Marshall AVT50H

[geezerpete]

I am looking at a Marshall AVT50 head to possibly go with an Avatar 212 special.

As I read the descriptions of the Marshall, generally they say that it works great with any 4x12 cab. But never any mention of a 2x12 - is the Marshall too much/big/powerful for a 2x12?

I currently have a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe 212, but not entirely pleased with the Fender sound. I am thinking the Marshall would be more classic rock.

Any comments are welcome on the subjects.

Thanks

[Steelpriest]

Well, any 2x12" cabinet with 100 watts - 150 watts is by far strong enough for an 50 Watts solid state amp head. No need to worry. But why an AVT head? Has the one you look for built in effects? If not, and if effects are not important, go for the older Marshall VS 8100 100 watts head. I had one, and it is often mentioned as the best solid state head they ever made. And it is affordable as second hand. The sound is awesome, too... very alike JCM800 tube amps.

[geezerpete]

Thanks Steele,

I am not concerned with built in effects, I have the pedals for that. But if an alternative amp has effects I would not turn it down.

But I was looking for a lower watt head. I don't need the big power of a 100w. I would like to have an amp that I can turn up past a 2 or 3 to get some of the richer tones. My Fender is a 60w, but I can't turn it up. It is just too loud and brash. Boutique amps at 10-30 watts would be cool, but also are very expensive.

A friend recommended the AVT50 as kind of a compromise. It is lower wattage, semi tubed, and can be inexpensive on ebay. But I really do appreciate the other suggestions. That is the fun of this forum.

[CAFeathers]

I have the AVT50 Combo and have run it through a Marshall 1922 2x12 cab and it sounds just fine.
Experiment with the pre-amp tube for a tone of your own. I run a Sovtek 5751 in mine for a more bluesy tone.

[supedupviper]

I have the AVT150 head, and I can get a lot of different tones out of it. Sure its no TSL, but it still sounds good. Crank the volume and turn down the guitar volume and its nothing but BALLS.

the only thing about it is that the 4x12 cab is small. im going to guitar center tomorrow to see if they have a decent used 1960A.

[Jimboe]

Geezerpete, my son has the Marshall AVT50H and runs it through the Marshall 1960 A 4X12 flat and slanted cab stack. He also uses, from time to time, an old Fender 2X12 cab with the head. I5t doesn`t overpower it, but does seem to wring every bit of sound out of it. Either way, it has an awesome sound. No special fx, just lots of Marshall O/D. Let us know if you go for it.

Jim

[geezerpete]

thanks for the good review. I have put the search on hold for a bit, while I count up the pennies.

I would still like to get a Avatar Special 2x12 cab...and then some decent but low wattage amp.

Thanks

[MARSHALL6PACK]

pete, ive read the posts on this subject, and from experience i can only tell you that the 50 watt marshalls ive dealt with have been a breeze to play with. the 1st one i had, wich i have not seen in quite a time...was a 50 combo 2x12. to this day ive found only one amp that copies its feel, and scream...to the T. the second 50 watt i had was a full half stack set up...the super lead in 50 watt power, and it also was a dream to play with, but never got close to the combo sound i had with the first one. the amp i have know, wich is a to most of us...is a crate gfx2x12. i have it currently pumping threw a behringer bg412h slant cabinet , and fellas i can only say im very , very pleased with this set up. the way it acts at stage volume...home recording....wonderful. the best way to describe it is i can dial in the boston sound to the right on the money feel, and tone...or the scorpions type guitar sound. hands down i found what i belive for me is what i always wanted in a guitar amp set up. man im very stoked at what i have, couldnt be happier
sean

[metalheaduk]

well my Marshall experiences are as follows.

My first was a '70s pre master volume 50 watter, that I ran with a 2 x12 cab.....if you wanted distortion you had to turn up. In all honesty it was too loud for most real world situations....I sold it and wish I hadn't.

Next up was an AVT100 1x12 combo, valve pre amp, built in digital FX.....It's a really nice amp, 3 usable channels from clean to filth with everything in between...I'm vey partial to the clean channel with the gain maxxed for a classic rock sound. This combo also has really good bottom end...probably due to the closed back.

The problems arose when I started playing in a band again....the AVT just wasn't loud enough. It is noe relegated to home use.

Need more oomph I bought a 2nd hand JCM900 2x12 50 watt combo. This has 2 celestion 75 watt speakers in it, and I also hook it up to a Marshall 2x12 with 2 old vintage celestion greenbacks in it...this sounds great, and the JCM 50 watter is much louder than the AVT100....I suspect its because it's all valve(tube).

This is still my main gigging rig, but I have also got old (late 60's/early '70s) Carlsbro 50 watt valve head. This is basically a single channel 2xEL34 powered head, and looks like an old Marshall....again the problem is volume, to get any crunch from it you need to turn it up!

I haven't really got a suitable cab for this yet...I have run it into the 2 75 watters in the JCM900 but at some point are looking to get a cab for it.

I would think the AVT50 would do you a treat if you dont need the volume.

[Steelpriest]

A "golden rule" says 50 watts of tube power equal approximately 150 watts solid state power. That´s why most 100 watts solid state heads and combos aren´t suitable for jam sessions with a powerful drummer, especially when it comes to hard rock or metal. Lol, that´s why I use 500 watts solid state power... ;D

Steele.