Introduction: A Foreword about the Best Marshall Combo Amp

What to look on a Marshal combo amp

Most Marshall amps are designed in a similar way, so you can scratch the “construction” off the list of things to consider. The things you’ll want to keep an eye out for when searching for your best Marshall combo amp are: Even the cheapest Marshall combo amp is capable of going toe to toe with the big guns, butboutique Marshall amps are in another league of quality. Not to mention that the usual price ranges won’t do – what might be the “high-end price point category” for some brands appear like “budget” when Marshall amps are in question. Rock and Metal music sub-genres are the playground where Marshall amps stand out from the rest, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use them for jazz, blues, or any other music style. Some Marshall combo amps come outfitted with a humble setting board (only several control knobs) while other models have a plethora of sound-tweaking buttons.

Are you looking for a Marshall amp that will help you dominate the scene on a gig, or do you seek a small amp to rock out to at home? Marshall amps have different “power levels” measured with watts, but be warned – Marshall’s 15W might sound like budget amp’s 60W.

QUICK RUNDOWN

If you are in a hurry here is a quick comparison:

1. Marshall AS100D Acoustic Series 100-Watt 2×8-Inch Guitar Combo Amp

The first Marshall combo amp in our review is the AS100D from the Acoustic Series. This one is a powerhouse, boasting a total of 100W (a combo of 50W plus 50W), making it absolutely ideal for gigs of any kind. It comes outfitted with a large settings board (20 setting knobs in total), allowing for a wide range of sound customization. Apart from that, there are four channels and various sound effects for you to peddle with. The only bad thing is that it costs quite a lot, but it’s worth every single cent anyhow.

2. Marshall DSL5C 1×10″ 5-Watt 2-Channel Tube Combo Guitar Amp

Marshall’s DSL5C amp is significantly weaker when compared to the AS100D model, but it just might be the Best Marshall combo amp on the market. It’s only 15W strong, but it has two switchable channels and two setting sections (excluding the “normal”). You can crank out some slick rock riffs with the “classic gain” boost while the “ultra gain” is suitable for most metal playstyles. The overall soundstage of Marshall’s DSL5C is decently balanced, without any overaccentuated sections. The highs are crispy, yet mellow, the mids are present and vibrant while the lows can be felt on all volume levels. Overall, we’d say that DSL5C is more than worth the cash.

3. Marshall CODE 100W 2×12 Guitar Combo Amp Black

We’re looking at a yet another strong Marshall combo amp – the Marshall’s “Code”. This one offers a distinctive design and a humble settings panel, but rest assured, it’s both powerful and extremely versatile. First of all, Marshall’s code is a sort of a “hybrid” amp, as it features 14 preamp settings, 4 power amp settings, and 8 speaker-cab models. There’s a dozen of presets for you to choose from, and up to five can be used simultaneously. On top of that, the Code comes outfitted with two standard-issue speakers (12-inch). Overall, it’s decently affordable, as it belongs to the “medium” price range, and it’s easily one of the best Marshall combo amp models in our review.

4. Marshall Code 50 – 50-watt 1×12″ Digital Combo Amp

Essentially, the Marshall’s Code 50 is a smaller version of the “Code” we’ve just mentioned. In theory, if we could slice the Code by half, we would get the Code 50 – it comes outfitted with the same features and options, but it’s slightly weaker. Should you opt for this combo amp, you’ll benefit from the exact number of presets and amp models – the only exception is the number of speakers, as the Code 100W comes outfitted with two while Code 50W has only one.

5. Marshall MG15CFX MG Series 15-Watt Guitar Combo Amp (Best Budget Combo Amp)

The last, but not least, Marshall combo amp in our review is the MG15CFX from the MG Series. Suffice to say, this model is the best Marshall combo amp in the budget section, as it offers quite a lot without demanding a fortune in exchange. It boasts 15 watts of power, and it comes outfitted with all the usual control settings – the gain, bass, middle, reverb, volume, treble, master, and so on. There’s a total of 4 selectable (and storable) channels for you to choose from, as well as digital effects and reverb.

How to clean a Marshall amp

Regardless of the design of your Marshall amp, they should always be cleaned thoroughly and carefully. Most of the hardware is tucked neatly within the construction, so you shouldn’t worry too much about damaging or ruining your amp. On the other hand, every amp is electronic, so refrain from using water if you intend to clean it with a piece of cloth.

Which Marshall amp is right for me

We’ve recommended our top 5 best Marshall combo amp models, but if none of the items above suit you, feel free to browse away online. Marshall boasts a massive catalog of high-quality amps, and they’re ever expanding the menu. Among the ones that we reviewed, we label the Marshall DSL5C as the victor, as it‘s superior to most in the generation.

How to repair a Marshall amp

There are countless problems you may (or may not) encounter during the time you use your Marshall amp. Ranging from slight differences in the sound your amp produces to complete blackouts, it’s always the safest option to consult a professional. Most minor problems can be avoided with day-to-day maintenance, however.

The Best Marshall Combo Amp isn’t that hard to find, as Marshall seldom makes a bad amp. In fact, more often than not, their amps are among the best on the market, so the ironical part is not choosing between the good and bad, but choosing between the good and better. All in all, Marshall amps excel in various fields of performance, regardless of the model, so whichever you pick might become a keeper eventually.