Calling valvestate experts

[Sidious]

Hey all

So I've found a Marshall Valvestate 8240 at a good price. But before I pull the trigger I have one question. Is the preamp the exact same as the legendary VS8100?

As far as I can see they belong to the same lineup. The 8200 is the stereo version of the 8100. And the 8240 is the combo version of that. But I just want to make sure there are no differences between the preamps as that's where the magic happens.

 

[Manicompression]

Im not an "expert" but I would bet that its the same. I have the 8080 and it's spot on for the 8100 which a friend of mine had and I played through on more than one occasion. The 8080 is just a 1X12 combo version of the 8100. I even had a buddy route a speaker out so I can use it as a head. Google image searching the 8240 would lead me to believe its just the same thing with chorus. They are cool amps particularly for the prices you can snag them for.

 

[Scottxx]

If you can get the VS100R the next version. It has better features.
Hottest driven valve. The tube acts on the 3 channels, not only distortion, Power Dimension switch (better distortion at low Volume).

 

[mickrich]

If you can get the VS100R the next version. It has better features.
Hottest driven valve. The tube acts on the 3 channels, not only distortion, Power Dimension switch (better distortion at low Volume).

Whooaaa
Hold on there.
Not the same amp at all.
The original made in England valvestates have a certain sound that is really good.
The 8240 is the same as 8100 but with stereo chorus.

 

[Scottxx]

VS100R Made in England.

 

[Loki Laufeyiarson]

VS100R is just different, not better. I own one and I can say the power dimension button is pretty useless to me. Also on low volumes. But this is derailing the topic.
I have played the 8240 at a rehearsal space of one of my former bands. Pretty good amp, I'd say it sound just like the 8100.

 

[Rex Rocker]

I wouldn't say the VS's sound the same as the original Valvestates, same goes for the AVT's. I got a Marshall Mode Four some time ago expecting it to sound like a souped up 8100 and it sure as hell did not. Didn't sound bad, but not at all like the classic 8100 sound I would've liked to hear.

Not saying the VS is worse, but they definitely changed the vibe a little with each Valvestate series redesign.