Tonal Differences Between 2203's

[braintheory]

I was wondering what are the tonal differences between the different Marshall 2203's such as the late 70's JMP 2203, early 80's JCM 800's and late 80's JCM 800's? Are certain 2203's brighter, more open, or more aggressive? Also, I only care about the versions that are 100 watts and single channel.

 

[cardinal]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

 

[Bloodrock]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

 

[braintheory]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

How does less filtering affect its tone?

 

[Charvel_King]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

This is incorrect. A JMP 2203 has on less gain stage on the "high" input compared to a JCM800 2203. On the JMP V1a & V1b aren't cascaded.

I'm sure there is some cross over on this but looking a the published schematics by Marshall they're not exactly the same.

 

[cardinal]

^ I've read that this is true only for first year 2204 JMPs, not any of the 2203 amps.

 

[joepete77]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

This is incorrect. A JMP 2203 has on less gain stage on the "high" input compared to a JCM800 2203. On the JMP V1a & V1b aren't cascaded.

I'm sure there is some cross over on this but looking a the published schematics by Marshall they're not exactly the same.

That was only for a short time during first year I believe

 

[charveldan]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

This is incorrect. A JMP 2203 has on less gain stage on the "high" input compared to a JCM800 2203. On the JMP V1a & V1b aren't cascaded.

I'm sure there is some cross over on this but looking a the published schematics by Marshall they're not exactly the same.

First off there are no "horizontal input" 2203 JMP's.

76' JMP 2203 [may not have been cascaded] but there are anomalies.

All 77' JMP and after 2203's and 2203 800 are/were cascaded in the Pre.

As stated all amps have their own flavor and MoJo.

JMP's tend to have more of the sought after componets [trannys, caps, resistors].

800's changed in manufacture and components every year after 1983'.

I have seen a 1983' JMP believe it or not.

There were Marshall 2203's for the Canada & Scandinavian market as well that are a bit different.

My advice is try it before you buy it.

But my last 2 JMP 2203's both 1978's I didn't try at all and both rocked the house but I got my first JMP in 1982' and I know what to expect.

JMP 2203's are the template of what I judge all other amps whether better or worse.

A 50 watt JMP/800 is like being bitched out by your wife, a 100 watt is like being Cock-punched by your wife's boyfriend ...

70's & 80's Marshalls should have bias filters & filter cans replaced/upgraded for max effectiveness.

 

[cardinal]

Again, pretty sure the 2203 always was cascaded. The 2204 when first released in '76(?) wasn't, but they fixed that the next year.

 

[fek]

There are so many different variations that you could drive yourself nuts trying to figure it out. The general rule, as already stated above, is to play before you buy if possible.

Next, is that after 1983 the filtering changes. They seemed to release versions each year after with fewer caps. Does that mean that they don't sound as good? Not always. YMMV.

 

[Mr. Willy]

Thanks for posting those pics of your amps, CDan. It's been soooo long since we've seen them.

 

[rlord1974]

JMP 2203's are the template of what I judge all other amps whether better or worse.

Haven't your 2203s been "Brown-Eyed"? If so, they're not really 2203s anymore. I'm not saying they're better or worse, they're just not a stock 2203 circuit and sound quite different.

.....a 100 watt is like being Cock-punched by your wife's boyfriend ...

Your wife has a boyfriend? And you let him cock punch you? Tell us more.....

 

[glip22]

Horizontal input 2203's (whether JMP or JCM) I think have the same circuits, filtering, etc. The difference is that the JMPs might still have mustard caps on the board, maybe making them sound warmer than the JCM versions.

In the switch to horizontal inputs, I think there's less filtering for the 2203 (at least less filter caps, maybe the overall values stayed the same?).

How does less filtering affect its tone?

It ghost notes more. I have owned quite a few and my 83 JCM 800 that came with GE6550 is the best one so far. From what I understand even the sam emodels are not equal. Some have flub. The ones with the tight low end are the good ones.

 

[charveldan]

Thanks for posting those pics of your amps, CDan. It's been soooo long since we've seen them.

I pay my own internet bill, I do as I please.

 

[jlbaxe]

I had a 79 JMP100 with 6550's and it also had great cleans. I should have kept that amp.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

just play them as even identical 2203's can sound different. I always preferred the 6650 version and I had multi 2203/04

 

[James Lugo]

No two old Marshalls sound the same, even the same models. Definitely an amp you want to play before you buy if possible. JMP's tend to be a little warmer than 800's according to the gurus, but I'd still let your ears decide.

+10000000000

There are no rules to these amps. Some sound like the greatest amp you've ever heard, some sound like dog shit.

 

[Mr. Willy]

Thanks for posting those pics of your amps, CDan. It's been soooo long since we've seen them.

I pay my own internet bill, I do as I please.

That is, unfortunately, true.

 

[rlord1974]

Thanks for posting those pics of your amps, CDan. It's been soooo long since we've seen them.

I pay my own internet bill, I do as I please.

If we pay it, will you do as we please? This would be a fantastic outcome.

 

[Jofipe]

Thanks for posting those pics of your amps, CDan. It's been soooo long since we've seen them.

I pay my own internet bill, I do as I please.

If we pay it, will you do as we please? This would be a fantastic outcome.