Metropoulos Forum

Hi
OK, I know this is the amp that becomes the jcm800, but is it the same circuit in a different headbox? Basically my question is, is the tone of this amp that same buzzy, harsh, high gain chainsaw(I know that some will disagree, no offense, to each his own) that I got from my 2203x? Is it good for anything but 80s hair metal? or can it be toned down to get a less compressed, rocknroll/70s punk grit. Basically a 100 watt plexi with low volume at 9 oclock and hi input at 1 oclock is the amount of gain, or a little less, that I'm looking for. Sorry its friday and its early and I cant concentrate at work when Im trying to decide which kit to build because Im completely obsessed with this stuff!!

Should be a lot smoother. IMO the 2203x was a pretty crap reissue of the JCM800's anyway. The transformers in this kit are certainly in a different league altogether, which will make a huge difference, and the signal caps are a lot smoother sounding than those used in the 2203x.
Also, there are a few really simple mods to do to 2203/2204's to help smooth them out some more. Even just clipping the bright cap can make a huge difference to some people's ears, especially if you use the amps at lower volumes, as ideally they really need to be used 'balls out' to get the best out of them.
The 70's JMP 2203 certainly to my mind doesn't conjure up images of poodle hair metal that's for certain.

I just finished my 100W MV build and it sounds waaaayy better than the JCM800 Reissue that I used to have. Not buzzy at all. It's much warmer. The transformers in the Metro definately make a big difference over the Marshall. Try one. I'm sure you'll agree.

LP Freak wrote:I just finished my 100W MV build and it sounds waaaayy better than the JCM800 Reissue that I used to have. Not buzzy at all. It's much warmer. The transformers in the Metro definately make a big difference over the Marshall. Try one. I'm sure you'll agree.

How does it compare to an old, great sounding JCM800? Or any 2203 for that matter?

I need to know as I want to build one. Jonesing!

Sounds as good if not better than the '81-'83 JCM 800's and I think better than the JMP's. Definately more balls and low end. I'd highly recommend one.