Metal amp recommendation

[Antag]

Over the last years or so we've had a few "best metal amp" threads & I always post my recommendations based on amps I've owned/tried.  Well I have one to add to the list:

Marshall 2203KK (the Kerry King sig model)

Tried one yesterday - haven't heard overdrive this good from a Marshall since the JCM900 SL-X, maybe ever.  Really heavy, thick, yet clear overdrive with tight punchy bass.  I've posted before about how much I like 6550/KT88 power valves & again I find the same advantage with this amp as with my Engl Savage & the wonderful VHT Ultralead - the power section is very "clean" & reproduces the same great tone at almost any volume, unlike most EL34-driven amps I've used which seem to need to be wound up before they come alive (6L6s seem to be somewhere in between).  Anyway, I liked this amp's sound a lot - it may lack features (no FX loop is a big disadvantage IMHO) & have bugger-all versatility, but if it's metal distortion ONLY that you want, check the 2203KK out...

In summary:
Pros:
Plenty of gain/punch/power/depth - great metal tone
Noise gate
Sounds really good even at VERY low volumes
Price <£1K (seen for as low as £740)

Cons:
No FX loop :(
Single channel
No footswitch for the boost

No, I didn't walk out of the shop with it - this isn't a "NAD" thread, though it was close :)

[Dmoney]

im interested in these amps.
my 2205 runs on KT88's and it's a beast! does metal real well. its had some work done to it. the presence pot is now a 'resonance' control. well, thats the description i was given when i got it. but looking at the PCB may indicate otherwise.

one thing that would put me off the KK sig is the terrible tribal tattoo art on the basketweave.
and the fact a replacement quad of KT88's is a bit on the expensive side. But i guess they are super tough tubes.

ive been tempted to hunt out an SL-X or hi gain MKIII to use as a backup amp.

[JDC]

did you plug straight into the amp? I read somewhere kerry king puts his EQ pedal before it and with an upside down smiley face shape

if I remember correctly he also uses a marshall mode four cab with g12k100s and for cleans he DI's straight into the PA

[murraymurray]

the eqs built in on the front end. theres some knob with a dumb name which controls the eq level in front of the preamp.
ive also heard good things about this amp, every negative thing ive heard is about the eq and the tribals.

[Acolmiztli]

for cleans he DI's straight into the PA

That hurts my ears just thinking about it!  :lol:

[nfe]

did you plug straight into the amp? I read somewhere kerry king puts his EQ pedal before it and with an upside down smiley face shape

if I remember correctly he also uses a marshall mode four cab with g12k100s and for cleans he DI's straight into the PA

Yep, all correct.

[Antag]

Yes, I plugged straight into the amp.  It features a built-in pre-gain mid boost control (titled "Assault") which I guess does what the Eq pedal does.

Not sure what what Kerry King does, but either way the amp sounded brilliant.  No need for a boost IMO - the guitar I was playing had a Duncan JB & didn't want for gain or thickness.

Yes, the common complaint about Marshalls' eq (that the controls don't really do much) is applicable here.  Not having an FX loop means that if you need more radical Eq than the amp offers then you're screwed, so it's advisable to try it with your own guitar & cab before buying.  Having said that, you don't buy an amp like this for versatility... :)

[Alex]

He uses a Radial DI box live, I believe. There's ads for it in Guitar World ever so often. I think it goes between amp and cab and does give distorted sounds as well straight into the mixer.