1974X v. SV20C......?

[PelliX]

I have a SC20H connected to a 2x12 with Celestion's.

Same here. Just curious, ever tried 10"'s in a comparable setup? In the limited experience I have, they don't cut it.

Marshall needs SC50H/C and SV50H/C. (Or sub 50 for 40.)

Eeh, a 2204 would be the SC50H, sans FX loop and cathode bias?

 

[TXOldRedRocker]

Same here. Just curious, ever tried 10"'s in a comparable setup? In the limited experience I have, they don't cut it.



Eeh, a 2204 would be the SC50H, sans FX loop and cathode bias?

Haven't tried 10's.

I want the loop, fixed bias is fine.

I would expect a higher output model to be bigger because it would have a 12" speaker.

 

[donwagar]

I have a SC20H connected to a 2x12 with Celestion's. My favorite tone machine I own BY FAR. As I own other brand amplifiers. I'd like to find a Marshall combo to get as close as I can, but higher output. That's turning out to be more difficult that I would expect. Marshall needs SC50H/C and SV50H/C. (Or sub 50 for 40.)

How about a 4010?

 

[TXOldRedRocker]

How about a 4010?

Know of any available? When I said "difficult", it meant something that fits the tone stack and I can find, at all, or in decent condition.

Plus, I like FX loops.

 

[scozz]

Same here. Just curious, ever tried 10"'s in a comparable setup? In the limited experience I have, they don't cut it

Generally speaking I would always prefer 12” speakers, unless we’re talking about a 1-12” cab vs a 2-10” cab, that’s something to consider.

 

[marshallmellowed]

I own and love a 2004 model 1974X, #7 of 40 built for GC's 40th anniversary...........terrific little banger of an amp! Recently the SV20C has caught my attention, similar power but with a 10" speaker and EL34 output tubes. I've been thinking that, tonally speaking, the EL84 in the 1974X is every bit as potent as the EL34s in the SV. However, it's been well over 40 years since I was intimate with an EL34-equipped Marshall (early 70s SLP....used it with a Sholz Power Soak!) and am not sure my memory is serving me well. Soooo........in the considered opinion of the Marshall devotees here, is there a radical difference in the tone of these two combos? A difference that would make be smile, nod and say 'yep.....that's the ticket'? Or would I find the amps so very similar I would regret the purchase of an SV?

"Similar", not really. EL84's do not distort in the same manner as EL34's, and have their own unique sound (IMO).. Not better, or worse, just different. As for the SV20, I'd go for a head/cab over a combo, but that's just me.

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

"Similar", not really. EL84's do not distort in the same manner as EL34's, and have their own unique sound (IMO).. Not better, or worse, just different. As for the SV20, I'd go for a head/cab over a combo, but that's just me.

Agree. The 1974 not only has EL84s but also no negative feedback. Also a tube rectifier. Very different through out. In my experience this translates to a different sound and a different feel.

 

[Kinkless Tetrode]

I suspect that Marshall went with a 10" in the combo because it will be less loud, making the combo amp more usable turned up, in more circumstances.

 

[PelliX]

I suspect that Marshall went with a 10" in the combo because it will be less loud, making the combo amp more usable turned up, in more circumstances.

I don't know about that. Specsheets would suggest the 10 and 12" are very close, volume wise. Typically you will see a little less bass and more midrange in the 10". Perhaps they found a 12" too 'boomy' in there.

 

[Gene Ballzz]

The 1974x and SV20 are vastly different amps in most ways, except for similar wattage and the Marshall logo! Although we could certainly look at the technical differences, suffice to say that the two amps share very little in common. While there may be a couple/few sounds that can be similarly coaxed out of both, the overall sound, response and feel will be dramatically different! Which one is actually "better" is completely a matter of taste!

I personally, do not prefer the breakup/overdrive sound of EL84 power tubes, although a well maintained and dialed in VOX AC30 or AC15 can be a glorious thing indeed! However, they are totally different beasts, compared to the 1974 style circuit.

I Love My SV20H,
Gene

 

[Del Rei]

Interesting... I have a chance to get a 1974x in a good deal...
I like how old school it sounds... The aged speaker makes this nice old feel.

But, wondering here. If I want some more 80's tone, a little bit more tight, changing for a Creamback or Creamback would make it better? I love my Creamback65.

 

[goldtop0]

I put my '74X and SV20H/SV112(loaded with a Gold) side by side the other month, the SV had a more strident tone and power and the '74X having the 'sag'.
The tubes makes the difference with these two plus I'd changed the bright cap in the SV to make it quieter when idling.

 

[Movintonontana]

I have a 1973x and 2 SV20's. My 1973x is similar to your 1974x except it has 2 12' celestions. They both share the same circuit and architecture I believe. It was my first Marshall and I have had it for a long time. I think the SV20H is a better sounding amp. It just nails the classic Marshall stack sound at a more livable volume. I like the tremelo circuit on the 1973x and I will never sell it but now that I have the SV20's, it sees a lot less playing time. They definitely sound different. The 1973x is a cleaner amp. Just my opinion but if you decide to go for the SV20, I recommend getting the head and cab version over the combo. Besides, you already have a killer Marshall combo with that 1974x.

 

[goldtop0]

I have a 1973x and 2 SV20's. My 1973x is similar to your 1974x except it has 2 12' celestions. They both share the same circuit and architecture I believe. It was my first Marshall and I have had it for a long time. I think the SV20H is a better sounding amp. It just nails the classic Marshall stack sound at a more livable volume. I like the tremelo circuit on the 1973x and I will never sell it but now that I have the SV20's, it sees a lot less playing time. They definitely sound different. The 1973x is a cleaner amp. Just my opinion but if you decide to go for the SV20, I recommend getting the head and cab version over the combo. Besides, you already have a killer Marshall combo with that 1974x.

Got a '73X like you and I find the '74X has a more focused sound which debunked my theory that a 2x12 Marshall sounded more spacious than a 1x12(ascertained from playing JCM800 combos over the years).