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Marshal 9200 Dual Monobloc System (EL34 100/100) - full-power head
by Ian Kirwan
Each channel is completely independent and has a power switch and standby switch (valve amps should always be switched to standby for a few minutes before powering off due to the enormous transient output spikes they can generate, which could well blow your speakers if not your ears!). There are presence and volume controls for each channel, but each channel also has a 'voice' switch (different output characteristics) the positions of which are roughly translated as a) 'warm/dynamic/traditional' b) 'flat/normal/aggressive'. Pros: The amplifier is extremely loud if needed but also great a lower volumes. It can be used in a variety of set-ups from single speaker upto 4 cabinets and can drive 8 and 16 ohm loads. The unit is quite small and doesnt have to be mounted in a rack, though it doesnt have any rubber feet to keep it from falling of things. The front panel is very masculine and a little retro looking, gold colour paint and a glass panel to show off the glowing power valves. The rear panel is labelled adequately making it straight forward to plug in and set-up correctly. Cons: You wouldn't ever want to drop this thing on your foot. The pain/cost of replacing damaged valves is nothing next to the pain of crushed phillanges. Should you be foolish enough to be barefoot the sheer corners of the metal case and the fact that its weight exceeds the load restrictions of a small low-loader, will pretty much guarantee instantaneous amputation of any little pinkies that cross it's path on it's way to the floor. The cooling fans resemble the noise of a twin engine light aircraft, making it quite annoying in the bedroom context, though they dont appear to introduce noise into the amplifier electrical circuits, so they are not really audible in band rehearsal or gigs. Conclusions: This is a fantastic gig/rehearsal amp, though it is not for the feint hearted or people with weak backs! |
