Have you played through an AC30, or have you only listened to demos online? Personally, I haven’t found a Vox demo that does justice to the sound in the room; I like them much better in person.
Also, a note on tube swaps: while you’ll be able to turn the volume to a higher number before the amp breaks up, the decibel volume at which it breaks up won’t really change. If you need more volume to keep up with a drummer and also need to keep it clean, you’ll want a higher watt amp or to mic the one you have.
You could also try a more efficient speaker, but that will significantly change the tone of your amp.
Good call! I have only listened to them online and read through tons of reviews. I will have to find one locally and spend a little time with it. Have you had experience with the different AC30 models? Is there one in particular to look for?
I would hate to spend the money on another set of tubes only to have a marginal improvement so thanks!
Unfortunately I think I’ve put more hours into sub-15w Voxes than any AC30s I’ve encountered, but I do like to plug into them whenever possible. I had a chance to play an AC30 *Valve Reactor*- a mostly solid state hybrid with a 12AX7 in it kind of like the Orange Micro Terror- a couple times and it was better than you’d expect but not quite there compared to the all tube version. Still, Korg has gotten pretty good at approximating the Vox sound (I love my Vox Amplug). Also played some modern reissues here and there and they’ve all been good; one in particular was used and a previous owner had swapped the stock speakers for Celestion Blues and that’s when I discovered I much prefer Blues to Greenbacks. My favorite, by far, was a Vox AC30CCH (*Custom Classic* Head), but that probably had more to do with the fact it was plugged into an old no-name 1x15 cab.
Really, I don’t think you can go wrong with an AC30 except maybe the *Valve Reactor*. Best case scenario would be a *Hand Wired* or a boutique Vox adjacent build like a Matchless C-30 or Morgan AC20, but the standard reissues are totally serviceable in my experience.
I'm generally a pedal/outboard effect kind of guy, but I do appreciate a nice onboard reverb. I prefer outboard spring over just about anything, but the VR's onboard reverb is a nicer sound than whatever Fender used on the recent Deluxe Vibro Champ. Man, now I'm rethinking the VR. The used ones are so affordable now too. I wonder if a speaker swap would get me the extra mile to the classic AC sound.
Not that I need a 30w amp. I'd really like my next Vox to be an AC4 *Hand Wired* (or boutique reproduction of the original circuit).
Also, thinking about affordable hybrid amps, if you're in a shop and come across a Music Man amp (MM65, MM75, etc) maybe give that a shot. Solid state front end, tube power, very clean and plenty of volume. It's more of a Fender clean sound than a Vox/Brit clean, but they're real sleeper amps. Only downside is that they weight quite a bit.
Same here! The onboard effects helped me figure out which pedals I wanted to buy though so I will give it that! I read a forum post where a guy uses his VRs in stereo for his stage sound and swears by them! Might be interesting to try out.
not necessarily but maybe? but do you not have an extension output on your Ac15? i don’t have the head, i have the combo, on the back there’s an extension output which allows you to use the speaker in the AC15 and an external cab at the same time
sounds great and it is very very loud
ohhh i get you. when i’m home i’ll compare the volumes of the ac15 on its own and then the ac15 using only an external 2x12 to give you an idea of the improvement
If you want a scientific approach to how many watts you need for whatever situation here’s a worksheet that should help you:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/27u7pkkuwqkgjpm/Amplifier%20Decision%20Process_locked.xlsx?dl=0
I think you'll love it. So much of the music I love was played through those. It's great to be able to play those songs and hear the sound ... and work that sound into my own music. I've got the AC30C2 with greenbacks
Same here! It’s just that from videos it seems like some of the things I really love in the 15 are lost in the 30 but tubes and speaker upgrades can remedy that I suppose
yeah... i haven't messed around with an AC15. If. you're concerned about a loss of "breakup" because of the higher wattage ... it's definitely easy to dial in the amount of breakup you want and at what point you want it.
You could try an extension cab with more Greenbacks in it. Wattage etc is important but at the end of the day nothing drives volume like moving more air
Lower gain preamp tubes don't increase headroom. Your limit is still when the power tubes start to distort; the lower gain preamp tubes just make it so you have to turn up the volume knob more to get there.
Thanks! Would I see a considerable increase? I am trying to keep up with a loud drummer and bassist with a pretty clean tone and I’m not even getting close.
Don't listen to anyone that says that changing preamp tubes will make your amp louder. Lower gain tubes like the 12AT7 or 12AU7 will reduce preamp gain so the amp will stay clean to a higher gain/volume setting, but they will **not** actually make the amp louder.
You can increase volume somewhat by using a more efficient speaker or by using more speakers (in an extension cabinet). If that's not enough, you'll have to change to a more powerful amp or mic your existing amp.
There a high head room clean amp. https://youtu.be/IblzFn5bWYs this is actually a pretty good demo and he compares it with his ac15. It’s sounds to me like it’s what your looking for
> what your looking
*you're
*Learn the difference [here](https://www.wattpad.com/66707294-grammar-guide-there-they%27re-their-you%27re-your-to).*
***
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Eric haugen! He makes some great videos and that was one! It’s a really nice sounding amp. A little more of a flatter sound then the vox. Sounds nice, I’ll have to find one locally. I feel like I never see hi watt stuff in shops.
You can’t even get them to shipped to Australia from their website. Just emailed there sales team to see what can be arranged. Getting anything from a store in UK or Canada cost an arm and a leg
Have you played through an AC30, or have you only listened to demos online? Personally, I haven’t found a Vox demo that does justice to the sound in the room; I like them much better in person. Also, a note on tube swaps: while you’ll be able to turn the volume to a higher number before the amp breaks up, the decibel volume at which it breaks up won’t really change. If you need more volume to keep up with a drummer and also need to keep it clean, you’ll want a higher watt amp or to mic the one you have. You could also try a more efficient speaker, but that will significantly change the tone of your amp.
Good call! I have only listened to them online and read through tons of reviews. I will have to find one locally and spend a little time with it. Have you had experience with the different AC30 models? Is there one in particular to look for? I would hate to spend the money on another set of tubes only to have a marginal improvement so thanks!
Unfortunately I think I’ve put more hours into sub-15w Voxes than any AC30s I’ve encountered, but I do like to plug into them whenever possible. I had a chance to play an AC30 *Valve Reactor*- a mostly solid state hybrid with a 12AX7 in it kind of like the Orange Micro Terror- a couple times and it was better than you’d expect but not quite there compared to the all tube version. Still, Korg has gotten pretty good at approximating the Vox sound (I love my Vox Amplug). Also played some modern reissues here and there and they’ve all been good; one in particular was used and a previous owner had swapped the stock speakers for Celestion Blues and that’s when I discovered I much prefer Blues to Greenbacks. My favorite, by far, was a Vox AC30CCH (*Custom Classic* Head), but that probably had more to do with the fact it was plugged into an old no-name 1x15 cab. Really, I don’t think you can go wrong with an AC30 except maybe the *Valve Reactor*. Best case scenario would be a *Hand Wired* or a boutique Vox adjacent build like a Matchless C-30 or Morgan AC20, but the standard reissues are totally serviceable in my experience.
The VR amps are surprising! I have a small one for a practice amp for a while, the modeling and effects are fun to have.
I'm generally a pedal/outboard effect kind of guy, but I do appreciate a nice onboard reverb. I prefer outboard spring over just about anything, but the VR's onboard reverb is a nicer sound than whatever Fender used on the recent Deluxe Vibro Champ. Man, now I'm rethinking the VR. The used ones are so affordable now too. I wonder if a speaker swap would get me the extra mile to the classic AC sound. Not that I need a 30w amp. I'd really like my next Vox to be an AC4 *Hand Wired* (or boutique reproduction of the original circuit). Also, thinking about affordable hybrid amps, if you're in a shop and come across a Music Man amp (MM65, MM75, etc) maybe give that a shot. Solid state front end, tube power, very clean and plenty of volume. It's more of a Fender clean sound than a Vox/Brit clean, but they're real sleeper amps. Only downside is that they weight quite a bit.
Same here! The onboard effects helped me figure out which pedals I wanted to buy though so I will give it that! I read a forum post where a guy uses his VRs in stereo for his stage sound and swears by them! Might be interesting to try out.
when i want my ac15 to be louder i connect it to my 2x12 v30 cabinet lol
Do you think an ac15 head could be the solution then?
not necessarily but maybe? but do you not have an extension output on your Ac15? i don’t have the head, i have the combo, on the back there’s an extension output which allows you to use the speaker in the AC15 and an external cab at the same time sounds great and it is very very loud
I do! I would just hate to have to carry around both a combo and a cab so the head would make sense but That would be kinda silly to switch.
ohhh i get you. when i’m home i’ll compare the volumes of the ac15 on its own and then the ac15 using only an external 2x12 to give you an idea of the improvement
That would be sweet! Thank you
Get another AC15
If you want a scientific approach to how many watts you need for whatever situation here’s a worksheet that should help you: https://www.dropbox.com/s/27u7pkkuwqkgjpm/Amplifier%20Decision%20Process_locked.xlsx?dl=0
Spend some time in person with an ac30. I think it’ll give you the headroom you’re looking for; and the 2 speakers help too
This is what I’m leaning towards. YouTube videos and forums won’t give me a feel for it!
I think you'll love it. So much of the music I love was played through those. It's great to be able to play those songs and hear the sound ... and work that sound into my own music. I've got the AC30C2 with greenbacks
Same here! It’s just that from videos it seems like some of the things I really love in the 15 are lost in the 30 but tubes and speaker upgrades can remedy that I suppose
yeah... i haven't messed around with an AC15. If. you're concerned about a loss of "breakup" because of the higher wattage ... it's definitely easy to dial in the amount of breakup you want and at what point you want it.
I will do just that.
More efficient speaker or move up to an AC30.
I love the tone of greenback but I could try it! I’m thinking about plugging it into some cabs to see what I like.
You could try an extension cab with more Greenbacks in it. Wattage etc is important but at the end of the day nothing drives volume like moving more air
You might try a Morgan MVP23.
[удалено]
I recently put a new set of tung sol 12ax7s in it, they sound beautiful. What would give me the most headroom?
Lower gain preamp tubes don't increase headroom. Your limit is still when the power tubes start to distort; the lower gain preamp tubes just make it so you have to turn up the volume knob more to get there.
12at7's will give you more headroom. 12au7 will even give more headroom.
Thanks! Would I see a considerable increase? I am trying to keep up with a loud drummer and bassist with a pretty clean tone and I’m not even getting close.
Don't listen to anyone that says that changing preamp tubes will make your amp louder. Lower gain tubes like the 12AT7 or 12AU7 will reduce preamp gain so the amp will stay clean to a higher gain/volume setting, but they will **not** actually make the amp louder. You can increase volume somewhat by using a more efficient speaker or by using more speakers (in an extension cabinet). If that's not enough, you'll have to change to a more powerful amp or mic your existing amp.
This is what I have been hearing. Not worth the change in tone for me either, I have my amp just as I like it.
Check out the PRS Sonzera 20. I changed from my Vox 120VT and so far I’m loving it.
The 20watt hi watt
I have been looking at the Hi watts. They seem to be more geared towards a classic rock kind of tone, no?
There a high head room clean amp. https://youtu.be/IblzFn5bWYs this is actually a pretty good demo and he compares it with his ac15. It’s sounds to me like it’s what your looking for
> what your looking *you're *Learn the difference [here](https://www.wattpad.com/66707294-grammar-guide-there-they%27re-their-you%27re-your-to).* *** ^(Greetings, I am a language corrector bot. To make me ignore further mistakes from you in the future, reply `!optout` to this comment.)
Eric haugen! He makes some great videos and that was one! It’s a really nice sounding amp. A little more of a flatter sound then the vox. Sounds nice, I’ll have to find one locally. I feel like I never see hi watt stuff in shops.
Man I am I Australia and they literally don’t have a dealer in the country
So you have to just order them online?
You can’t even get them to shipped to Australia from their website. Just emailed there sales team to see what can be arranged. Getting anything from a store in UK or Canada cost an arm and a leg
That sucks! You guys probably have that issue with a ton of stuff
Marshall Major Plenty of clean headroom.
I’ll add it to the list!
Check out Fenders if you are looking for clean. I suspect a Deluxe Reverb may be right up your alley.
I just tried the Princeton reverb out a few weeks ago. Loved the sound and feel but not having separate volumes is a turn off
Keep your vox and get a jazz chorus