Friedman PLEXFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 38 mentions across 11 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 38 mentions across 11 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an authentic-feeling, dynamic plexi tone with modern conveniences like internal channel jumping
  • You value premium build quality and don't mind paying a premium price for it
  • You want built-in low-voltage attenuation for tone-matched lower-volume playing

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need a built-in effects loop for gigging with delay or reverb
  • You're on a budget and could buy a real vintage Marshall, reissue, or DIY kit for much less
  • You want a multi-voltage transformer for international travel or use

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Lightweight and gig-friendlyTube-like tone and feelExcellent clean channelExpensive, hard-to-find Tone CapsulesInconsistent or harsh crunch channelNo included footswitch
Lightweight and gig-friendly
Tube-like tone and feel
Excellent clean channel
Expensive, hard-to-find Tone Capsules
Inconsistent or harsh crunch channel
No included footswitch
2Premium
Exceptional tonal versatilityGreat cleanup via guitar volumeBig, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattageDark, bass-heavy voicing for somePrice relative to alternativesRequires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Exceptional tonal versatility
Great cleanup via guitar volume
Big, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattage
Dark, bass-heavy voicing for some
Price relative to alternatives
Requires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Best value
3Mid
Exceptional versatilityGreat with pedals / clean platformLong-term keeper ampCleans not its strongest suitFizzy or excessive gain out of the boxStock preamp tubes considered weak
Exceptional versatility
Great with pedals / clean platform
Long-term keeper amp
Cleans not its strongest suit
Fizzy or excessive gain out of the box
Stock preamp tubes considered weak
4Mid
Detailed, warm sound qualityGood speaker pairing versatilityHEOS streaming and internet radio convenienceAirPlay over Ethernet reliability issueDAC only active via optical/coaxial inputsLacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
Detailed, warm sound quality
Good speaker pairing versatility
HEOS streaming and internet radio convenience
AirPlay over Ethernet reliability issue
DAC only active via optical/coaxial inputs
Lacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
5Budget
Powerful for its sizeTonePrint effects built inClean, full, realistic toneAlways-lit tuner displayInsufficient power for loud full bandsSingle effect slot limitation
Powerful for its size
TonePrint effects built in
Clean, full, realistic tone
Always-lit tuner display
Insufficient power for loud full bands
Single effect slot limitation
6Premium
Tight, modern high-gain toneBuilt-in CabClone IR / direct outBuild quality and versatility praised by ownersHigh priceMissing third channel and solo boostNo EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
Tight, modern high-gain tone
Built-in CabClone IR / direct out
Build quality and versatility praised by owners
High price
Missing third channel and solo boost
No EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
7Mid
Strong power for demanding headphonesCompact, high-quality buildEnjoyable Bluetooth sound qualityEarly sound-mode switching bugLimited single-ended power for some planarsNot fully wireless
Strong power for demanding headphones
Compact, high-quality build
Enjoyable Bluetooth sound quality
Early sound-mode switching bug
Limited single-ended power for some planars
Not fully wireless
8Premium
Exceptional tonal versatilityOwner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentimentSmooth, musical high-gain distortionHigh priceOverwhelming number of optionsSome find it too polished or lacking rawness
Exceptional tonal versatility
Owner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentiment
Smooth, musical high-gain distortion
High price
Overwhelming number of options
Some find it too polished or lacking rawness
9Mid
Built-in reactive attenuator
Built-in reactive attenuator
10Mid
Great pedal platformLush onboard chorusExceptional clean toneBackground hiss/humWeak onboard distortionSome pedals don't pair well
Great pedal platform
Lush onboard chorus
Exceptional clean tone
Background hiss/hum
Weak onboard distortion
Some pedals don't pair well
You are here
31Premium
Friedman PLEX
Rich, dynamic toneInternally jumped channelsLow-voltage / variac attenuation modeHigh price versus alternativesNo effects loopNot universally convincing as authentic plexi tone
Friedman PLEX
Rich, dynamic tone
Internally jumped channels
Low-voltage / variac attenuation mode
High price versus alternatives
No effects loop
Not universally convincing as authentic plexi tone

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Owners consistently describe the tone as rich, dynamic, and among the best they've heard. Multiple purchasers call it the best amp they've ever owned, praising harmonically rich tone whether clean or driven, tight bass without mud, and strong dynamic response to guitar volume. Comments reference it as 'sonic replication of a 50 watt plexi' done right, with some saying it beats Marshall itself and justifies its price for the tones delivered.

The internally jumped channels and low-voltage variac mode are standout practical features. Reviewers highlight the ability to blend Normal and High Treble channels internally without a jumper cable as a major convenience, replicating the classic plexi-blend trick. The built-in low-voltage switch and MVC control let players get cranked tones at bedroom volume, and bright switches let users sculpt brightness, though some found the switch positions confusing versus the manual.

Price and missing FX loop are the amp's most debated drawbacks. Several commenters question the roughly $2800-3400 price tag versus real vintage Marshalls, reissues, or DIY kits, and criticize the fixed-voltage transformer versus multi-voltage Marshall reissues. The lack of an effects loop is called a dealbreaker for gigging musicians needing delay or reverb, while others feel the amp's gain character leans more toward JCM800 than a truly authentic low-gain vintage plexi.

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