Marshall DSL40

summer 2018 ToTal GuiTar
103
o
ne thing that became clear while
testing this quartet was how
closely matched they are. With
the exception of the PRS Sonzera
20, three of the combos have very
similar features and capabilities.
Players who spend a lot of time in the
studio should check out Blackstar’s HT Club
40 and Peavey’s ValveKing; both have a wide
range of subtle tone variation together with
low power options and direct-to-desk
connectivity. Marshall’s DSL40R is perfect for
anyone who wants loud, aggressive modern
metal sounds, and the MIDI option means it
integrates well into modern externally
switched e ects setups. The PRS Sonzera 20
takes a di erent but no less tempting path,
focusing on tone and dialling in the most
tonal range from a relatively simple design,
with huge  exibility from both channels.
Despite being the lightest and most
compact, the Sonzera 20 didn’t su er from
lack of bass projection, thanks to the
excellent Celestion V-type loudspeaker and
PRS’s choice of lightweight, highly resonant
poplar ply for the cabinet - a boutique amp
secret. Despite having fewer features, the
Sonzera is very versatile and amazing value
for money. But whichever one of our quartet
you choose, you won’t fail to be impressed by
the sheer quality and feature-rich designs
that typify mid-priced guitar ampli cation
these days. All four combos are superb buys.
th
e g
as
s
t
a
t
i
o
n
FINaL VeRdICt
Which multi-channel amp is the right one for you?
th
e g
as
s
t
a
t
i
o
n
MarSHall DSl40
BlaCKSTar HT CluB 40 MK ii
PEaVEY ValVEKiNG MKii 20 CoMBo
PrS SoNZEra 20
best
Value
features
sound quality
Value for money
build quality
usability
oVerall rating
SuMMarY
PrS SoNZEra 20
BlaCKSTar HT CluB 40 MK ii
features
sound quality
Value for money
build quality
usability
oVerall rating
SuMMarY
features
sound quality
Value for money
build quality
usability
oVerall rating
SuMMarY
features
sound quality
Value for money
build quality
usability
oVerall rating
SuMMarY
best for
reCording
best all-
rounder
best for
roCK
TGR309.gear_test.indd 103 19/07/2018 15:43