Marshall SV20H

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Hooligan

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So is the Marshall SV20H 20/5 watt really as great as some are saying? Everything I am reading is that Marshall cracked the code to get the Plexi in a smaller manageable package. Really looking to hear from people who own one of these amps. Cheers!
 
Hooligan said:
So is the Marshall SV20H 20/5 watt really as great as some are saying? Everything I am reading is that Marshall cracked the code to get the Plexi in a smaller manageable package. Really looking to hear from people who own one of these amps. Cheers!
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Not sure on that but if you basically want a JCM 800 in a smaller package, keep your eyes open for a Marshall Lead 12. They have different makes/years but are very cheap on the used market and KILLS. Enough that I sold mine and thought about it for years and finally grabbed another. No regrets. High input, vol on Max, Gain to taste. Wow.
 
Headfirst (he's a member here) did a great comparison of the SV20 vs Origin 20. It convinced me to try the Origin, I got the 50C 1x12 combo, which I liked enough to get the 50H. When you see the gut shots and how similar these amps are, given where each is made, it made me wonder.




IMO the Origin can get JTM-45, JTM-45/100 and close to 1959SLP at a much lower cost.

I see used Origins everywhere, worth a try to see if it works for you; if not resell it, and get the SV?
 
I personally have played through a Marshall Origin 20 tons of times. I'd pass on it every day. The amp is harsh and honkey and does not deliver the Marshall OD sound most people are searching for. I've tried all sorts of cabinets, speakers, pedals and guitars and just do not like that amp for most music. If the one sound it has it what you are after, go for it, but I would not buy one, ever. Not certain I'd use it if I were given it for free and I've spent hours with it!
 
All good feedback, thanks for opining… Ive owned the Origin 20 and I completely agree with GG08, it’s a hard pass for what I am looking for. I have a couple amps that are my go to but wouldn’t mind having a 4th to try out some other tones. I’ll look into that Marshall Lead 12, sounds interesting… ?
 
The Lead 12 is freaking nuts man. I've owned all sorts of amps. I bought that little one because it was too cheap not to grab with a vertical 2x12. The vert cab turned into a great cat playground eventually lol I used the head through a 4x12 during band rehearsal and it was blowing my other amp out of the water. Kinda pissed me off to be honest! I ended up pushing it to the side for whatever reason and then sold it for next to nothing. The guy I sold it to said, you know you can modify one MOSFET in this and it goes to 100w? This is basically a JCM800. Thanks! I was like... Enjoy! Then years later .. what did I do? That amp sounds great. Found a guy selling one locally for $150.

I have ran it through multiple cabs and it fucking kills man. I sent him a clip with just my LP plugged in and he was shocked. So glad I was able to get it back. The main cab I use it with now is an oversized 1x12 with a WGS Vet30. Works super well together.

Again, High input, Volume all the way up and gain to taste. Super thick, punchy sound that can take pedals well. No FX loop.

Ran w strat, tele, LP, 68 mustang, etc.

Crank the bass, and mids, cut highs. Done.
 
Origin and the SV/SC20 are identical parts wise, right down to the transformers they use. They only notable difference is the head shells. However - and this is a big one - the Origin circuit does not resemble any of the vintage Marshall circuits at all, not even close. They can sound great, but require modding IMHO.
 
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whatever works for you, Origin 50C and 50H work great for me, as do my JVM410H and Engl Artist Edition E651 for Marshall sounds, I'm not looking for high gain from them (I have an Engl E530 + E850/100 rig for that).

I never had the sound issues with the Origin described above. :dunno:
 
I had the combo version and thought it sounded pretty good. Tough for me to compare to my current 100w SLP since the combo had a V30 and my current cab is Greenbacks.

I think Dave Friedman has said he does some mods to the SV20 to sound evern closer to an original Plexi, mostly takes out some harshness.
 
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GuitarGuy08 said:
The Lead 12 is freaking nuts man. I've owned all sorts of amps. I bought that little one because it was too cheap not to grab with a vertical 2x12. The vert cab turned into a great cat playground eventually lol I used the head through a 4x12 during band rehearsal and it was blowing my other amp out of the water. Kinda pissed me off to be honest! I ended up pushing it to the side for whatever reason and then sold it for next to nothing. The guy I sold it to said, you know you can modify one MOSFET in this and it goes to 100w? This is basically a JCM800. Thanks! I was like... Enjoy! Then years later .. what did I do? That amp sounds great. Found a guy selling one locally for $150.

I have ran it through multiple cabs and it fucking kills man. I sent him a clip with just my LP plugged in and he was shocked. So glad I was able to get it back. The main cab I use it with now is an oversized 1x12 with a WGS Vet30. Works super well together.

Again, High input, Volume all the way up and gain to taste. Super thick, punchy sound that can take pedals well. No FX loop.

Ran w strat, tele, LP, 68 mustang, etc.

Crank the bass, and mids, cut highs. Done.
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Just to be clear (I know it’s priced high) but you mean this thing?
 

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I hated the SV20. The volume taper is obnoxiously un-user friendly. It jumps from zero to rip your head off loud, which defeats the purpose of lower volume tones. Plus, I found it loose, tubby, and sounded even worse with a PS-2 attenuator.

Personally, I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Boosts, EQ's, didn't matter.. Flabby, flabby, flabby. But, if that's your thing?
 
napalmdeath said:
I hated the SV20. The volume taper is obnoxiously un-user friendly. It jumps from zero to rip your head off loud, which defeats the purpose of lower volume tones. Plus, I found it loose, tubby, and sounded even worse with a PS-2 attenuator.

Personally, I couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Boosts, EQ's, didn't matter.. Flabby, flabby, flabby. But, if that's your thing?
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I couldn't agree more ......
 
TX6Strings said:
Just to be clear (I know it’s priced high) but you mean this thing?
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Yes, the head. I have the head running through an oversized 1x12 currently and ran it through a 4x12 previously. Crazy tones. You should be able to find them for around $150 (Just the head)
 
For anybody that was interested in this Amp. A few outlets are selling these starting today for $999 new in US. Map pricing of $1749 returns Dec. 6. Limited supply.
 
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