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View Full Version : 18w Plexi Comparison, 1974x vs Ceriatone EF86 TMB


ryanverbena
04-25-2009, 10:20 AM
I just built myself a killer 2x12 cab loaded with one Celestion Heritage H30 and one Scumback H-75LHDC which I use with my Orange AD30HTC, and sounds absolutely killer.

My other amp is a Marshall 1974x combo, which is also a great amp.

I have the chance to buy a Ceriatone 18w TMB/EF86 head for roughly 1/4 of the price of what my 1974x is worth. However I can't justify keeping 3 amps, and would have to sell the 1974x before hand. I won't have a chance to A/B the two amps which sucks.

I don't use the tremolo on the 1974x so I won't miss that, and the TMB and EF86 channels on the Ceriatone definately sound more usuable for me. The question I have is: regardless of the flexibility benefits, price difference, etc etc which lean in favor of the Ceriatone, will it lack any 'magic' (for lack of a better word) that the marshall has?

Would love to hear from someone who has compared the two, or just heard both at different times.

I must also mention that I have a potential buyer lined up for my Marshall (if i decide to sell) who doesn't want the Aged Greenback that comes with it, so I will definately try that speaker out in the 2x12 as well (i hear that speaker has a lot to do with the 1974x's tone).

Marshall Man
04-25-2009, 10:45 PM
I'm thinking about getting one of the Ceriatone 18w TMB/EF86 heads and would like to hear opinions myself as well.

amp boy
04-26-2009, 12:41 AM
i don't think the 1974x has any better components or wiring detail.
It's all made in the same part of the map. I would figure the Ceriatone would be made perhaps better. The only amps i've played that had some magic to them were made by the lil guy builders..............well vintage amps are another matter.