C
Not as it's cracked up to be
I bought it for home use based on the reviews. Here is why i regret it, and what i do like.
The main issue for home use i volume. Naturally you are limited for <85db. While the classical gain sounds good at those levels, the ultra gain channel is worthless under this constraint. Turning the ultra gain channel gain knob requires you to roll back the volume knob and vice versa.
The 0.5w mode is not useful either. The attenuation is not enough to set both gain and volume high enough in the ultra gain channel. It is also implemented with a current divider using resistors. When engaged the effective impedance curve the output transformer sees is practically flat so the amps loses all the dynamics and feel stiff.
Back to the classical gain channel, the max volume is much lower than the ultra gain one, which probably results from the design choice to keep it clean even when dialed to 10. This makes the classical gain channel good for playing clean or as a platform for pedals.
Like many others, i am not sure what exactly the tone shift switch is good for. I find it turns the sound somewhat sterile.
The 16 ohm only output limits the selection of cabs this amp can be connected to.
In conclusion, if you want that Marshall roar from the DSL5CR, either move to an isolated location (i speculate as i can not test this my self), get a good distortion pedal, or use a good reactive attenuator.
The main issue for home use i volume. Naturally you are limited for <85db. While the classical gain sounds good at those levels, the ultra gain channel is worthless under this constraint. Turning the ultra gain channel gain knob requires you to roll back the volume knob and vice versa.
The 0.5w mode is not useful either. The attenuation is not enough to set both gain and volume high enough in the ultra gain channel. It is also implemented with a current divider using resistors. When engaged the effective impedance curve the output transformer sees is practically flat so the amps loses all the dynamics and feel stiff.
Back to the classical gain channel, the max volume is much lower than the ultra gain one, which probably results from the design choice to keep it clean even when dialed to 10. This makes the classical gain channel good for playing clean or as a platform for pedals.
Like many others, i am not sure what exactly the tone shift switch is good for. I find it turns the sound somewhat sterile.
The 16 ohm only output limits the selection of cabs this amp can be connected to.
In conclusion, if you want that Marshall roar from the DSL5CR, either move to an isolated location (i speculate as i can not test this my self), get a good distortion pedal, or use a good reactive attenuator.
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