesn't have 5 channels, no xlr balanced out so it's useless I guess? Strange times but they absolutely work and sound really good.

[@lanwan]

You could buy these in good condition (v3) for €250 2 years ago... now €400!! I had one and wished I held on to it but lived in an apartment at the time and it's just too loud

[@AudiomoMusic]

They are only going to keep going up too, made in the UK for that price is crazy. The asian made marshalls new cost a bit more than that to this day - the DSL5 which is albeit a different flavor of marshall is one of those and now costs $800 USD new. If it were made in England forget it, probably double that cost.

[@paulcartwright2810]

Hi greetings from Great Britain...I own a marshall RAT modded class ...the man who ran this company is no longer working he is retired...to me he's like the British Dumble...without the stupid ridiculous price tag...I'm glad I got one when I could....believe me if a famous "name " guitarist were to use from the price would hit the roof...he does all sorts of stuff to the clas 5...making it almost like an old mess boogie. 22...he took a Great amp and made it an amazing amp...

[@larryholmes1833]

Not a fan of the stock speaker, I replaced it with a Greenback. Bass should be all the way down. I replaced the stock tubes with Mullards. If 12ax7 is too much for you in V2, go with 5751.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Greenback is the most underrated all arounder speaker out there. It really works well, excellent choice.

[@jroobz]

never liked this amp 😬 great demo

[@scottycunningham1413]

It was my first "proper" amp but to me the biggest issue was it really was a one trick pony. You needed to crank the treble to get it to not sound flubby. And it didn't have enough headroom to be a pedal platform. Idk, fizzy highs and flubby lows and not much in mids. Maybe a treble booster and a speaker swap could have remedied that but to be honest 90s Peavey Solid State amps sound better than Marshall Class 5s to my ear. Heck, some of the 80s Marshall SS amps sound better than the Class 5. Check out Johan Segeborn's videos to see. Good playing and a great video, but I dont regret getting rid of mine.

[@AudiomoMusic]

The thing that gets me about this amp is knowing if this was to be released next week and still made in the UK with no other upgrades, they'd charge a grand for it and people would pay it all day given the current market valuations and that to me is crazy. I think amps like this are perfectly priced at around 2-300 dollars in good working order, and seeing how many corners are cut on more recent amps preventing repairs once out of warranty at least these things can be fixed up and or upgraded if someone wanted. It's a fun amp, but I agree with you it's not the greatest amp I've ever played or even close.

[@518rhdavis]

That's the sound that made Marshall famous. If you don't like it, don't buy one. pretty simple?

[@AudiomoMusic]

I couldn’t believe how much I liked it when I plugged in the tele clean. I agree with your take, outside of the speaker size and choice this screams old marshall sound and i think at 300 bucks or so used made in England and servicable whats not to love???

[@vinceruland9236]

Plexi in a small package

[@David-uq2uk]

Never read the critics on the web. Only 5 watt . ? It's got half the power of a 50 watt marshall wack it through a 4 by 10 cab your be surprised

[@youngandrew66]

Not bad but get an Origin instead. Awesme plexi clean sound, no middly clank. Slagged to high heaven by metallers on here who dont understand that early marshalls are fabulous clean machines and only drive under pressure. The origin does it. Use a pedal and you get the best of both worlds

[@kutnersuicide]

Someone's trash is another's treasure. I don't really like what I heard personally. I don't think it sounds very "Marshally", off course it's usable but I'd rather have a Studio 15 or even a 5210 than this. I think the Origin 5 is better too.

[@ro307805]

All it needs is a better speaker

[@poly800rock]

I had a made in england 2012 one, I hated it. Sounded so terrible. Cab rattle and everything.

[@thekeef2187]

Anyone saying it's bad is wrong or clickbaiting...

[@fretboarder4752]

Too bad they are so damn loud once it starts to sound good.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Yep, with the tele in the sweet spot it sure as hell ain't a bedroom amp haha

[@stringlocker]

Yes

[@AudiomoMusic]

A man of one word

[@stringlocker]

That amp was the embodiment of you get what you pay for..

[@user-nu7xx7pc1d]

never worked for me!

[@deathwatch2009]

That sounds terrible. Thank you for saving us a few hundred bucks.

[@AudiomoMusic]

no worries, I sold it not too shortly after this was filmed.

[@Betoronado]

I had it and i hated it, sounded scooped, just ugly.

[@slimpickens2182]

Sure appreciate you tellin stopping to tell us what kind of guy you are and all the other small talk your throwing in there to waste our time

[@slimpickens2182]

I take that back you're not that guy sorry

[@theboofin]

Jesus, turn the treble down...

[@AudiomoMusic]

Little late for that

[@epasternak4206]

Um i thought they were great when theu came out, its all in the hands of any said player to make anything sound good, this is a tool.

[@AudiomoMusic]

Yes

[@MarshallAmpMan]

Why didn't you tested with a Gibson Les Paul? That is what is supposed to be played with a Marshall amplifier. Ala Clapton, Hendrix, Kosoff, etc...

[@AudiomoMusic]

I did, half the test is with a Gibson Les Paul Standard, i just started with the Tele first

[@MarshallAmpMan]

@@AudiomoMusic sorry I seee, pardon me