Marshall DSL20HR

I decided to get this amp as a transition to the analog world, having used only FX Pedals and SS Amps in the past. Now six months later, I know I made an awesome choice.

In general, this head offers the "real" Marshall experience at a low cost, and should not disappoint anyone knowing what they are going for. The sound is GREAT and the head is capable of being used for home practice at low volumes (with a relative tonal trade-off) or loud gigs where it transforms into a blasting beast.

Summing-up my experience, here what i've found:

Pros
- Classic Marshall tone, with loads of gain available
- EL34 Tubes sound amazing when played loud
- Takes pedals very well
- Improved compared to older JCM2000 models
- Sounds great on both 10 & 20 watt modes
- Reverb is fine

Cons
- As with any tube amp, low volume sacrifices tone and makes the sound fizzy. Still, the tone is acceptable at 2
- Single EQ and Reverb for both channels make switching not so seamless. Especially for live playing
- Tone switch sucks out the tone instead of scooping it
- Not much headroom for cleans, in case you want them crisp and loud

For me, this amp has replaced most of the gear I used to play on from day one. I mostly play rock and metal, and I can get a great variety of sounds by adjusting the knobs or adding a pedal or two. It seems like all the digital pedal configurations are not so important when you have one thing that actually works for you after all.

I have ordered by the purpose of recording at home, so it was crucial to find such an amp which serves good sound on moderate level of volume. I think Marshall made a step forward with this revision. I could try an older DSL model and the noise issue, which was really critic earlier, improved a lot (in the right way).
The split EQ is not the best when You're on a stage, because for sure You need different things for clean and distorted channels, but when it comes to recording this issue disappears. Although, I find the EQ section a little bit inconsistent, it is a great amp.
However, it also has to be emphasized that it brings the classic, old school Marshall sound. The well known resonance and presence knobs do their jobs as we know it from earlier. The reverb is really nice for the clean channel, sometimes I have a feeling like I play with a guitar with piezos.
There's also a tone shift by which more tweaking possibilities come forth.
Apart from the fact that the EQ section is tricky, there are no big problems with the amp. I think it's worth for the price.

i used to have a JVM410 and at some point i sold it because i needed the money. after that i was using digital modelers and computer sims for years. i could play the guitar as low as i liked and i wouldn't bother the wife and kids. it was ok for that but i never liked that digital fake sound. i told my self i would buy a real amp again at some point. i needed something that can be connected to the computer for recording, headphones for late night use and lower watts so i can use it without braking the windows. i found all i needed on the dsl20. also the tones i can get from this amp are phenomenal.. i can dial in from smooth jazz tones to heavy metal tones and everything in between. also i have been using the reverb and i really like it. things i added to the amp is a delay and chorus on effect loop and wah-wah and tuner on the front. I don't believe there is a tone I can't get from this setup. i am really happy with my purchase

My amplifier mainly goes in both studio and club. Sings - God forbid everyone!
It copes with scoring of a small and medium gigs. I didn't use it at large gigs as i don't have got big venues.
Sound of both channels differs from 1 watt version for the better. However for an ordinary apartment 20 watt is way too much. Loud even in 10 watt mode. Tube gain warms guitarists soul, cooling relations with neighbors sametime.
Digital reverb is adequate, although I personally rarely use built-in. Extensive equalizer capabilities and channel switching are more relevant.
Quite decent functionality: FX loop, footswitch, audio in and output with emulation, 3 sockets with different cabinet options.
Verdict: I can recommend this model as a choice of tube amplifier for modern artists. Studio session performs good hard rock and metal with more modern styles, without extreme underground evil.

It delivers good sound quality and tons of features for a reasonable price. Build quality is OK. Sound tone is really a Marshall one. You can have a big variety of gain without pedals: even ultra high gain is possible without pedals. Almost all settings are playable and readable as a British sound. Even high gain settings are still having the dynamic style of overdrive. Equalizer is OK, but keep in mind that you will not have a lot of different styles of sound with this amp. Those who want a modern (2000s) ultra gain will have to use a compressor with it. Even cabinet simulation is good, at least, for usage with good headphones.
Must have for home usage if you love tube sound.