marshall.com has a history of the DSL series
Over the last year, I have been able to test the entire range of the Origin and Marshall DSL amplifiers.I believe I can help guide you to the one that's right for you if you're undecided.
I will only be referring to the Marshall DSL amplifier lineup.The Marshall DSL range of amplifier hit it out of the park in terms of theirVersatility, Tone, and Reliability.
The internet hype was rolling down the street before the Marshall Origin range of amplifier was released.I have never seen so much hype for a product.
The Origin amplifier combo was purchased about 3 months before it was released.I was looking for a pedal-free amplifier that would fit all the boxes and it was great!
The Origin amps are more similar to a vintage amplifier while the DSL covers a lot more ground.
The origin amplifier is basically one channel, while the DSL amplifier has minimum 2 channels and maximum 4.The speaker size configuration in each amplifier is one of the major differences.
Simple is better for me.I will explain why the Origin series fell short.
The Marshall origin combo is 10 watt more powerful than the Marshall DSL40 CR.What does this mean in reality?Nothing.I was able to hear the clean sound from the DSL40 CR.The Origin has a cleaner sound than the DSL40, but it has more of the clean tone you hear on albums.
The Origin 50 was the best combo amplifier in the range being able to cut down the overall output volume by 50% for less loud situations.
The Origin wipes the floor with variable tones and sounds.The DSL40 has 4 channels.
The Origin 50 is a good choice if you are not into the crunch or Ultra Gain channels.There is nothing you can do to stop you from using pedals on the clean channel.The DSL40 won because of the additional channels and tones.
There are a few differences between the Marshall Origin 20 and Marshall DSL20.The Origin 20 was crippled by Marshall's decision to put in a 10′′ speaker.The Origin 20 sounds great if you can crank it up but the speaker feels like it struggles at the amplifier's sweet spot.
The main problem with the DSL20 is that they didn't include a crunch channel.Blues and rock music can be found on the Crunch channel.We get a dedicated Ultra Gain channel.This won't appeal to everyone, including me, which was the main reason I bought the DSL40 CR.
It would come down to where you plan on using them if you have your heart set on a 20- watt version.Go for the DSL if you are a live player.Go for either one if you play at home.
If you want to reduce the power to 50% of the output volume, you can use the amplifier.Marshall has included this feature.
You will get a kick out of the Origin 20 tones when you turn it up loud.It doesn't have the higher gain drive channel that the DSL does, but it clips in a smooth way.
Do you know what the worst amplifier I have ever heard is?The amplifier is called the Origin 5.It is terrible and my Bugera V5 killed it.The Bugera wiped the floor with the Marshall, according to 90 percent of the votes.
What about the DSL5?The size and output rating sounds great.I would take either of the two.The Origin 5 is the worst 5- watt amplifier in recent history.
Both options are good.You can pair it with a better speaker box than what you can get in the combo amplifier.The Origin 50 head is the best version of the amplifier because you can match it with better speakers or more speakers.
It is possible to hear the Marshall Origin 50 in it's single 12′′ speaker combo version and the same head through a Marshall 212 MX212 cabinet.The difference is obvious.
There are more options for the larger range of amplifier heads.The Origin has more channels and power but it comes down to what you actually need.If you are a home player, make the decision based on that.
I am going to give the win to the DSL range of amplifier.They seem to struggle less when they are loud.The Origin has a 10′′ speaker in their amplifier, but they have mostly 12′′ speakers in the DSL range.
There is nothing wrong with the Origin amps build quality.When the amplifier was loud, I could hear the cabinet rattling.