Millions of years from today, guitarists will probably be telling their kids tales of the legendary Marshall amps, made famous by a breed of guitar warriors who dared to challenge the norms of what guitar music was. They inspired generations of guitarists to take up the ancient 'Rock arts', consequently leading to the creation of multiple new genres... and, the epic loud Marshall tones that when heard could transport one's soul into music heaven.
Truth is, there aren't many brands out there that can rival Marshall, whether it be tube, solid-state, modeling, or hybrid amps. Marshall is forever engraved into history as one of the best. However, it’s their tube amps that are most popular. For this reason, if you’re getting yourself a Marshall amp, a tube amp is always a good place to start.
When choosing between combo and head, a good portion of guitarists prefer the former for their convenience. The ability to just plug your guitar in and get going without having to worry about speaker/cabinet quality is an undeniable advantage for any guitarist. On top of that, the ease of carrying a single packaged combo amp, rather than a separate head and cab, is always a plus in terms of portability.
Although the iconic Marshall Wall stacks are usually head and cab, the brand has a respectable collection of combo amps. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best Marshall combo tube amp options.
The list is balanced with amps to suit a wide variety of environments and different types of players. And we also included buying reviews of the amps to help you in making the choice.
1. Marshall 1962 Bluesbreaker
Marshall Bluesbreaker (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- 30 Watts power output
- 2x12" Celestion Greenback speakers
- Footswitchable tremolo effect
- 3-Band EQ control and Presence
- 2 split channels
- Weighs of 30.2 kg/67 lbs.
- Tube amp technology
Although it was first produced in 1962, this amp really took off in 1966 thanks to John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers. Well over half a century later, it's still one of the most beloved amps in the world.
This amp has a GZ34 valve rectifier and comes with a couple of Celestion Greenback speakers. As a result, it provides that unforgettable deep blues tone that will sound amazing regardless of where you're performing.
The amp's dimensions are 29.1"x24", and it weighs 67 lbs. However, if you're yearning for the sounds of the 60s, you won't find a better option than this one.
Pros
- Perfect amp to achieve classic, vintage, traditional blues sounds
- Easy to use
Cons
- With a total weight of 30.2 kg, this is one heavy amp
- May not be as versatile as other comparable modern-day amps
- No effects loop
2. Marshall DSL40CR
Marshall DSL 40 (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- 40 watts power output with power scaling option to 20 watts
- 2 split channels (classic gain and ultra-gain)
- Dedicated reverb controls for each channel
- 12" Celestion Seventy 80 Speaker
- 4 ECC83 preamp valves
- 2 EL34 power amp valves
- Footswitchable
- A comprehensive equalization channel
- Weighs 22.9 kg/50 lbs.
For many musicians, this is a go-to amp. This amp offers several controls and a comprehensive equalization channel, allowing it to emulate classic blues tones, and all of its channels have dedicated reverb control. Best of all, you can use the DSL40CR in several types of environments without sacrificing tone.
Pros
- Comprehensive equalization channel
- Quite affordable when compared with other amps in a similar category
- Easy to use
- Plenty of headroom
Cons
- Not many effects
3. Marshal Origin20C
Marshall Origin20C (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- Powestem power scaling enables High power of 20W, mid-power approx. 3W, and low power approx. 0.5W
- Footswitch to control the gain boost and turn the FX loop on and off
- 1x10" Celestion VT-Junior speakers
- Single-channel
- Tube amp technology
- Weighs 13.9 kg/31 lbs.
- Effects loop
- Controls (Gain, boost, tilt, bass, middle, treble, master, presence, and Powerstem)
Designed for those who love expression through innovation, Marshalls Origin 20C is another great choice. Although it’s a 20-watt amp, it comes equipped with the latest power scaling technology, allowing you to choose between high, medium, and low. This feature makes the Origin amp flexible to different environments, whether for small venue live gigging or practice sessions. With a 2-way footswitch, you can control the gain boost and turn the FX loop on and off.
Pros
- Classic, vintage, traditional sounds with modern features
- Usable in various environments
Cons
- No in-built effects
- Expensive
4. Marshal JVM 410C
Marshall JVM 410C (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- Tube amp technology
- 100-watt power output
- 3-band EQ
- Programmable parallel FX loop with hardware bypass
- 2 FX loops series/parallel
- Weighs 22 kg/49 lbs.
- 4 channels (multi)
- Emulated line-out
- 2 footswitchable master volumes
- Classic black and gold aesthetic
Those looking for an all-around amp can start here. The JVM410C is a 100-watt amp that provides 12 different sounds, thanks to four channels with three modes.
It also offers two master volumes and high-end reverb. You can immediately go from a lower master volume to a higher one, allowing your solos to pop.
The controls are easy to master, and the amp synchs easily with the rest of your setup. Overall, pros would benefit the most from this combo tube amp.
5. Marshall DSL 1C
Marshall DSL1 (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- Tube amp technology circuitry
- 1W with optional power reduction to 0.1W
- 2 channels (ultra gain, and classic gain)
- Volume and tone controls
- Weighs 7.9 kg/17 lbs.
- 1 x 8” Celestion speakers
- Rear Effects loop
- Footswitch enabled
This is the smallest combo tube amp in the Marshall Amp collection. It’s equipped with power reduction technology, allowing you to reduce the amps wattage output from 1 watt to 0.1 watts. It also features 2 channels and is foot-switchable, adding to the various tone possibilities that can be achieved. In addition to all this, it comes with a variety of inbuilt effects like reverb, chorus, phaser, flangers, and delay.
Pros
- Portable
- Ideal practice amp
Cons
- Cannot be used for performance.
6. Marshall SV20C
Marshall SV20C (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- 20 watts with power reduction up to 5 watts
- Tube amp technology
- 10'' Celestion VT-Junior
- Volume and equalization controls
- Series effects loop
- Weighs 15.9kg/35 lbs.
Although this is a low-watt amp, the sounds it produces are impressive, emulating the legendary Plexi sound. You can even use the SV20C for smaller performances.
Its still fairly portable, weighing 35 lbs. and measuring in at 19.7"x18.1". Plus, it's absolutely gorgeous. It sports the gold and black look that Marshall is revered for.
Pros
- Classic vintage sounds with modern features
Cons
- Expensive compared to similar-sized amps
7. Marshall 2525C Silver Jubilee
Marshall 2525C (Image credits: Marshall)
Features
- Tube amp technology.
- 100 watts with power reduction to 50 watts.
- 3 Band EQ (Bass, middle and treble).
- Effects loop.
- Silver vinyl aesthetic.
- Footswitchable.
- Weighs 22.1 kg / 49 lbs.
Typically a gigging amp, it comes equipped with a power scaling option of up to 50 watts, meaning you could use it for different-sized venues. In addition to its two channels, it is also footswitchable and comes packaged in a silver-vinyl aesthetic. Its boosted equalization and various dialing options give you a wide range of tonal possibilities. This amp has been used by some of the greatest guitarists over the years.
Get the Right Marshall Combo Tube Amp
As we come to the end, it’s important to note that the best combo amp is the one that will help you achieve your goals easiest. For an all-around practice and performance amp, we would recommend the DSL40C as a starting amp. If you’re in search of a large venue performance amp, then the JVM410 is a good place to start. If in search of a small, compact, portable practice amp, then the DSL1C is the best option.
