Marshall amplifiers and speakers are an iconic part of rock and roll history. For decades, the best Marshall amps have been the go-to choice for guitarists who want a powerful, dynamic, and room-filling sound.

There are many great Marshall amps and speakers available on the market in 2023. In this article, we look at the best picks of the bunch.

These amps are aimed at beginners and intermediates, through to professional musicians, and as always on Between-The-Keys, they will be listed in cost order.

1. Marshall MS4 Battery-Powered Mini Micro Full Stack Guitar Amplifier
2. Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG15GFX-U)
3. Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG30GFX-U)
4. Marshall Amps Code 25 Amplifier Part (CODE25)
5. Marshall Origin ORI50H 50W Tube Guitar Amplifier Head
6. Marshall MX212R Guitar Speaker Cabinet
7. Marshall Amps Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-DSL20CR-U)
8. Marshall DSL100HR Dual Super Lead Guitar Amplifier Head
9. Marshall SV20H Studio Vintage 20/5-Watt Tube Head
10. Marshall JVM215C 1×12″ 50-Watt 2-Channel Tube Combo

The Best Marshall Amps: New & Vintage (Top 10)

1. MS4 Battery-Powered Mini Micro Full Stack Guitar Amplifier

The cheapest amps by Marshall are a mini stack set for home practice. Whilst this is not a live performance amp, this is an ideal solution for beginners and children or anyone who wants to practice quietly.

The whole unit weighs only half a kilo and is battery-operated (best with Polaroid 9V Batteries). The sound out of this micro stack will not blow you away, but it is a surprisingly effective practice solution.

2. Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG15GFX-U)

This is your standard small Marshall guitar Amp. At 8 inches and only 15 watts, this does not produce blow-the-roof-off sound levels but makes a perfect home practice amplifier or amp for gigs at small venues.

This amp weighs just over 16 pounds, delivers a range of classic and modern tones, and has a headphone port for silent practice. This combo amp is an ideal beginner amplifier for new guitarists and one of the best Marshall amps around.

• Clean, crunch, OD1, OD2 channels
• Modern digital effects
• Line in for jamming along with tracks
• Emulated headphone output

3. Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-MG30GFX-U)

This is a more powerful version of the previous amplifier, at 30 watts instead of 15, and is one of the best Marshall amps available in 2023.

Again, we get a range of classic and modern tones, a headphone port, and a line-in for jamming along with tracks (Clean, crunch, OD1, OD2).

This 10-inch speaker would be an ideal practice amp or performance amp at small venues.

4. Code 25 Amplifier 

At 100 Watts, the code 25 amp represents a considerable jump in power output over the previous 15 and 30-watt amps.

It also manages to be slightly lighter at only 15 pounds. This amp features authentic modeling of Marshall tones with pro-quality FX.

It also has modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music and USB connectivity for use with a DAW interface to record and stream audio from your computer.

This is a modern amp that can create a variety of tones and be tweaked to sound vintage. Various choices of glistening cleans, vintage crunches, and modern high-gain options can be mixed and matched.

5. MX212R-U Celestion Seventy-80 (Cabinet Speaker)

This 160-watt speaker weighs 52 pounds and puts out an impressive amount of oomph.

The Marshall MX212R is a great-sounding speaker cabinet that’s perfect for pairing with a guitar amplifier head.

It has two 12″ Celestion speakers that deliver a clear, punchy sound, as well as a rugged, road-worthy design that can withstand frequent use.

This is a speaker cabinet and not an amp. It is designed to extend the sound and volume capabilities of your current amplifier.

This cab would pair perfectly with a DSL head or combo amp or for anyone looking to get the most out of their guitar sound, especially with loud bands or when performing in large venues.

6. Marshall Origin 50W Head w FX Loop and Boost (M-ORI50H-U)

This 50-watt valve head amp ‘delivers two distinct Voices, a new tilt tone blend control, power reduction features, and is pedal friendly. It is undoubtedly one of the best Marshall amps on the market in 2023.

The classically voiced single-channel amps generate rich and harmonic tones that are ideal for players to explore new possibilities and craft their sound.

The origin series has the tone, and features for those playing in the bedroom, as well as on stage.’ This Marshall tube amplifier head delivers a classic Marshall sound with a single channel and a simple control layout.

It has a built-in effects loop and a power reduction feature, as well as a sleek, vintage-inspired design that looks great in any studio or stage setup.

It is also an ideal amp for those looking for something compact, as it only weighs 25 pounds. This has enough power to satisfy most gigging musicians when paired with a suitable speaker such as the previous Marshall MX212R-U cabinet speaker.

7. Guitar Combo Amplifier (M-DSL20CR-U)

This is another small combo amp from Marshall, with 20 watts of power output. It weighs a respectable 35 pounds which is light enough to say it is easily transportable for gigging.

As it is a tube/valve amp, it will produce clear and punchy tones, and puts out enough volume for small to medium gigs, even for a small 20-watt combo amp.

This is one of the most versatile and best Marshall amps on the market, with its distinctive Marshall sound and a great range of tones.

• Gain and volume per channel. Dedicated resonance control
• Reverb. High and low power settings
• Celestion seventy-80 speaker
• Softube Emulated output
• 3 x ECC83 and 2 x EL34 valves

8. Guitar Amp Head (M-DSL100HR-U)

The Marshall DSL100HR is a powerful and versatile guitar amplifier head that’s perfect for live performances and recording.

Whilst this guitar amp head is not cheap, it is a professional amp that is ideal for beginner guitarists to ‘pros performing on the world’s biggest stages.’

This 100-watt amp weighs just under 50 pounds and is a valve or tube amp. Marshall describes the DSL series as ‘laden with Marshall tone’ and the reverb and resonance control certainly add character and help you shape your sound.

It also has a sleek, classic Marshall design that looks great on stage.

• Gain and volume per channel.
• Dedicated resonance control.
• Two separate master volume controls
• Reverb – High and low power settings
• 2 separate master volume controls
• Softube Emulated output
• 4 x ECC83 and 4 x EL34 valves

9. SV20H Studio Vintage 20/5-Watt Tube Head

A vintage tube head with plenty of ‘plexi’ tones, warmth, and character.

This 20-watt amp only weighs 25 pounds and is therefore perfect for life on the road and for regular gigs, but is also well suited to the recording studio due to its high-quality vintage sound.

Its compact size and unique tonal character make this one of the best Marshall Amps, especially for small gigs and quiet practice.

• 20/5-watt
• 1-channel Tube Guitar Amp Head with 4 Inputs
• High/Low Sensitivity Loudness Controls
• Effects Loop
• Power Reduction Circuit

10. JVM215C 1×12″ 50-Watt 2-Channel Tube Combo Amp

This combo amp represents one of the best Amps Marshall has to offer. At 50 watts, it has plenty of oomph for recording and live performance, and the all-tube design brings you the full range of Marshall tones.

This is a premium combo amp that is aimed at professionals but would make a great beginner or intermediate amplifier if your budget allows it.

‘The 2-channel JVM215C gives you six modes, covering two independent channels with three gain stages, each with its own footswitchable memory.

It’s a great feature for ultra-flexible onstage switching (via the included dedicated, programmable footswitch unit), plus the Marshall G-12 Vintage speaker provides a great tone.

Two effects loops, reverb for each channel, a speaker-emulated XLR line-out, and two footswitchable master volumes also grace the JVM215C.’

Extra – Marshall Stanmore Wireless Bluetooth Speaker lll (Marshall Home Speaker)

Whilst this wireless Bluetooth speaker by Marshall is not an amp (it’s a wireless portable speaker), it draws attention to the fact that Marshall makes excellent home speakers, headphones, earphones, as well as amplifiers, and more.

The newest generation of their Stanmore Bluetooth speaker ‘has an even wider soundstage than before, delivering immersive Marshall signature sound’.

Marshall describes the sound of the Stanmore speaker as ‘home-filling’, and also boasts its future-proof Bluetooth technology, which is ready for future updates. They also say it is their most versatile speaker in the Marshall line-up.

The controls are very simple with a top panel consisting of a Source Button, Volume Control Knob, Bass Control Knob, Treble Control Knob, Play/Pause button, and Power Lever.

‘Stanmore IIl produces clean and precise Audio, even at the highest levels, due to advanced components such as two 15-watt class D amplifiers powering its tweeters and a 50-watt class D amplifier to drive its mighty subwoofer.

With Bluetooth 5. 0 and Qualcomm aptX technology, you can play your music in glorious, stereo sound with no wires required.’

The Stanmore lll speaker comes in 3 distinct finishes, Black, Brown, and Cream.

To see a full breakdown of the Marshall portable Bluetooth speaker range, check out the following article: The Best Marshall Bluetooth Speakers – Top Speakers in 2023

A Brief History of Marshall

A Marshall amplifier is one of if not the most recognizable guitar amps.

A huge number of artists are associated with these amps, ranging from Guns N Roses guitarist Slash, who has his own customized set of amps, to Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Pete Townshend, and Ritchie Blackmore.

Other bands and artists that swear by Marshalls include Oasis, Muse, Gorillaz, Bring Me The Horizon, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, and Lana Del Rey. 

Their distinctive sound is highly regarded, and they are a well-known British brand of amplifiers.

‘After over 20 years gigging on the road on 7 July 1960, Jim opened a family-run music store with his wife Violet and son Terry called ‘Jim Marshall and Son’, at 76 Uxbridge Road, Hanwell, London.

The store sold a variety of musical instruments and attracted many young emerging talents.

The first amplifier now known as ‘Number One’ was born and due to great interest went into production under the aptly named JTM45, standing for Jim & Terry Marshall.

It attracted 23 orders on its first day in store in September 1962 and would become the first of many JTM45 amps.

Marshall went to another level in 1965 when Pete Townshend demanded the sound to be louder with a bigger stage presence.

The solution was, to the horror of roadies everywhere, the Marshall 8×12” speaker cabinet. But Jim quickly replaced these with two stacked 4×12” cabs giving rise to our iconic Marshall Stack. The rest, as they say, is history.’

Marshall also makes some very good bass amps. Noel Redding, who played bass for Jimi Hendrix, usually played a sunburst pre-CBS Fender Jazz Bass through Marshall Amps.

FAQ

What Should You Be Looking For In A Marshall?

First things first, when buying any item of electronics, the unit must be tested. When looking at used items especially, you should either bring your electric guitar or use the seller, to test if the amplifier is fully working.

You should also make sure the item is genuine, and in good condition both externally and internally. For a full breakdown of how to test used guitar amps, check out this article:

How To Test Used Guitar Amps? Solid State vs. Tube (Valve) Amps

Whilst Solid State amplifiers derive amplification from electronic transistors, a tube amp, also known as a valve amp, has physical vacuum tubes (also known as valves) built into the unit.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both, especially when buying an old or vintage tube amp. 

Tube amps generally require more maintenance than solid-state amps, which are more modern. However, they are regarded as more dynamic, responsive, and pleasing to the ear in terms of sound quality at high volumes. 

Solid-state amps may have more functionality and modern features such as wireless Bluetooth connectivity and can be cheaper. The fact that they also need less maintenance and repairs adds to their longevity and overall value. 

Ultimately, when purchasing an amp,  it comes down to what you care most about. Much like a modern sound system vs a classic vintage record player, some will say the sound is just better on one over the other.

Many boast about the ‘warmth’ and unique tonal character of vintage tube amps. Whilst that may appeal to certain guitarists, others may prefer a ‘modern’ sound, and value the newer features that are available on newer amps. 

What Is a Guitar Cabinet?

A guitar cabinet, or cab for short, is a speaker and not an amp. Guitar cabs go hand in hand with amps. Usually, they are guitar head amps, which are more compact than your standard amp.

Cabs are speakers housed in a wooden enclosure and used in conjunction with a guitar amp to output your sound.

You can choose one route or the other, both have their advantages, and neither is technically better. Which one you prefer will be a personal preference.

Conclusion

Overall, these Marshall amps and speakers offer a range of features and benefits that cater to different playing styles and needs.

Whether you’re a gigging musician, a recording artist, an acoustic performer, or just enjoy listening to music through premium and high-quality speakers, there’s a Marshall amp or speaker that’s perfect for you. 

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