Originally posted by akoch
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Brett was spot on regarding his info on the total PCB vs handwired construction. Ease of serviceability is much better on an amp wired the SLO way. I could change out a bad Pot or tube socket much easier than with a PCB amp - and you're always in danger on a PCB amp of lifting traces when you get it hot.
![](http://members.cox.net/musicfiles/18guts0107.jpg)
Here's a pic of an 18 watt Marshall I built - this is even more vintage than the SLO. Yeah, it's simple, but it would be even easier to service than the SLO because you don't have to worry about PCB traces lifting up when you are changing components. An amp like this or the SLO that needed a pot or jack replaced would be many times easier to fix than a PCB mounted part. On the PCB amp you'd need to take 1/2 the amp apart: On the others you'd just unsolder the wires to the bad component, loosen the retaining nut and replace the part. Much simpler IMHO.
Again, what matters is the sound. But a vintage Marshall or amp built 'old school' will likely outlast a PCB amp given the same set of circumstances. Just my opinion.
Pete
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