Marshall JCM 800 Vs 900 [Difference & Which is Better Performing]

The Marshall JCM 800 and 900 models are some of the most iconic amplifiers used in rock music. The Marshall JCM 800 vs 900 AMP amplifiers are two of the most popular amplifiers in the music industry today. They have been used by some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including Metallica, Aerosmith, and Led Zeppelin. If you are a musician who enjoys classic rock tones, you may have considered the JCM 800 & 900 at some point.

The JCM 800 is a great amp for those who want more powerful tones. While the JCM 900 offers a smoother, more rounded sound. The JCM 800 is the more affordable of the two amps, but the JCM 900 is more powerful and is ideal for those looking for a higher-quality sound. Both amps feature reverb and effects loops, as well as three-band EQs and dual channels.

Both amps feature all-tube preamps and a unique tone perfect for hard rock and metal. Let’s see compare the two amplifiers and discuss the differences between them. We will also explain how you determine the best choice for playing.

Difference Between Marshall JCM 800 Vs 900 Amp:

a) Tone Quality –

The Marshall JCM, 800 vs 900 amp comparison is complete with mentioning tone quality. Both amplifiers are known for their iconic vintage sound. But the 900 amp has a slightly more precise and brighter tone, making it more suitable for a modern sound.

The JCM 800’s sound is more saturated & crunchy, making it ideal for traditional rock and blues styles. Amps are versatile and can produce a wide range of tones, but the tone quality of the 900 amp is often considered slightly better.

b) Power Output –

Power output is one of the key differences when comparing Marshall JCM 800 & 900 amps. The JCM 800 offers a maximum of 100 watts, while the 900 packs a more powerful punch with 120 watts of output. This is important to consider if you plan to perform in larger venues, even if you need to compete with louder instruments in the mix.

The JCM 900 also offers an extra feature not found on the 800. An onboard power attenuator that allows you to dial back the wattage and reduce the volume so you can push the amp’s power tubes more.

c) Preamp Gain –

The Marshall JCM 800 and 900 may look the same, but the preamp gain has some essential differences. The JCM 800 has a single preamp gain stage, while the JCM 900 features two. This means the JCM 900 can provide more gain than the JCM 800. They are making it better suited for lead guitarists who need to crank up their sound for solos. The extra preamp gain help maximizes the output of the amp, making it louder.

d) Effects Loop –

The JCM 800 does not have an effects loop, meaning that any effects you want to use must be plugged into the amp’s input. The JCM 900, however, has an effects loop, which allows you to place effects between the amp’s preamp and power amp sections. This makes it easier to modify your tone and mix and match different results. The effects loop also provides more flexibility when connecting external effects to the amp.

e) Reverb –

The Marshall JCM 800 and 900 offer a great selection of distortion and reverb effects. The JCM 800 has a single spring reverb circuit, while the JCM 900 offers two reverb circuits. If you’re looking for a more versatile reverb effect, the JCM 900 is likely the better choice.

It allows you to control the length of the reverb and its decay, giving you greater control over the effect. It also offers an adjustable damping control to adjust the reverb’s resonance. The JCM 900’s reverb effects are more advanced than the JCM 800’s.

f) Mid Boost –

The Marshall JCM 900 amp has a mid-boost feature that allows you to boost the mids in your tone. This can be useful for lead guitar parts, as it will enable you to cut through the mix more & make your guitar stand out. The JCM 800 does not have this feature, so if you’re looking for a mid-boost, the 900 is the way to go.

g) Channel Switching –

One of the most significant differences is channel switching. The JCM 800 has two channels, clean and lead, while the JCM 900 has three channels, clean, lead, and crunch. The clean channel on the JCM 800 is perfect for a clean rhythm sound, while the lead channel is excellent for more distorted sounds. The crunch channel on the JCM 900 is great for creating more overdriven sounds and providing more gain control.

h) Price Point –

As you might expect, the older model is the more affordable option. The JCM 800 is priced well below the JCM 900, making it an attractive option for musicians on a budget. That said, it’s important to remember that the JCM 900’s higher price tag reflects its higher sound quality.

So, Which one should you choose?

The Marshall JCM 800 vs 900 amps are very similar in sound and features. But the 900 has more power and is better suited for live performances. The 800 is more versatile and can be used for both recordings & live shows. It is up to the musician to decide which amp is the better choice for their particular needs. These amps are excellent and will provide great sound for any style of music.

FAQs-

Question 1: Is a Marshall JCM900 a good amp?

Answer: Marshall JCM 900s are great amps. They sound great and are very versatile. It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a bookshelf amp, the JCM900 is an excellent choice. However, the amp needs input jacks for headphones, line, and speaker levels.

Question 2: Is Marshall JCM800 suitable for metal?

Answer: Marshall’s JCM800 is designed for metal. The Marshall JCM800 is well suited for minor to moderate amounts of distortion. This amp best suits rock n’ roll, metal, and metalcore.

Question 3: Does Marshall still make the JCM800?

Answer: Yes, Marshall continues to manufacture the JCM800.

Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by Perry Garner