Educate me on JCM800 4104 combos

[RaistMagus]

I've read hear and there some stuff about these amps. I'd like to know some more specific things and clarify what I've read.

How are they voiced? Do they have a mid-hump? Are they flat? Are they scooped like 60's-to-today fenders or hi-gains??

How is their clean channel? Can you get rid of the grit and get a shmmery clean sound? I used to have a DSL 401 and found the cleans simply ok. Anyone can make a comparison?

What is the fuss about them being intially single channel and later split channel?

Are they suitable for cleans? Can they do metallica-kill-em-all or black album gain? Or are they a one-trick pony doing only middy crunch?

When did their production start and when were they discontinued? Are they collectible treasures or leftover junk?

What would a fair price be in the US and in Europe for one?

Thanks for reading!

 

[Gnarlly]

Voiced pretty much the same as the head version (2204); I own a 4104 w/6550s and a 2204 modded for EL34s. Classic Marshall hard rock tones. Clean channel is great and works very well as a pedal platform. Not too scooped (6550s make the clean channel nicer IMO; more Fender-like). With a boost pedal, you can get Metallica gain levels. Definitely not one-trick ponies. Probably in the $700-900 range unless it's in mint condition or a more rare model. Here's mine (probably my favorite amp):