Sully807 wrote:I don't understand why anyone would go for this over the SL-5?
FX Loop. I'll buy one. But so far my opinion is that they should have just made the SL5 with an FX loop and kept selling it for $699.
I'm sure it'll be a cool little amp, but I hope it sounds better than the DSL reissues. I really can't imagine this being a better amp than the SL5 except for the loop.
In fact, what was the big reason the US distributors wanted to dump the SL5 in the fist place? Was it just an "interim" amp while waiting for the DSL-5C to replace the Class 5?
This all gets confusing:
-Discontinue the DSL line.
-Issue the Class 5 - fix early problems with the Class 5, then raise the price form $399 to $499 - then discontinue it altogether.
-Replace the DSL line with a cheaper version and keep the DSL name.
-Release a bewildering array of limited 1-watters, which only a few lucky ones can afford before the run ends.
-Release the Slash Signature 5/1 watt. But w/o an FX loop and limited availability in the US.
-Release the DSL-5C to replace both the 5C and SL5 (at least in the US).
I'm glad Marshall is always releasing new products, don't get me wrong. But from a consumer point of view it's difficult to know what to expect from Marshall.
My advice would be to dump the decade-long design runs and release a complete new line every 5 years.
For Example:
2015 LINEUP:
2015/100H - 100 watt head
2015/50H - 50 watt head
2015/50C - 50 watt combo
2015/30C - 30-watt combo
2015/5.1H - 5 watt/1 watt head
2015/5.1C - 5 watt/1watt combo
*Keep as many features as consistent as possible: all have 2 channels, FX loop, reverb, speaker extension jack, same look, same control layout (e.g.; don't omit the Presence control on the 30-watt and under models if the big boys have them.)
Then from there you begin adding your Johnny-come-lately signature line for the artists of the day, helping to keep people interested while developing the next 5-year 2020 lineup.
Regardless, the one-off's, limited editions and discontinuations are confusing and don't foster consumer confidence. I, for one, don't like the fact that my SL5 was discontinued in the States as fast as it came. I prefer not to buy products that will be so quickly outdated. At least keep it around for 5 years.
Repeat every 5 years.