SC20H Studio Classic 20/5-watt Tube Head Review

Captures the tone you expect at very workable levels

Ok, it's not 100w full stack, so like others have mentioned it does lack some of the oooomph associated with the older 50/100 watters. But, it does capture the classic Marshall 800 tones you know and love at much lower volumes. Though these are not exactly low volume amps. I mean this has to be the loudest 20w head I've ever heard. Yeah, it's that loud! Lol still, keeping it at… read more conversation levels, the tone is there. I find the head to be very responsive, the harmonics exquisite and generally, feel the V class speakers pair well with it (I use the matching SC212 cab). I tend to play on the 20w setting so as to keep as much thump as I can, but it sounds very similar, albeit slightly thinner still, at 5w. These amps tend to be voiced a little brighter than their predecessors' darker tone, though they are also voiced very mid heavy, so they tend to cut right through a mix. Also they handle pedals really well up front. I'm old school and tend to put all my effects up front, and this amp handles any all just fine. Which brings me to the effects loop...there is definitely a volume drop when the loop is engaged...easily made up for by just turning the MV up a little, but is there...there apparently is a fix to correct the volume loss issue, but I understand it leads to a very noisy loop issue...as it is now the loop is definitely quiet, so that's a plus. Also, you would never turn off the effects loop midsong, so I think it's a non issue to start. That being said, when I did run my delay and reverb units through it, they sounded fantastic. Another obvious plus is the weight. So much easier on my back than the bigger ones. Everyone knows that 800 tones from just about every classic rock/metal band since it's debut, so if that's the sound you want, you definitely want this head for your house/studio/rehearsal/gigging needs. I got mine in the LE red and black snakeskin w/matching 2x12 cab, so I thought I'd speak about the aesthetics of these compared to the standard. The piping on these is done in a gold 'rope' type as opposed the standard white and the handle covers and rivets throughout are a polished gold as well as the logo being gold fronted. Very classy and eye catching for sure.

---

Cancel Comment

JCM 800 in a reasonable size and form!

I think the JCM 800 is probably the most overrated and misunderstood amp. Overrated in the sense that it's associated with heavy metal/hard rock because of the time period it occupied and people think that by merely cranking it you will be chugging. The JCM 800 is a very versatile amp, and I saw many of them in the 90s and 00s (probably more than 900s and DSLs). Underrated in that… read more they can run clean and you can crank it; seriously no one ever talks about how clean the JCM 800s can be because you get shouted down by the Marshall stans and told to go buy a Fender or Vox. It's more versatile than people give it credit for, you can get blues tones, metal tones, rock tones- even jazz tones, you just have to actually dial it in and use your guitar pots. This is not a lazy person's amp. You have to spend time and dial it in to what you want it to sound like. It can be a pedal platform as well even though people seem to default that to the plexi/origins. The one thing I will say is that if you want big sounds through the amp even on 5 watts it will be LOUD (which is why I think it's great for pedals at 7 with the preamp at 3 in the low input) but the solution I recommend is the JHS little black amp box. Run it through your effects loop and pop it on 20 and crank it. The tone will burst out without needing a $1000 attenuator. I do prefer the 2x12 mostly because with the need to actively work your EQ it gives you easier access and the two 12s give you better bottom end but the 12 I'm sure would suffice fine. I tried it on green backs and 70/80s and think this head was really designed to match up with the V closed back, but honestly whatever cab you already have will be fine I'm sure- you always adjust to the sound you get like with headphones. In closing I feel this is the best of all three studio lines. The plexi does better clean but the gain is limited (I feel you dial the gain back on the 800 to get near it) and jubilee's clean isn't as clean compared to this head but again any three of these would do you great, just grab the JHS black amp box so you can run the tubes wide open without blowing your eardrums, I can't recommend it enough!

---

Cancel Comment

The True Sound of ROCK and ROLL

This amp is without a doubt a killer Rock Amp. If you love that Marshall sound it's got it to the 10's. If you don't want to melt the house down with extreme volume to get a good tone from a 100 watt monster this is the ticket to tonal bliss ! Don't get me wrong this bugger can get loud very loud and keep up with playing at band volume with a heavy drummer but its definitely manageable.… read more Quality is there, Workmanship is there and the great customer service from Tom Koch at Sweetwater make this a real winner. I've been doing business with Tom for awhile and he always delivers top notch customer service. If your on the fence about pulling the trigger on this one just do it and don't look back you won't regret it. This thing is the dogs *** !!!

---

Cancel Comment

Love the JCM Studio

First off .. this amp is NO BABY AMP !!!! Ok, so it's no 50w or 100watt but it's PLENTY loud . I've it mostly on 5w and even then I use an attenuator for home use. I've jammed with my band with it on 20w with a Harley Benton 212 cab and it's easily held its own. I use a avid 11r with this and it sounds amazing. Still prefer my 1996 JCM 900 by a nose hair but this thing is great.… read more Thanks Marshall

---

Cancel Comment

Awesome head

I paired it with my new Mesa boogie 112 cabinet and wow it's sick screams like you'd expect from an Jcm 800

---

Cancel Comment