JVM 205 or Splawn?

[Guts]

The Marshall JVM 205 (and I mean 205 specifically, none other) played extremely well for me. I love it, and its price tag.

But there's no way I can try out Splawns to compare. So what do you think? With 1700 bucks, should I get the 205, or go the extra 300 for a Splawn Nitro? I'm needing an amp with high gain, but also good classic tones. To me, that's the definition of versatile.

[jcj]

Depends. If you can crank them up, the Splawn wins all day IMO. If not, I'd do the JVM

[Flameout12]

Look around for a used JVM. I got my JVM2C for under $1200.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marshall-JVM-205H-50-Watt-Tube-Guitar-Amp-Head_W0QQitemZ110469103388QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item19b878bf1c

http://cgi.ebay.com/MINT-Marshall-JVM-205H-50-Watt-Tube-Amplifier-Head_W0QQitemZ260523148003QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_De faultDomain_0?hash=item3ca863c2e3

[rycher]

Can't speak for the Splawn as I have never tried one. I'm a gear trading addict, and while I can't say I've owned any "boutique" amps, I have had some pretty good stuff. For overall versatlity, features, tone, and as stated reasonably priced if you look used, the JVM 205h I had was the best amp I've ever owned. I could kick my own ass for selling it.

[Hacksaw]

The Nitro and the 205 are very different animals.. The Nitro is a modern voiced amp, not a lot in classic voice. The Quickrod is a lot closer to the 205 is is in the classic voices group. Splawns are tighter amps. If you liked the looser 205 feel.. This may be a good choice for you. If you like to crank up the amps, Splawn. The more a Splawn is cranked the better they sound. Regardless of all the volume tricks, Splawns love to be ran loud.

The splawn doesn't have a lot of the marshall karrang. But it does have a solid bottom end!