Diagnosing a sick amp....

[clay49]

Hi guys,

I just picked up a Marshall Artist 3203, and it sounds really weak, especially on the gain channel...REALLY weak and flabby sounding. I first thought it was the tubes, but I dropped in some really good NOS tubes (both preamp and power), and it really didn't change the outcome.

Help me out...what else could be causing it to sound anemic? There is no Marshall crunch in this thing as it stands, and I want to try to figure out what might be wrong with it before I try to find a qualified amp tech in my area....thanks!

[SatelliteAmps]

Those are hybrid amps. it could be a transistor that is bad. They usually sound decent. Have you tried a different cabinet?

[clay49]

No...I only have the one cabinet...a 2x12 Avatar Vintage with Scumback speakers, which sounds incredible with my Peters Polaris tube amp (50w plexi style), and also did with other Marshall amps I've had in the recent past....

[SatelliteAmps]

Then that rules the cab out. Must be a transistor issue then.

[clay49]

Thanks for the info, Adam. What are we talking about here (in cost) to change out a transistor? I know nothing about amps except how to change tubes and do a simple tube re-bias....

[SatelliteAmps]

Transistors cost a few cents. Tracking it down to figure out which one it is can be a bit expensive. We usually charge $65 to do it, because it can be very time consuming.