"Great Vox Bargain!"
Feature:
The AC15 comes w a lighted foot pedal for turning reverb and tremolo off and on. This is a very simple amp to use. Master volume, tremolo depth and speed, universal spring reverb, bass and treble EQ and top boost volume (gain). That's it. The Vox tube sound in its purest form. It would be nice if the foot pedal included switching for top boost, but it doesn't, so I give it a 9 for features.
Quality:
I have never had a problem w Vox amps over the years, and so far no problem w this one (after about 6 months of owning it). Very sturdy build, quality control is the best. I no longer play out or record, but if you gig w this amp (or any tube amp), replacement tubes are always a must (and, I must admit, the tubes in the AC15 are not that easy to get to). I expect this amp will last longer than I do. Take CARE of it, and it will take care of you.
Value:
Are you kidding!? $599 for the latest edition of a Vox classic? The best tube combo out there for the $, bar none!
Desirability:
It looks like an original Vox (ah, the memories), w the diamond grill cloth, and, to me, that's the best look any amp has ever had! The controls are simple and the sound is that pure Vox sound. You either like it or you don't. No other amp can, or has ever, reproduced that Vox sound.
Sound:
I've been playing for 40 + years, and back in the 60s, after I was up and running in numerous popular bands, Vox was always my choice (owned a Vox Guardsman, Bristol and Super Beatle). To my ears, that Vox sound has never been matched. A creamy, dreamy, rich full sound that no other amp offers (and I've owned or played thru most of them). From beautiful spacious cleans to a nice tube overdrive (via the Top Boost volume setting), this tube combo offers that 1960s sound that only it's cousin, the AC30, can match. Extremely responsive to pick attack. No mid setting in the EQ, but very interactive bass and treble settings. Set the master volume higher, and the Top Boost at abt 12:00 for that unbeatable Vox clean sound...back the master volume off and crank the top boost for a smooth, fatter tube break-up. Hey, it sounds like a Vox. If you know that sound, nuff said. Shredders and heavy metal-heads will be surprised at what this combo can do with a nice distortion or tube overdrive pedal.
Ease of Use:
Couldn't be easier to use. Only panel controls are mentioned above. Be sure to play w the interaction of Master volume and top boost volume, as well as the bass and treble EQ. Again, if you want that Vox sound, this is a beauty!
Support:
Although I've never had to use Vox support for any problem, I can only imagine that, as everything w Vox, the support would be outstanding.
Overall:
This is the least expensive (and a bargain!) of any Vox all tube combo amp available today. I compared it to its big brother, the AC30, and while the AC30 offers more tone contour, I just couldn't justify the price difference (or the size and weight). If you want more EQ control and volume, go for the AC30. But I find, for my needs and experience, that this marvelous little AC15CC is all I need.
Submitted: 5/17/2008
Style of Music: rock, alt-rock, blues, alt-country, folk...
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