BadgerDave Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Link to Vox Product Description Why??????? I was really exited when I heard that Vox was building a 99% true to original spec handwired AC15. IMO, this is the most desireable amp ever built and I would sell just about every piece of equipment I own to buy an original in great condition. A handwired reproduction of the original circuit, with an EF86 preamp tube and an EZ81 rectifier, built by Vox in the UK would be a reasonable, and much more affordable, substitute. Unfortunately, the AC15 model that I, and just about every other Vox fan out there really wants, is the fawn tolex/brown diamond grill version from 1959-60. What does Vox do? Reissues the earlier, rarer but less desirable (and frankly, butt-ugly) TV front model. Very disappointing. Yes, I realize that it's the same circuit and it will sound the same. But, the market for this amp isn't utilitarian. The guys drooling over the concept are buying more than a sound, though that's a huge part of the appeal. The Vox "look" is the reason why we aren't satisfied with a repro from Gabriel, Top Hat or Dr. Z. Maybe the plan is to roll out the fawn copper panel model later.
cmatthes Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Ugh.Who the hell wants THAT AC-15?!Seriously, there is definitely appeal with "the look" of the classic VOX stuff. That ain't it...
MCChris Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Probably another case where the decision was spearheaded by some marketing or MBA dweeb.
anotherfreak2 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 those MBA's are gonna ride me out of business what makes them "experts" that should be listened to?
discountsounds Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 But cream vinyl is soooooo rock and roll...I suppose the "extremely limited edition run of 400 amplifiers with oiled mahogany cabinets" will look better (and cost even more).
AdmiralB Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 built by Vox in the UK Whatever would make you think that?
BadgerDave Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 built by Vox in the UK Whatever would make you think that?Guitarist Magazine refers to the AC15H1TV as "British built", though I don't see anything on the Vox website that confirms UK manufacture. IIRC, the recent limited edition run of handwired AC30s was done in the UK.
AdmiralB Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Guitarist Magazine refers to the AC15H1TV as "British built", though I don't see anything on the Vox website that confirms UK manufacture. IIRC, the recent limited edition run of handwired AC30s was done in the UK.The AC30s were done by Marshall, as were all the Korg ACxx amps. These AC15s are the first hand-wired amps since Vox was spun off as a distinct company, and I'm 99.99% sure they're made in China.
phoenix Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 I dig the mahogany cabinet but have kind of lost interest in trying an AC-15 after Admiral B wrote about the plate voltage design flaws as per the tube capacities. Is there one that is OK or will a JMI AC-30 cover it?
AdmiralB Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 I don't recall saying anything about AC15s...the Orange Tiny Terror (which is essentially an AC15 with an extra gain stage) works the piss out of the tubes by a substantial margin.
phoenix Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Thats what I was referring to. So they are very different and the 15 is an ok design? I thought you said the 15 overworked NOS tubes so newer ones are even more overtaxed
BadgerDave Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 Perhaps they're being built in China by English ex-pats. That would make "British built" a defensable marketing claim. Or maybe Vox is subcontracting these to Marshall as well? I've learned never to doubt your intel, Bob, but building a handwired high $ boutique reissue in China? Seems to me Vox would be shooting themselves in the other foot with that decision. Details seem to be trickling out gradually and I'm sure the big British gear mags will be doing feature articles soon. I'm going to keep enjoying my Orange Tiny Terror while waiting for Vox to reissue the "right" AC15.
AdmiralB Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Or maybe Vox is subcontracting these to Marshall as well? Possible, I guess. Supposedly one reason the AC30HW series was so small was that Marshall was starting up their HW series and didn't have the manpower.Are the 15s really that high-priced? I haven't looked lately but it seemed to me when I first read about them I thought they were fairly reasonable (except for the wood cab versions), which made China more likely.FWIW, the AC30CC I owned had great workmanship. Some of the components looked a little dodgy (it did sound great, though), but it was very well-assembled.
BadgerDave Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 I don't recall saying anything about AC15s...the Orange Tiny Terror (which is essentially an AC15 with an extra gain stage) works the piss out of the tubes by a substantial margin.Resulting in a glorious sound, IMO! NOS tubes not required. In fact, I tried a set of NOS Mullard el84s in my TT and quicky replaced them with a set of Groove Tube (Sovtek?) 10s. The GTs sound better in that amp.You should try one, Steve.
AdmiralB Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Thats what I was referring to. So they are very different and the 15 is an ok design? I thought you said the 15 overworked NOS tubes so newer ones are even more overtaxedGotcha. Yeah, the TT and the old style AC15 are identical as far as power section. I can't speak to the recent AC15 versions, though. The new AC30CC does have selectable bias, so you can cool things down.
phoenix Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 I'd love to. I just had Gregg Levy NOS tube my 30 so it would be a fun comparison.
BadgerDave Posted June 22, 2007 Author Posted June 22, 2007 Are the 15s really that high-priced? I haven't looked lately but it seemed to me when I first read about them I thought they were fairly reasonable (except for the wood cab versions), which made China more likely. MSRP is 875 British pounds for the tolex version which converts to about $1,750, I believe.
santellavision Posted September 22, 2007 Posted September 22, 2007 I just got one of the new Vox AC15H1TV's. I got the white and not the $600 up-charge hardwood cab. All I can say is Awesome. There are no bad tones in it. 2 different sounding channels. I am in Tone Nirvana. Stock tubes and all. I'll get around to trying some NOS, but for now, I couldn't be happier. I can't wait to take it to an open blues night. If any of you are on-the-fence, buy it. Built solid and the detail is superb.P.S. I just read, they are also making a new hand-wired Heritage Series AC30. Should be out by the end of the year. If it's anything like this, look out.
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