A really good and short video showing the differences between a Marshall 2203 and 2204

[gunslinger]

 

[hpharley90]

2203.......and i have a 2204

 

[goddot]

the horizontal input model is going to have different preamp voltages... just something to keep in mind to account for the differences

 

[buddy7168]

That video matches my experiences as well.

 

[bdm]

Yeah I dunno if that video is exactly scientifically universal proof of much. Having owned and/or played *ALOT* of 2203 and 2204 Marshalls all I get from that video is another example of how they vary fairly noticeably from one to the next especially over time.

Specs tended to vary over time and even within cross section of amps from a particular year or month there were parts tolerance variables. Then look at the fact that these amps have been used (or not) under who knows what kind of circumstances for who knows how long. Components drift over time on their own. Add in whatever wear a tear any given user puts on their gear. Not to mention comparing a JMP to an 800 series isn’t exactly apples to apples even on just a superficial level.

 

[Bluesful]

In that video I preferred the 2204.

That 2203 is a 1980 - that would have to be an early one, right? When did the first 2203/2204s appear?

 

[gunslinger]

That 2203 is a 1980 - that would have to be an early one, right? When did the first 2203/2204s appear?

I believe the 2203 and 2204 first appeared in 1975. The cosmetics changed in 1981.

 

[Geeze]

I tend to prefer the 100 watt over the 50 watt in the 1959/1987 and the JMP2203/2204 series. The 100s have more girth / 'bigger' sound to me.

Russ

 

[Gridlock]

Now if it was an early ‘80’s vertical input 2204, it would be a more fair and better comparison.

I owned a ‘77 JMP 2204 and a ‘77 JMP 2203 at the same time and the 2204 was my favorite of the two amps.

In the video, the 100 watt JMP for the win.

 

[frankencat]

I have always liked the 2203 over the 2204 but I wouldn't kick a 50 watter out of bed.

 

[FiestaRed869]

I always thought the 2203 and 2204 were the same amp just 50w vs 100w

 

[prsjcm]

To my ears, the 2203 has more girth and headroom. But I could roll with either no problem.

I do own a 1982 2204 that I love dearly and a JMP 2203 is my dream amp.

 

[Kojack19]

Neither of those sounds like the 800 setting on my Marshall Code. I prefer the Marshall MG 15 with a 1x8. That is the pinnacle of Marshall tone! Kidding both sound really good. Funny I generally like the 2204 more but here I like the 2203.

 

[Tone_Terrific]

The 2203 sounded a bit louder and a bit fatter but also a bit more ragged.
Were they tuned, eq'd, and recorded to sound as close as possible to one another?
Either way only the hyper-fussy would complain. Those are both ok sounds for that genre.

 

[communarchy]

Now if it was an early ‘80’s vertical input 2204, it would be a more fair and better comparison.

I owned a ‘77 JMP 2204 and a ‘77 JMP 2203 at the same time and the 2204 was my favorite of the two amps.

In the video, the 100 watt JMP for the win.

Nothing changed in the 50 watt version of this circuit other than the pots/jacks being board mounted. The filtering was the same. The filtering changed in the 2203 from a parallel to series wiring of the cap cans (less cans, same capacitance). Some people say they hear a difference. I have owned a 79, 81, and 87 2203 (all at once at one point, because I’m insane) and the 87 was my favorite, for whatever reason. 2204s never changed though!

 

[homeunit]

2203 in this one for me.

 

[vicdeluca71]

Both sounded great!

 

[BearBryan]

Neither of those sounds like the 800 setting on my Marshall Code. I prefer the Marshall MG 15 with a 1x8. That is the pinnacle of Marshall tone! Kidding both sound really good. Funny I generally like the 2204 more but here I like the 2203.

 

[twotone]

When did the first 2203/2204s appear?

In 1975. The first ones had the late 1960s - early 1970s style large head box with the gold piping and tiny Marshall script logo.