Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

[chemical_ali]

i have a marshall jcm 2000 dsl 201 that just started cutting out when i turn the master volume up past 6. when i crank it all the way all i get is some crackling sounds and can barely hear the guitar. i talked to a music store guy who fixes amps and he said it doesn't sound like a tube problem and that it might be the power transformer.

has this ever happened to anybody? any ideas?

i got this amp used and don't have the warranty.

[Lev]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

there could be a problem with the amp jack, those tend to come loose over time. If anything, try new tubes, if thats not the problem, you'll always have those extra tubes to use later on.

[chemical_ali]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

jesus. i just found out the problem... i was playing completely cranked when the amp started breaking off. i couple minutes ago i looked at the back of the amp and saw that the cord that connects the speaker to the amp had jiggled out, possible from the vibrations from playing cranked...

on every website about amps i've ever read they've said not to run an amp without any resistence (speaker attatched). i fear that i have inadvertantly done just that.

when i plugged the jack back in fully i didn't get the cutoff problem. instead all i got was a very very quiet amp. it seems obvious that i have caused damage to my amp.

anybody know specifically what kind of damage probably resulted from running the amp w/o the speaker fully plugged in and how much it might cost to repair it? thanks.

[chrisolson]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

That's an EL-84 amp, right? You may have tranny problems now, but it could still possibly be tubes.

I'd just take it to your local tech and have him give it the once-over. The problem should be fairly obvious if it's what I think it is.

[chemical_ali]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

what is a tranny problem?

[Firebird V]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

power transformer

[chemical_ali]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

about how much do those cost to replace?

[Lev]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

well they vary depending on power and size.. they're not cheap though, one of the more expensive parts of the amp.. Pete (Twisteramps) would know, maybe you could PM him in case he doesn't see this thread...

edit: I'd give you an estimate on price but I'm not really sure about 'em.. all I know is that when I was checking up to mod my DSL100, a new transformer was in the $300 range from what I can remember.. that might have included a service charge too though.

[ October 02, 2003, 11:01 PM: Message edited by: Lev ]

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

It could be a output Tranny problem now! But check the wires on the lugs for the speaker just to make sure they arent loose. With the situation you explained above it could be a bad wire on the connectors. To test the speaker to make sure it;s not blown take a 9 volt to the speaker terminals ( after unplugging the speaker from the amp)
abd if you get a popping sound and the speaker cone moves the speaker is probably good. Thats not a complete test but it will at least let ya know if the voice coil is frozen or not.
Then plug it all bag in. Double check the connectors and try it the amp again.
If it's still acting weird and not givingthe volume it should it could be a bad power tube or a bad tranny.
At that pointtake it to a tech.
Gil

[raymo]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

It is a bit common to have a bridge rectifier, problem with these lil combo's. Check here http://www.piller.at/music/dsl201/#bias

This problem has caused volume cuts.

[chemical_ali]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

thanks for all the help. i did the thing with the 9V battery and the speaker made noise. i'll be taking it into a repair shop in a couple days (when they're open). from talking to the tech on the phone he said that if i could still get a little bit of sound, that it was probably a blown tube, and that i wouldn't be able to hear anything if my output transformer was blown.

anyways, i'll know exactly what went wrong soon! thanks again. [img]graemlins/poke.gif[/img]

[Deneb]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

umm if its a newer marshall within 5 years old, you have a warranty, used or not.

The warranty is fully transferable.

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

However if it was bought used at a store that would void the trensfer cus it's only good once.

[raymo]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

I dont recall the new system on Marshalls but my DSL 401 serial # starts with M-2002- So I figure thats how ya tell.

[JACKSONFREAK]

Re: Amp Problem: Marshal DSL 201

MArshall Tone is correct thats the year of manufacture.
Gil