2203X vs. DSL100

[Nazgul6]

I have the 2203X so as a result I'm married to an OD pedal, and then to get the metal sound I'm after I have a GE-7 in the loop.

 

Would I be sacrificing a lot to make the jump to a DSL100. From what I've heard the low end is a little better, I would have more gain on tap, plus I would have the clean channel.

 

Or is that just stupid?

[paul6string]

You wouldn't be sacrificing much. When properly biased, the DSL's are pretty damn good. You could also sell your OD pedal as well.

[DannyM]

I had both of those in my gigging rig awhile back.

 

I preferred the 2203X for 80's/thrash/speed/death/metal.

I play in a Slayer tribute band and the 2203X nails the tone I needed.

 

As for the bottom end....the DSL 100 was boomier...muddier even when compared to the knock/thump of the 2203X.

The only way I'd get rid of a 2203X to get a DSL 100 was if I really needed a clean channel. I prefer the tone of the 2203X to that of the DSL.

 

If you get the DSL 100.....A boosted green/crunch channel on a DSL can get close to a 2203 tone....but its not the same.

[dstroud]

I'd stick with the JCM800. I used a DSL100 for 2 years in a band situation (sometimes using the lead channel, sometimes boosting the green) and it was very good. However about a year ago I got a 2203X (I use either a TS9 or SD-1), and it has a punch the DSL100 just doesn't seem to have.

[Nazgul6]

 

Originally posted by dstroud I'd stick with the JCM800. I used a DSL100 for 2 years in a band situation (sometimes using the lead channel, sometimes boosting the green) and it was very good. However about a year ago I got a 2203X (I use either a TS9 or SD-1), and it has a punch the DSL100 just doesn't seem to have.

 

 

Thanks guys. Great info.

 

I have the Keeley SD-1 and a TS-9 reissue. Either of those push the 2203x prety well.

[crazyfool001]

I like the DSL, I aint tried the jcm 800 which I am gutted about but the DSL will give u more gain from what I have heard and is plenty loud enough, I rarely have it over 4.5 on the volume knob, even at gigs...

[giblespaul2001]

I have had both at the same time. Both amps kick major arse. However, I sold the 2203x and kept the DSL 100 and bought a Mesa Mark IV. The reason I kept the DSL was its Versatility

[Savo]

I choose the DSL too. Like others said there is not a HUGE difference so the versatility and EXCELLENT clean channel sold me on the DSL.

 

Tone freaks could prob tell the difference but in a band setting, 99% of your regular audience won't so the versatility sold me on the DSL. It still sounds awesome

[DoubleBarrel]

Originally posted by Nazgul6 I and then to get the metal sound I'm after I have a GE-7 in the loop.

 

Depends on the "metal" sound you are after.

 

I liked my DSL a lot..........until I got my Laney

 

 

Check my spam if you want a DSL.

[Bucketboy]

The DSL's lead channel is pretty gainy, but if you want to push it into high gain metal territory your gonna need to keep a OD pedal...And there's nothing wrong with that ;-)

 

I have a Keeley TS-9...Amazing how my amp could sound with it.

[omni]

Just get a Mesa. Throw the OD and EQ pedals away.

[marshallman1]

Owned 2 DSL100'S they sounded identical to each other. They didn't have near the kick of the 2203x. The transformers are small on the DSL'S and I think that is the difference. However the clean on the DSL is amazing, I ran them in stereo and the compliments kept coming. I guess I just have to have a JCM800 to be happy .  LOL

[dcooper830]

I have both (2203x and a DSL 100).. I get pretty much the exact same tone with both.

 

I play everything from blues and R&B to country to classic rock and metal.

 

For me... Both amps cover all styles well and sound pretty much the same.