Marshall AVT series

[ezcomes]

ok so here's the deal...

i like to scan pawn shops for hidden gems...
today i found a marshall AVT head and 4x12 120W cab...the shop was closed, but i could read some of the stuff thru the window...the cab was 8ohm, which makes the head the AVT100

i'm having trouble finding reviews on this amp (or the AVT50H)...does anyone have experience with either of these amps?

i currently have a VOX AD50VT combo...i love this amp, and although i said the next amp i get is tube, is it viable to switch up to the marshall? or, is my vox superior to this amp?

on a side note, i've been looking for a nice 2x12 cab to plug my combo in, i borrowed one once and loved it...

but is it worth is to move laterally to a smidge louder amp of the same qaulity?

[bcmatt]

All I can do is offer my biased and very uneducated opinion.
I think others can offer their experiences with both those SS amps. I seem to recall that people prefer the voxes over the marshalls when it comes to SS.

So, my opinion is that you continue saving for your tube amp. You don't need another SS amp that may be of poorer quality. If you want something quick and cheap, there are even tube amps for very cheap now days too. You could get a Crate, Blackheart, Epiphone, or Peavey for less than a few hundred bucks.
If you want a tube amp, I don't see there being a very good excuse for owning multiple SS amps.

[Budda]

going from the vox to the AVT wont be a big enough difference.

keep saving, get yourself a damn nice amp that makes you beam like an idiot every time you plug in, and rock out!

[KHINGPYNN]

So, my opinion is that you continue saving for your tube amp. You don't need another SS amp that may be of poorer quality. If you want something quick and cheap, there are even tube amps for very cheap now days too. You could get a Crate, Blackheart, Epiphone, or Peavey for less than a few hundred bucks.
If you want a tube amp, I don't see there being a very good excuse for owning multiple SS amps.


Thats pretty solid advice right there... the Vox is a better sounding amp than the AVT but that my opinion.

Wait and get the tube amp you want... it will be worth it.

A point of curiosity... how much are you planning on spending on a tube amp?

[Hamstrung]

Thats pretty solid advice right there... the Vox is a better sounding amp than the AVT but that my opinion.

Wait and get the tube amp you want... it will be worth it.

A point of curiosity... how much are you planning on spending on a tube amp?

Just to clarify, the AVT has a tube preamp and SS power amp. The overdrive channel has a classic Marshall crunch. The clean channel is to my ears a bit muddy as compared to a Fender or my Carvin Belair (all tube). For my curiosity, I'd like to know what they were asking for it.

[KHINGPYNN]

one preamp tube like the Vox AVT right ???

[Hamstrung]

one preamp tube like the Vox AVT right ???

Yup. :food-smiley-004:

[GuitarsCanada]

I don't think the AVT series was the hit that Marshall had intended. I see lot's of them for sale around here.

[Hamstrung]

I don't think the AVT series was the hit that Marshall had intended. I see lot's of them for sale around here.

I think it's a good compromise between the JTM and DSL types and the MG series if you want the Marshall sound (and logo) for under a grand. I'm sure there's a lot of purists who poo poo anything that isn't 100 tube and I'm sure there's valid reasons for the $1000 difference but for the price it's a good amp.

Herein lies what I believe is one of the potential reasons for the many resales. A lot of people (like me) probably grew up jonzing for a Marshall stack but were mainly basement or local players on a budget who couldn't afford a DSL or JTM series. Along comes the AVTs at a price point that is attractive and these guys (like me) jump on it to fulfill their adolescent heavy metal fantasies.
Now they get the amp home and quickly start to realize that this is a lot of amp for a basement hobby jam band (not to mention a bitch to lug around) so now you have what is essentially a great piece of equipment but is just overkill unless you plan on making music a living in which case you'd have probably sprung for one of the all tube series.
Just a theory based on personal experience. I love my Marshall but have little opportunity to play it like I envisioned it.
I'm torn between selling it (for practicality purposes) and keeping it (to keep the dream alive!)

[GuitarsCanada]

A good theory as well. But if you keep your nose to the ground you can find the odd DSL combo for a reasonable price. I have a DSL 401 and it's all you would ever need if you are a basement player etc. I, at one time, had the stacks and unless you are gigging it's just too much. There is nothing like a Marshall 4x12 but let's face it. If you can't use it at the volume it was intended for than it's just a waste.

So hold out for that tube, if thats what you really want. I have SS too and love them. But if it's tube you want than keep your eye open.

Oh, and you hit the nail on the head with why Marshall put them out in the first place. Namely dudes wanting to have a "Marshall" logo and all. But they really only make you want to have a "real" Marshall in the end.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g216/lespauldouble/266844.jpg

[bobb]

I went the same direction as GuitarsCanada but with a slight twist. For home and smaller situations, I use a JCM900 100w 1x12 combo. If more volume is needed, I just add a 4x12 cab ( 5/8 stack :smile: ). It doesn't look as cool as the traditional head/cab setup but it gets the job done.

If you have the patience, keep your eyes out for a DSL401 or a JCM800 or JCM900 combo. You won't be able to peel paint with it but you will get that Marshall tube sound and your back will thank you.

[ezcomes]

thx guys...much appreciated...

i currently love the VOX amp i have...and i too agree with the points about the 4x12, hence why when i get something i want to keep it somewhat smalelr size (ie 2x12) as we all know growing old, backs don't forgive forever!

thx everyone!