tonymckenziecom | 5 years ago
The Marshall Stealth Studio JCM800 SC20HSB edition amplifier embodies everything about a JCM800 you will like but in a more manageable version. I take a very close look inside and out, discuss the features and play the amp in a rock setting. So is this amp any good?
Video Contents:
Intro & Preamble 0:12
Chassis Top 7:42
Tubes 8:18
Power Tubes 10:36
Serial Number 12:24
Inside the amp 12:45
The Head Case 26:36
Rear I/O 28:32
Approvals 30:52
Front Controls 31:50
General Thoughts 35:30
The Cab 39:00
Conclusions 43:34
Summing up 49:00
Score 51:00
Important Message 52:36
Fair Deal Music 53:34
Playing 54:55
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This Marshall amp was launched (it seems) at the NAMM 2020 event earlier this year along with another few surprises (like the 1959 Studio equivalent in red snakeskin!) of amplifiers from Marshall. I only knew of one of these amps that I could buy to make this review with but at the time that amp was not for sale. Here in the UK visiting a show in January I saw the amp on a Marshall stand, but it was owned by Fair Deal Music of Birmingham England ( https://www.fairdealmusic.co.uk ). I later met 'Punit' and secured the purchase of one for review. Then I waited...
But things did not turn out as they might have as we all know with the corona virus threatening life as never seen. I spoke with Fair Deal Music and they offered to supply the amp you see here instead of me waiting what might be months before my unit arrived. Thank you Fair Deal Music.
Marshall Amplification PLC needs no introduction whatsoever. What? You never heard of them? Where have you been. Since the inception of their journey making tube amplifiers since the early 60's no one could fail to recognize Marshall. They are an ICON of the 20th and 21st Century in the guitar world and every other amplifier maker would love to be in Marshall's shoes.
This tube amp under review the SC20HSB STEALTH amplifier and its matching cab, the SC112SB, is shown in the greatest of details as I always do with inside and out amplifier reviews. But importantly, for an amplifier that's either 20 watts output or 5 watts in low power mode this amp is made right here in the United Kingdom. For the street price of this amplifier it has to be one of the best value tube amps from any company right now.
Walking around that show, I was immediately taken by the incredible looks of this SC20HSB stealth amplifier and it's striking cab and had to investigate further.
This tube amp head has all of the features that you might imagine with controls and I/O but also a few extra compared to the original JCM800 that it mimics - such as an effects loop that can be turned on or off and when it's off it's out of circuit. There's a DI output with a cab simulator built in so no messing around with microphones if you prefer the direct sounds and approach when recording. Other useful features include light weight of just around 20.7 Lbs. (approximately 10Kg) with the cab weighing in at around 27Lbs (approximately 13Kg).
This amp is Cathode biased so as long as the tubes are matched just plug in and go! and maybe the ability to use other than EL34 tubes.
In the case of the cab as supplied that included a 70 Watt Celestion V-Type speaker (70 watts and 16 Ohms). This cab is said to have (from pro players) a sound like v30's and Greenbacks mixed together thus offering a great new sound from a respected maker. However the speaker is made in China and worth bearing in mind.
The documentation for warranty was not included with this amp but from experience Marshall Amplification PLC usually carry a 3-5 year warranty for products made in the United Kingdom.
Check it out and don't forget to call Fair Deal Music on 0121 643 1685 - a really great Marshall authorized company.
Any questions? Put them below.
Visit http://www.tonymckenzie.com for other non YouTube reviews of guitars, amps and other guitar related gear, and of course my YouTube channel with at least 300+ reviews online since 2009! I bought this amplifier and the manufacturers have had no input whatsoever. My opinions are that of any ordinary person buying one of these products and concluding what I did - completely unbiased.
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