Marshall and Peavey both make valve and solid state guitar amps, but which are the best? In this article, I’ll be comparing popular models such as the Vypyr, 6505, CODE, MG series and DSL range, plus loads more models in terms of tone, features and price.
The Quick Answer
Marshall and Peavey both produce solid state and valve amplifiers, however Marshall has a much larger range. Marshall amps sound crunchier and have a more pronounced mid-range compared to Peavey amps which have more bass.
Comparing the Tones
Marshall and Peavey amps have quite different sounding tones. Generally, Marshall amp sound better on the clean channel compared to Peavey amps which can sound more fizzy. In terms of distortion and overdrive, Marshall sounds crunchier with more mid-range whilst Peavey sounds darker with more bass.
Of course, it’s hard to demonstrate the differences in tone without actually hearing each brand, so here is a video to demonstrate.
Clean Tones
- Marshall amps sound brighter than Peavey amps which tend to sound a bit warmer.
- The clean channel on a Peavey amp sounds more crunchy than on the Marshall.
Distorted Tones
- Marshall amps sound grittier and crunchier than Peavey amps which sound heavier and darker. Marshall amps have more mid-range focus compared to Peavey amps which have more bass.
- Peavey amps are often considered the best for heavy metal, whilst Marshall amps are the most versatile and suited to Rock and Roll.
Marshall DSL vs Peavey 6505
The Marshall DSL has a more boosted mid-range and sounds grittier compared to the Peavey 6505 which sounds more scooped by comparison. The Marshall DSL is available in 1W, 5W, 20W and 40W combo versions and 1W, 20W and 100W head units whilst the Peavey 6505 only comes in 20W and 100W combos.
| Feature | Peavey 6505 | Marshall DSL |
| Controls | Lead and rhythm channels, 3 band EQ, gain (pre/post), bright, crunch, presence, resonance, reverb | 2 channels, 3 band EQ, gain, presence, resonance, reverb |
| Price Range | $500-$1300 | $350-$950 |
| Combo Wattage | 20W, 120W | 1W, 5W, 20W, 40W |
| Head Wattage | Not available | 1W, 20W, 100W |
Marshall CODE vs Marshall MG GFX vs Peavey Vypyr
The Marshall CODE and Peavey Vypyr are both modelling solid-state combo amplifiers. The Vypyr X is available in 20W, 40W and 100W sizes whilst the CODE is available in 25W, 50W and 100W versions. They Vypyr X has 36 models and 26 effects, compared to the CODE’s 15 models and 24 effects.
The Marshall MG GFX series and and Peavey Vypyr X are both solid state amplifiers. The Vypyr X is available in 20W, 40W and 100W versions whilst the Marshall MG GFX is available in 30W and 50W versions. The Vypyr X has 36 models and 26 effects, whilst the MG GFX has 4 models and 6 effects.
Peavey Vypyr X (image links to Amazon)
Marshall CODE (image links to Amazon)
Marshall MG GFX (image links to Amazon)
Models
- The Peavey Vypyr has 36 models in total, 12 of those are for electric guitar. It also has bass models, acoustic models, and other instrument modes.
- The Marshall CODE has 14 built-in models for electric guitar: 4 clean, 5 crunch, 4 overdrive, natural, and one for acoustic guitar.
- The Marshall MG GFX has 4 modes: clean, crunch, overdrive 1 and overdrive 2.
Effects
- The Peavey Vypyr has 26 built-in effects including reverb, delay and modulation effects.
- The Marshall Code has 24 built-in effects including reverb, delay and modulation effects.
- The Marshall MG GFX has 6 built-in effects: reverb, delay, flanger , octaver, tremolo and phaser.
| Feature | Peavey Vypyr X | Marshall CODE | Marshall MG GFX |
| Wattage | 20W, 40W, 100W | 25W, 50W, 100W | 30W, 50W |
| Models | 36 | 15 | 4 |
| Effects | 26 | 24 | 6 |
| Price Range | $180-$350 | $270-$450 | $240-$420 |
Comparing the Ranges
As well as looking at some popular amps from both brands, I wanted to take a deeper look into the rest of each range. I’ve collated the price and specifications from pretty much every model currently produced by Marshall and Peavey into the tables below. The prices are all based on Guitar Center at the time of writing. The tables are split into amp type, and all go from lowest to highest price so you can easily see what models are available based on your budget.
Guitar Center are always the first place I look at when I’m interested in a new amp because have a huge range of amplifiers for sale and always have some excellent deals on. Here’s a link to take you directly to Guitar Center’s amp range so you can see all the offers available at the moment.
- Solid state combo amps: $100-$600
- Head units: $400-$2850
- Valve combo amps: $550-$2600
Solid State Combo Amps
| Amplifier | Wattage | Price | Settings |
| Marshall MG10G | 10W | $100 | 2 channels, gain, contour |
| Peavey Backstage | 10W | $100 | 2 channels, overdrive, high EQ, low EQ |
| Marshall MG15 | 15W | $120 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ |
| Peavey Rage 258 | 25W | $130 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ. |
| Marshall MG15DFX | 15W | $180 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, chorus, phaser, delay, flanger |
| Peavey Vypyr X1 | 20W | $180 | 26 models, 36 effects, gain, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall MG30GFX | 30W | $240 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, chorus, phaser, delay, flanger, octave |
| Peavey Vypyr X2 | 40W | $250 | 26 models, 36 effects, gain, 3 band EQ |
| Peavey Vypyr VIP 2 | 40W | $180 | 26 models, 36 effects, gain, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall CODE 50W | 50W | $320 | 14 pre-amp models, gain, 3 band EQ, 24 effects |
| Peavey Vypyr X3 | 100W | $350 | 26 models, 36 effects, gain, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall MG50GFX | 50W | $420 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, chorus, phaser, delay, flanger, octave |
| Marshall CODE100W | 100W | $450 | 14 pre-amp models, gain, 3 band EQ, 24 effects |
| Peavey Bandit 112 | 80W | $500 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb |
| Peavey Vypyr Pro | 100W | $600 | 4 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, presence, boost |
Head Units
| Amplifier | Wattage | Type | Price | Settings |
| Marshall CODE 100W | 100W | Solid State | $400 | 14 pre-amp models, gain, 3 band EQ, 24 effects |
| Marshall Origin20H | 20W | Tube | $450 | Gain, 3 band EQ, tilt, boost, presence |
| Marshall Origin50H | 50W | Tube | $550 | Gain, 3 band EQ, tilt, boost, presence |
| Marshall DSL20HR | 20W | Tube | $550 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb |
| Peavey Classic 20 Micro | 20W | Tube | $600 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb |
| Peavey 6505 MH Micro | 20W | Tube | $600 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, bright, crunch, presence, resonance, reverb |
| Peavey Invective MH Mini | 20W | Tube | $800 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, resonance, presence, tight, boost, gate |
| Marshall DSL100HR | 120W | Tube | $950 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, presence, resonance |
| Peavey 6505 120W | 100W | Tube | $1000 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, bright, crunch, presence, resonance, reverb |
| Peavey 6505+ 120W | 120W | Tube | $600 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, bright, crunch, presence, resonance, reverb |
| Marshall Studio Classic | 20W | Tube | $1400 | Presence, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall Mini Silver Jubilee | 20W | Tube | $1400 | Gain, presence, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall Vintage Studio | 20W | Tube | $1500 | Presence, 3 band EQ, high treb |
| Marshall Studio Classic | 20W | Tube | $1500 | Presence, 3 band EQ |
| Peavey Invective.120 | 120W | Tube | $1900 | 3 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, resonance, presence, tight, boost, gate |
| Marshall JMV205H | 50W | Tube | $2000 | 2 channels, 3 band EQ, resonance, presence, reverb |
| Marshall JMV210H | 100W | Tube | $2200 | 2 channels, 3 band EQ, resonance, presence, reverb |
| Marshall JMT45 | 45W | Tube | $2600 | Presence, 3 band EQ, high treb |
| Marshall JMV410H | 100W | Tube | $2850 | 2 channels, 3 band EQ, resonance, presence, reverb |
Valve Combo Amps
| Amplifier | Wattage | Price | Settings |
| Marshall Origin20C | 20W | $550 | Gain, 3 band EQ, boost, tilt, presence |
| Marshall DSL5CR | 5W | $550 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb |
| Peavey Classic 30 | 30W | $600 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, presence, reverb |
| Marshall DSL20CR | 20W | $650 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, presence, resonance |
| Marshall Origin50C | 50W | $700 | Gain, 3 band EQ, boost, tilt, presence |
| Peavey Classic 50 | 50W | $800 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, presence, reverb |
| Marshall DSL40CR | 40W | $800 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, presence, resonance |
| Marshall Mini Silver Jubilee | 20W | $1600 | Gain, 3 band EQ |
| Marshall Studio Classic 20W | 20W | $1700 | 3 band EQ, presence |
| Marshall Studio Vintage 20W | 20W | $1700 | Presence, 3 band EQ, high treb |
| Marshall JMV215C | 50W | $2600 | 2 channels, gain, 3 band EQ, reverb, presence, resonance |
In the market for a new amplifier? Check out my complete amplifier buyer’s guide to help narrow down your selection and find the perfect amp for you.
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