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Vox AC15H1TV Handwired

Summary
Price New Vox AC15H1TV Handwired @ Musician's Friend
Manufacturer URL http://www.voxamps.co.uk/
Features 7.5 (17 responses)
Sound Quality 8.4 (16 responses)
Reliability 6.6 (12 responses)
Customer Support 8.0 (6 responses)
Overall Rating 7.9 (15 responses)
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Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 08/11/2009 at 09:41pm by Reg

Features : 7
2008 model, Amp is versitile in some ways, will not do metal or anything really heavy without the addition of a high gain distortion pedal and a closed back cab...but with these will still be passable.
It has 2 channels with options for high or low gain, EF86 channel and standard topboost channel.
Has enough volume for gigs, although with my Les Paul can start to breakup pretty early when the volume gets over 1/4

Sound Quality : 9
This amp sounds great!!!
I use a Les Paul Standard with a number a couple of distortion pedals, Crowther Hot Cake/ G2D Custom overdrive and a tubescreamer clone....all of them sound good through this amp. Only comment would be I have to dial out the higher freq on the G2D to hit the sweet spot as it can get a bit harsh. I play in a rock/pop band and also at church and it suits this perfectly. Can get a nice vox chimey clean or if cranked (on the EF86/ pentode mode) a thick creamy overdrive....it is a bit loud when the amp is cranked to this level though and not really useable live (a real shame as it is a very nice/unique overdrive) I didn't buy this amp for its drive sounds though, I bought it for its clean vox chime.
The EF86 side is really nice, but I sometimes switch to the topboost side for a change because it is also very useable and gets slightly more bass if dialed in. You can run both channels together for a combination of both which is a nice compromise.

You can watch a demo here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLsYSX39UBw
All in all it does most things well, with the exception of metal...if you want to do metal buy a dual rec or 5150, don't buy this!

Reliability : 7
Haven't had to many issues with the exception of a buzz or almost like a signal drop out when hard strumming with high output humbuckers. I have replaced the 12AX7 tubes and havn't noticed it since, so to be fair to vox it may have been the cheap tubes that came with the amp...it has tung sol's in now and is going better than ever.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Havn't had to deal with vox yet

Overall Rating : 9
I would dprob replace this if stolen...or I might go with a Night Train as they look like a very similar sounding amp but in a tiny head format....
I have owned quite a few amps in my 10 year guitar playing history including Peavey Classic 50/ Mesa Rocket 44/ Mesa Single Rec/ Mesa Dual Rec/ Marshall 2550 head/ Orange Tiny Terror
And those were all good amps and served a purpose...but for right now this amp suits me just fine! If I started playing hardcore again I would prob go and buy an Orange Rockerverb50 stack but as there is no real need for that right now this is just perfect.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 07/04/2009 at 10:19pm by Chla Mydia

Features : 9
this is a 2008 - the blond version ( combo with the alnico blue) I am a vox freak and have owned a 60s AC30 when I was kid, A Korg ( early 90s ) version of the AC 15 and an AC 10 twin. I had use of this handwired version for 2 weeks. Certainly loud enough for rock cover band - I always have appreciated Vox vibrato circuits - no vibrato on this one.

Sound Quality : 7
I just really love the tone of a tele bridge PU into treble booster into the right class A EL84 amp. I have played 40 years - now in cover pop-rock band - play all the campy stuff people dance to ( that's why we get gigs) - my personal favorite sounds are 60s brit. This amp comes pretty close - it does have the EF86 quality I love - BUT in this particular version it is "boxy" sounding and lacks the sweetness of great Vox amps

Reliability : No Opinion
I don't know - I didn't buy one.

Customer Support : No Opinion
don't know

Overall Rating : 7
I have become convinced that that really over-the-top Vox shimmer requires three things ( all three ) 1. EF86 channel 2. two or more speakers. 3. good tubes and workmanship. The AC15 handwired is boxy because of the single speaker thing - My AC15 has the same issues ( one speaker and no EF86 ) I wonder if the head version of this amp combined with a two 10 or two 12 open back cab would get it right? If I'm right then it would sound great - I think the workmanship on this is good - but also needs replacement tubes. The magical amp for me is still my 65 AC10 twin. There is something about the 2 speaker thing that opens up the tone and sweetens the trebles - not boxy. A good AC 30 with twin 12s and an EF86 gets it right also - BUT I can't carry one of those upstairs any more. My AC10 is only about 50 lbs and 12 watts so I can crank it ( unlike a 30 ) I would like to own a backup for this amp someday - that's why I keep checking out other EF86 amps


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 06/04/2009 at 05:45am by Bubba
Email: 999bubba at live<dot>com

Features : 10
Not many features but it is easy to dial in many useable tones, especially if you bridge the channels, lots of choice here. Personally less is more to me so this amp works for me so far.

Sound Quality : 10
As soon as I received the amp, and mine is the limited Mahogany one, i was happy with the look and fired it up to see if it worked and it sounded good. I use multi amp set up, two Black faced Fender Reverbs, this amp fit right in, I was worried at first about no reverb but with the Fenders it is great. These amps are a bit on the noisy side, but i put in some nice NOS RCA 5751 tubes and it quieted right down. The clean tones are in there and the overdrive it can achieve is excellent, very" chimy". so far I am loving the sound of this amp and I havn't even begun to dial all the tone possibilities.

Reliability : 8
I Have some concerns about reliability issues, but I believe that if you replace all the crummy tubes with real good ones, all the tubes that is, it should hold up just fine, always turn it off when not playing. Remember EL-84 tubes run hot and don't last as long as their larger brethren.

Customer Support : No Opinion
No opinion as I just got the amp.

Overall Rating : 8
I looked at a zillion amps and can only hope I made the right choice, however having said that I have no doubt about the tone this amp delivers, so right choice on that score. These are made in China, and are not built inside as sturdy as I would have liked, I am a trained amp tech and think I will be able to work on this amp just fine after I get used to it, I just got it. I ordered all the NOS tubes and will take the chassis out when they arrive, at that time I will learn all there is about the construction and layout, but this amp really sings, not as well made as I would have liked, nothing is perfect but with a bit of effort can be made to fit the bill as far as construction goes. Also re sale will hold up as it is a Vox, newer makes fall off drastically in value even if they are well made. I give it an 8 only because of the construction issues.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 04/16/2009 at 12:42pm by Paul M. Sark

Features : 10
I've played out with the Vox AC15H1TV twice now. Both times I had guitarists from the bands playing after us compliment me on the sound of the Vox: "That Vox screams." "That Vox really has character -- makes my Mesa Boogie sound like a generic piece of crap."

The ability to switch from 15 watts to 8 watts is my favorite feature. Also terrific is that you can bridge across Channel 1 and Channel 2 with a patch cable, and run both channels together. Then, within channels there are two inputs -- one that's 6 decibels louder. What this all boils down to is amazing flexibility.

Perfect for playing small clubs, even medium sized clubs. Larger clubs you go through the PA anyway, so it's actually suitable for most venues.

Sound Quality : 10
I've played Gretsches and Telecasters through Vibroluxes and Deluxes for more than 40 years. Blackface, blueface both. But for the first time in my life I'm playing in a trio, and at showcase clubs in New York City and so needed an amp that delivers more lower mid-range, and breaks up at lower volumes than my trusty Vibrolux -- (I sold the Deluxe to get the Vibrolux).

The Vox gave me exactly what I was looking for.


Reliability : 9
I'm on my second one. I bought the first amp online -- an amp which I suspect was first purchased by one of the reviewers here -- the one who trashed rated the amp with dismally low "1" ratings in nearly every category. This reviewer posted essentially the same scabrous review on the online store site as he did here. There were two amps advertised as "warehouse resealed" at a lower price, and I ordered one. It sounded great for three weeks, then I took it to practice in a rehearsal studio. I cranked it and it sounded great for an hour and a half, then began to crackle and sputter.

All it needed was a new power tube, but I sent it back. For a couple of months I used the Vibrolux at gigs, and of course, encountered the same issues that prompted me to check out other amps in the first place.

I tried all sorts of amps -- I really liked the Blackstar 15 watt amp. Then I realized it's a slight variation on the Vox AC15H1TV: same tubes, same basic idea. A little out of my price range though. I went back to an uptown music store, tried out the Vox again and decided to order a brand new one. Because the BlackStar amp company makes a big deal out of their point-to-point soldering, even going so far as to show you the inside of the amp -- of which they are justifiably proud -- when I got the new Vox, I opened it up to check out the soldering, the layout, etc.

It's a peculiar layout -- with the preamp tubes in the back in a box and the output tubes in the front, hanging down so that you can actually see them glowing through the speaker cloth. But it's professionally soldered, the joints good and clean. Mine has Sovtek tubes which is fine for now, although I'll look to replace them with something a bit better when I need to.


Customer Support : 9
So far customer support has been fine. The online store took back the "warehouse resealed" amp without any fuss. I told them it was defective and just like that, they sent me a label to send it back for free.

As for Vox, I sent an email to them asking if I could purchase the cover that comes with the mahogany model. Got a nice email back recommending I try Tuki covers as they did not have any extra on hand. I got the Tuki cover and am very happy with it.

Overall Rating : 10
Like I said, I've been playing for 40 years using mostly Fender equipment, so I was hesitant to go with a Vox. Like many players, I'd heard stories about Vox amps catching on fire, blowing up, crapping out, etc., etc. So it was with my heart in my throat and my hand on my wallet that I went back for the second Vox.

I love it. It's exactly what I was looking for at a price I could afford.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 03/22/2009 at 03:52pm by Frank

Features : 5
I've got a Vox AC15H1TV. Great sound and quite versatile.
There's one big problem: as far as it gets hot (like after 40 minutes on a gig), the sound start loosing it's qualities and sounds like crap after a while.

Sound Quality : 2
Very good. If it gets hot, it sounds like crap.

Reliability : 6
Quite reliable so far. But I wish, I could really use it live.

Customer Support : 8
I don't know. I didn't have any issues so far...

Overall Rating : No Opinion
I've been playing in different bands for 10 years. About 200 gigs so far. I do also play a silver face fender deluxe reverb from the 70's.

I would definitely NOT buy it again.

I love the basic sound. I hate it, because it looses it's qualities when it gets hot.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: GBP 700
Submitted 11/07/2008 at 05:04pm by Edward Fox

Features : 9
Although this amp has minimal features it is very easy to dial in a wide variety of excellent tones. I play lead guitar in a loud 5 piece post-rock band and although this amp is only 15 watts it keeps up easily. I play with the amp just on the edge of breakup when using a thinline tele with fairly low output pickups and drive it into creamy overdrive with a boost pedal. I also play a 335 equipped with Bareknuckle Mules, the amp really sings when played with the higher output humbuckers of this guitar. As I'm sure you are already aware this amp really has no bells and whistles but if what you are after is fantastic tone then it has everything you need.

Sound Quality : 10
I use the EF86 side of this amp almost all of the time. This is however no slight on the Top Boost channel which provides all the classic Vox chime and sparkle you could ever want. I also own an AC30cc2x and an AC15TBX (bit of a Vox-aholic). The top boost absolutely demolishes the TBX and while not as punchy as the 30 the ability to get creamy overdrive at loud but not deafening volumes is a bonus for me. The EF86 channel is really something else. It is fat and articulate and highly responsive to your playing. The brilliance control and bass shift allow for plenty of sound sculpting. By putting the bass shift to position 2 and the brilliance to position 1 I can get great cleans with the guitar volume rolled back then either roll up the volume or boost for a beautifully full overdrive. This amp is never going to do super clean or high gain but it excels at classic Vox and why else would you want a Vox?

Reliability : 7
This amp has like all Voxes past and present has had questions asked about its reliability. I bought the amp new about 10 months ago, so far I have only had to replace the EF86 valve. This was after about 6 months, I replaced it with a Phllips Dario Miniwatt and have had no problems since. I guess time will tell. EF86's in combos are notoriously troublesome but so far I am happy.

Customer Support : 7
I have dealt with Vox (Korg UK) on several occasions they have always replied to email however their responses have not always been that helpful. They do now have a new website with a forum where questions seem to be answered pretty well.

Overall Rating : 10
As I previously stated I have an AC30cc2x and an AC15TBX, I also own an Orange AD30 (fantastic amp), and an Epiphone Valve Junior. I have played on many different amps over my 15 years guitar playing. Right now this is my favorite. If I wasn't such a kleptomaniac the other Voxes would definitely be finding themselves on Ebay. If it were stolen or lost they would be straight on there and I'd buy another in a flash.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: 679.00
Submitted 09/16/2008 at 01:39pm by gazmac

Features : 9
this amp sounds awsome and is easy to dial in those creamy tones ok made in china (isnt everything these days) and doesnt pose a problem with me as amps can break down wherever they come from i use this amp for playing early shadows stuff to blues ,rock just about anything really. no effects loops or anything like that to colour the sound just a good old basic amp the way it should be if you want an amp with all the modern gizmos then i would buy something else .

Sound Quality : 10
as i said above this amp has great tone natural break up for blues and all the crunch even better with digital echo but awsome with a tape echo very natural in every aspect couldnt live without it now now i have other handwired boutique amps and effects which cost a lot of cash and this one is right up there with them maybe not on the power rating but for the studio and small venues then great (you can always mike it up for big venues) which i would no problem

Reliability : 4
Now heres the problem im a pro player and although i have loads of amps i can play through i bought this and within 3 days it was dead lol im not bothered about it as the store i got it from just said to bring it in but as i have just got it i want to use it lol i know the maqins fuse is blown so i replaced it with the same fuse type and it came to life again but no sound but before this happened the 63 channel was very noisy as i said the store have told me to bring it to them but i just hope it dosent need to go back to vox as its the easiest transportable amp i have i would have alook my self but dont want to vailidate the warranty but im sure with better valves mullards or jj teslas then this amp will last the pace easily other than that it would have been a high mark for them

Customer Support : 4
Havent had to deal with them as im dealing with the store im sure it will get sorted or i get a new amp simple

Overall Rating : 6
I love this amp as i have said i have loads of high end stuff the only thing i have to say is that it would have been better if they had made the cosmetics like the original ac15 amps and im not sure there is suitable ventalation for the valves even though ithe vents hidden behind the grill cloth but is it enough ??? if they had made the cab the original way (and colour)then this wouldnt be an issue as even my jack in the socket was getting hot !!!!!


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: USD 850 USED
Submitted 09/04/2008 at 02:31am by Al

Features : 8
Fairly basic, two channels that have different character to them, no master volume, no FX loop, etc. Lots of EQ and power options, though. You can go through the EF86 channel for a fatter, sweeter sound, or through the top boost channel for a crispier, jangly tone. You can run both the power tubes and the EF86 tube in triode or pentode mode, and there are low-cut switches on the EF86 channel that give you a lot of options and help the amp work well with different kinds of guitars. This amp isn't about a bunch of features, it's about simple tube tone. I have the head-only version, not the combo, because I wanted the flexibility of using different speakers and I already had a 1 x 12 cab.

Sound Quality : 9
I've used this amp live and in the studio with a Telecaster, a Gibson Johnny model, and a Luna hollow-body. It sounds pretty great with all of them. Not a ton of headroom but it gets LOUD for 15 watts. It works well run fairly hot with the guitar dialed down for clean, cranked up for some drive. Very natural distortion, with the classic Vox tones you would expect.

Reliability : 8
I have used this amp one one session and one gig so far, without backup, and it worked perfectly. But first, I did replace the power tubes with JJ EL84s, and the top boost preamp tube was noisy so I replace it too. This amp is getting a bad rap because they ship with crappy tubes, but THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE AMP. Mine works great. Learn to replace tubes, people! Having said that, it was pretty stupid of Vox to ship these amps with crummy tubes in them, as it would have made more sense for them to use good tubes and avoid these bad reviews which have to be hurting their sales a bit. Pretty short-sighted and stupid marketing... penny-wise and pound-foolish as the saying goes. I haven't had the amp that long but I'm giving it an 8 for reliability as so far it has been without problems.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Haven't had to deal with it. No warranty on mine because I bought it second hand. I don't see too many problems with it, but if I was playing it loud all the time, I might try to mod it by giving the tubes a little better ventilation.

Overall Rating : 9
I've been playing as a pro for over 30 years. I've always wanted a little amp like this to get those classic British-invasion tones I heard on records growing up. This amp delivers. It's not the best sounding amp I own (my other amps are worth $2500 (Jamison combo) and $5000 (original tweed Bassman)but then it does something completely different that those amps, it sounds great for what it is. I wanted an amp that wasn't as loud as my others, that I could crank up, and the Vox is perfect for that. It worked great on the session I did


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: USD 1399
Submitted 05/03/2008 at 01:08pm by juanypei

Features : 9
i believe this amp was made in 2007.
15W all tube - (2)EL84, (1)EZ81, (3)12AX7, (1)EF86
alnico blue celestion, 15ohm 12 inch.
it's a 2 channel amp, one being an EF86 channel from '58 and the other a 12AX7 channel supposedly based on the 63 top boost. the channels are independent, but if you've got a short cable, you can jumper them together and EQ channel 1. there is no effects loop, it's all front end like a vintage amp. there is no headphone jack, but this amp is meant to do loud, so if it did have a headphone jack i'd blow my eardrums.
i think a standby is a good idea. there are times i wish it had a tremolo or a reverb, but i can get a tremolo pedal, and if i wanted reverb i'll play it in a church.
another reviewer said he wished it had heating vents. it seems to have a long oval cut in the baffle which would serve as a heating vent so that heat can dissipate through the grill. though i don't think this is as effective as vents built into the top.
but as vintage EL84 are, the hotter they get, the better they sound.

there is not one feature i do not use, but there are some features that i set and forget. this would be the pentode/triode switch in channel 1; it's always set to pentode. and the top cut switch is almost always set to 12 o clock.

as far as versatility goes, this amp has it. when i play someone else's songs, songs i know were recorded through a vox with an alnico blue, i know this amp will deliver with the exact tone (rem sounds good through this; playing like the edge sounds great through this - ESPECIALLY with a really good delay pedal; and of course the beatles(and your bird can sing just sings)

i use this amp at home and occasionally when i jam with my friends. but it's heavy to lug around, almost 50# so it's mostly at home. sometimes i power down to 7 watts, but this amp can still deliver.

the stock tubes were shoddy, and i replaced them. i felt there was noise coming from the tubes so i took it to my local guy, who said that they all need to be replaced and were on their way to shorting out my amp, so i changed the power tubes, the rectifier and V2, V3 with jj's and put a NOS mullard 12AX7 in V1 of channel 2 and an NOS mullard EF86 in channel 1.

i should also mention that there are two speaker input jacks under the chassis, wired in parallel, switchable between 8 and 16 ohms. so when you want to use an extention cab (to make that AC15-twin-sound-ala-lennon-at-the-cavern) make sure to switch it to 8.
i do this with a divided by 13 1X12 fitted with a celestion G12H30 and it complements it so well.

Sound Quality : 10
i use this with a 2002 gibson les paul custom.
i use it with a 2002 korean epiphone dot with kent armstrong pickups - a paf style in the neck and a jb type in the bridge.
i use a 62 fender strat with this amp as well.
and through some processing, i use this with a gibson compact jumbo as well.
this amp suits everything i play perfectly.
the amp can be noisy, but i've got a lot of electronic equipment plugged into wall sockets and into power strips and a computer in the room, so yeah, of course it will pick up all that emf. and of course that 60 cycle hum, but that's something everyone deals with. if you engage the top cut, you'll knock out some of that noise. high output pickups that are unshielded will contribute to the sound too.
the controls are just a treble a bass volume in channel 1 and on channel 1 volume and presence and bass shift. for the EF 86 channel, if i want more headroom i play around with the presence and switch the bass shift and lower the volume or i plug into the input with the lower db rating.

i find that in channel 2 the treble and bass knob are very interactive and i can dial in a variety of tones.

the top cut works for both channels and expands dynamics even more, but like i said, i usually always have it set at 12 o' clock.

and not to overdo it with the generic vox descriptions, but yes, the sound coming through the alnico blue is very organic and chimey with a bell like quality to it.

the amp has to be pushed hard to get that saturated overdriven tone. but use a boost pedal to get that over the top may sound with your single coils. it plays well with most pedals, though i've only used a boss turbo overdrive, a dunlop wah an eventide twin delay and a fulltone fulldrive 2 with it. i'm sure it won't sound harsh with other pedals. i've even used a behringer vamp2 with it and found pleasing results! and with the boss fdr-1 pedal, it sounds like it's in the deluxe reverb territory with less of those terrible highs and more sweet midrange.

it's an old house, on the 3rd floor, close to the wall, so it picks up vibrations from it's surroundings. and since this speaker seems quite sensitive, sometimes it picks up on the vibrations. if i had more room, i'd place it somewhere closer to the center of the room and sit it on something to absorb the vibrations.
or i'll just line the inside with foam.
umm, no.

Reliability : 8
it's dependable.
i don't gig.
it's new. arrived new 9/07. brought it in twice. both times due to tube issues. the first time i went to jeff blochs in brooklyn, it was because i powered up, light came on, but no sound came out. i was repaired but when i asked why they told me they were sworn to secrecy and couldn't tell me. after finding the old rectifier at the bottom of the cabinet and upon further research i surmised that the rectifier tube was the culprit. the second time i brought it in was again because of the tubes. but this time i replaced them all and the sound is just so lovely.
i give it an 8 because the stock electro harmonx and sovtek tubes were horrible. minus 2 for the tubes, but everything else is just fine.

Customer Support : 10
i've called mike in melville a number of times, not just for this amp, but for a number of vox items i already own as well (da5, plexi-ish amplug, V941 effects buffer) and he's just incredibly helpful. and he sent me a manual for the buffer with is primo.
so kudos to mike.

Overall Rating : 10
i don't know what the first dude was talking about.
this thing is great.
some glitches but those were very minor and were easily addressed and remedied.
i love my vox.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 05/03/2008 at 06:57am by Murali
Email: info<at>kalimusic dot com

Features : 1
no reverb; no vibrato; no channel switching; not even any tone controls on the 1958 side. I'd say that's limited. but you can get pedals to do some of it. personally all i use is a wah pedal right now. i just love the tone of this amp. really.

Sound Quality : 10
the amp is a gem. plain talk, straight up. I have used this at a four hour gig in a a 200 person capacity crowd and it was loud enough for the drummer to complain. i did have it up on a chair, though.

so here's the HEADROOM tip: turn the gain up full. reduce the bass on whichever channel you use and install a treble bypass cap on your guitar's volume control. this way you get all the headroom you want with no loss of highs when you roll the volume back to clean up. and when you crank the volume you get a beautiful, roaring overdrive. this works with either humbuckers or single coils.

Reliability : 10
have you used yours at a four hour gig yet? gets pretty damn hot and, like the originals, will fry the tubes and just about everything else over time... so I took the upper back panel off, removed the bolts on the sides of the cab holding the chassis in, pulled the chassis out 'til I can put one of the bolts on each side back in. This exposes the power tubes and lets 'em breathe. then i put the back panel back on, mostly so I don't get electrocuted. this way the amp runs cool for hours and will help the tubes last about 5 times longer. seems some of these guys here don't realize that if your TUBE amp makes weird noises the first thing to do is replace the TUBES rather than throw away the amp. 'Doh!

Customer Support : No Opinion
take care of your damn amp and don't throw it around. the handwiring job is pretty good. see my note under "reliability". If it sounds funny, start with changing the EL84s. learn how to open it and familiarize yourself with the guts. to not get electrocuted don't have it plugged in when you take it apart.

Overall Rating : No Opinion
got a white one; got a mahogany one. both sound like the original - maybe better since you essentially have both the 1958 version and the 1964 version in one. got the mahogany "limited edition" 'cause I took the white one to a gig and realized covering it in white tolex was about the most stupid thing VOX/Korg could have done: if I actually use it it'll be dirty in two gigs. so i got the mahogany. course the chinese can build beautiful cabinets and lacquered furniture. but they did a very ****** job and 3 of the corners on the TV front are funny. but oh, well, it still looks pretty good unless you're completely anal about it.

I included my email if you have questions. i'll try to help.



Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 02/25/2008 at 02:38pm by lott

Features : 9
Less is indeed more with this amp

Sound Quality : 10
Absolutely beautiful. Some of the best sounds I have personally heard.

Reliability : 1
Ahh, now for the unfortunate truth. This may be a good amp reguardless of where it was made. Mine however was cutting out the second day I owned it.

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 2
If it worked a 10 would be in order as this amp does sound beautiful. The one I bought was a 1. I was nervous taking another vox so I just returned it and went with something else. AN orange ad30tc. Although the orange does not sound as good as the vox it does work everytime I turn it on.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: USD 900
Submitted 02/14/2008 at 10:55am by Frederic

Features : 5
Well, it's a simple amp, If you want boogie "everything switchable" versatility, buy somathing else...

Yet it has two channels, bridgeable inputs and a half power switch which makes the amp sound quite different, so playing with the volumes mixing channels and experimenting with the half power switch you have quite a lot of possibilities...

Sound Quality : 9
An incredible amp for the price... The sound is the reason I bought it... Very organic, chimey, and mid rangey which makes it cut thru the mix... Very responsive to dynamics in your playing... The vox sound is an aquired taste, maybe not everyone's, but if you are into it, this amp delivers it in spades... and in a small, portable and still surprisingly loud package... my only concern is the clean headroom, not as much as I would have wanted, but the tradeoff is that you get overdriven sounds at a reasonable level... definitely NOT the case on my '61 AC 30... a lot more available overdrive than vintage voxes too...

Ideally I would have it modded to have a bit more clean headroom on one of the channels...

I have a marshall jubilee 50 watts, a sliverface super reverb, and a '61 AC30, this amp does'nt replace them all but It has become my number one amp for almost everything and I rarely turn anything else on...





Reliability : No Opinion
No problems yet...

Customer Support : No Opinion

Overall Rating : 10
It's a very distinctive, special amp, definitely try before you buy...

I rarely post, but I found the first review was totally unfair... for me it is the first vox reissue that sounds as good as a good vintage one, period.



Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: GBP 575
Submitted 02/01/2008 at 04:41am by Charliemoon

Features : 9
Had this amp for a couple of months now. It was purchased to use live and save me from lugging my heavy AC30 around, though I'll still use the AC30 for larger gigs. I also bought a second-hand Vox V15, 2x10 but it was far too boxy sounding, even with new valves and speakers, and a fender blues junior tweed (a very disappointing amp). Once I plugged in the AC15, the previously mentioned amps were promptly sold! No reverb on this amp, but I dont use that anyway, some people may miss this. Two excellent channels though and the valve rectifier can be switched from 15W to 7.5W so the same tone can be had at lower volumes, ideal for rehersals and home use. I picked this up as an ex-demo amp so maybe its been 'proven' in the shop as a good'un. with 25% off the retail price I got myself a bargain!!!

Sound Quality : 10
The sound is very good in myu opinion. Other users have stated that this hasnt got the Vox tone!!!! after 25 years with my trusty AC30, this is the closest thing I have found that gets my AC30 tone without the huge volume and massive weight to carry around. In fact, with the switching options and 2 very uswable channels I would argue that it is more versatile than my AC30! the clean tone is excellent and the overdrive is excellent, gorgeous in fact. Ok so it won't quite have the tone of an original early '60's AC15, but you try an find one at a reasonable price! for me the sound is Awesome

Reliability : 10
Only had the amp for three months but its gone without a hitch. I have used it live sevedral times and its not let me down yet. I never take a back-up amp, only a POD 2 just incase.... I can always go direct through the PA if I have problems. Seems pretty dependable so far and as for the 'made in china' issue.... so what. I have had various British made and American made products over the years and hasd my fisr share of reliability issues regardless of where products are made. Even the Germans can make cars which are lemons!

Customer Support : No Opinion
I havent had to deal with Vox so no opinion

Overall Rating : 9
I have been playing for over 25 years. I use a Strat mainly, but also a Tele and an SG. various pedals including and old Ibanez TS9 (made in Japan and still going strong), Boss & MXR pedals and an old crybaby wah. I spent a long time getting the right pedals to compliment my AC30 and they sound just as good through the AC15. I'll give the amp a 9 overall as the only amp thats worth a 10 is my AC30


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: USD 900.00
Submitted 01/16/2008 at 02:38am by Ebot

Features : 8
It has all the features a real guitar player would need. Namely great tone. It has a Top Boost channel and an EF86 channel. Both sound great.

Sound Quality : 9
I'll give it a 9 because very few things deserve a 10. I'm mainly writing this review because I believe this amp to be much better than the first reviewer stated. Maybe his was bad. All I know is that I've owned alot of really great amps and this is one of my favorites. My plan was to swap out the chinese transformers with Mercury Magnetics trannies (which is what I did w/ my AC30 CC2x)but I love the sound so much I'm reluctant to mess with it. It has that great British KkkraaangggGG and plenty of chime as well. Having spent years as a Marshall/Fender guy, I must say now that, for me, it's all about EL84's. This is definatley more of a rhythm players amp although with a Don Butler treble booster I was able to get some searing lead sounds ala Mick Ronson or Jimmy Page. This amp nails the Tom Petty thing (American Girl, The Waiting etc.) Not much clean headroom but who needs it. It's got a beautiful chimey grind.

Reliability : No Opinion
too soon to tell. But Vox's have never been known for reliability.

Customer Support : No Opinion
too soon to tell.

Overall Rating : 9
The only amp I have that I like better is my Bad Cat Lynx. I think people like to rag on this amp (as well as the other Chinese Vox's)simply based on where they were made (although the first reviewer seems to have legit reasons for not liking it). I really feel the need to defend these amps. I guess if people keep hating on them maybe the price will go down and that means more Vox's for me!!!!


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 01/15/2008 at 07:49pm by greg wolf

Features : 9
vox ac15h1tv 1099.00

Sound Quality : No Opinion
i just opened the box brand new got it on line for 1099.00 i am a professional musician in good old nashville tenn i own 12 amps from deluxes to ac30 boogies this amp smokes i aggree totally with the last review. this guy must have the worst luck on the planet 2 amps both broke i got mine from e bay awsome for 1099.99 shipped from my home town of long island ny. korg is right in my town melville. the amp sounds great i play about 25 different gits threw this ricks strats tele and it is really loud for 15 watts its unreal/ great cab/ great blue speaker. the tone is all vox small enuff to gig with sounds beatles with 65 casino i love the tone dont let the made in china bother you its allllll made in china. only neg / no standby and no air vents for heat to escape i use hotcake zendrive and to many other pedals to list i got santana sounds and great beatle textures then did some vince gill all sounded great even gary moore with the hot cake pedal awsome its all there if you no how to play i love it great choice buy it

Reliability : No Opinion
i dont know yet i just got it

Customer Support : No Opinion
never really had to deal with vox and i own 4 vox amps just change your tubes

Overall Rating : 9
ive been giging for 4 decades and never looked back. ive only had the amp for 5 hrs and love it i own many amps and about 25 gits casinos rick strats tele its all good


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 12/29/2007 at 06:14pm by Mikael

Features : 10
A 2007 anniversary edition. 2 channels and lots of different tone controls.
I mainly play jazz. (Es 175, Gibson.)
It's a 15-watt tube amp, but these 15 amps are very very powerful. Fortunately you can switch it over to 7?? watts which is what I normally use - even for gigs.

Sound Quality : 9
I enter this review because I totally disagree with the previous review on this amp. Maybe I was lucky to have the only perfect H1TV?? I doubt it. The tone is great. The amp is versatile enough to cover most styles from pop to jazz/blues, I think. The tone breaks beautifully exactly where I want it. I exchanged a Vox AC30 for this one because the AC30 is so incredibly heavy. This one is very handy and - I think - a better amp. (But rather expensive, I admit.)
One negative thing, though: Is is rather noisy when you handle the switches. Make your favourite settings before you turn the amp on.

Reliability : No Opinion
I've had it for 4 months now and haven't spared it. No problems so far. It seems very solidly built.

Customer Support : No Opinion
Haven't had to deal with them. 2 years' warranty - handled by my dependable local dealer.

Overall Rating : 10
Played guitar since 1965. I have owned a number of amps (and an army of guitars.) I use a Fender Blues Junior (great) for rehearsing and small gigs and the H1TV for bigger gigs.


Product: Vox AC15H1TV Handwired
Price Paid: UNKNOWN
Submitted 12/06/2007 at 04:13pm by Tripper
Email: tripper53 at msn<dot>com

Features : 1
Vox AC15H1TV Handwired New this year January 2007. I bought one of the Vox AC15H1TV amp and was built very well, (BUT) it is not The Holy Grail of VOX Tone!
Vox of yester years, it is still a Made in China and Vox corp. is not watching these little poeple making these amps. My amp snap, pop, and crak when you used the top boost and the watt change over switch.
The humming was so bad you could not hear the guitar coming out of the amp. So I just thought I got a lemon so I sent it back to the company and with in a week I had another New Vox AC15H1TV amp just like the first amp I burned the tubes in and after a few hours this amp started to act up worst then the 1st vox amp. The tubes were making all kinds of sounds that I never heard coming from any tube amp. This amp all it did was HUMM, CRAK and when you hit the A bar cord you could hear the tube rattling like a window and it was going to blow out of the speaker for $1,399.00 this amp should be one of the best amp out there. I am a big vox fan but this is not The Holy Grail of VOX Tone! People you are not going to get a amp from back in 1960's any more and get that Vox sound. Anyone that saids this amp is the best ever I hate to hear them play or maybe it's the 1st amp they ever bought and then yes it would be a good amp if you don't turn it up pass 4 on the volume and you don't play gigs with it. VOX if your going to make the The Holy Grail of VOX Tone! make it in the U.S.A. or back in England Not CHINA, JAPAN, KOREA,or VITNAM. You no the old saying you get what you pay for but in this case you are paying about $1,200 to much for this (The Holy Grail of VOX Tone!) I am not mad writting this statement I am upset that Vox would make soomething like this and put a price tag of $1,399 on it and call it the Anniversary of 1957-2007 and charge this price for a fancey name...company's new Heritage Collection of handwired amps, which commemorate Vox's 50th anniversary.

Sound Quality : 1
POP's HUMMS, HISSING, and can't tell about the clean channels cause of all the back ground humming and tubes rattling inside. The whole amp is distored. I used two Gretsch two Rickenbackers and Gibson ES 335. I never got a chance to really play this amp cause of all the crappie sound that it made. Does not matter what enivronment your going to play this amp is going to be very NOISY it's a shame you can't even hear how the blue speakers sound cause all of the noise it makes. To hear it clear you need to hit the toggle on 7 1/2 watts and keep it low if you want the noise to stop.

Reliability : 1
I would never depend on takeing this amp out on a gig until I new it played good for 6 months stright in the house and then (YES) you would need a back up with this amp at all times. This amp will brake down this amp will never last to be Collection amp.

Customer Support : 10
The company was great on making the transfer on this amp. New amp was sent to me and the new amp was sent back to them. The company was good to work with.

Overall Rating : 1
Been playing 40 yrs, if stolen there is NOWAY I would replace it.
Love how the amp box was made but hate what was called HANDWIRE.
Wish the two amps would have worked. Good luck people with this amp I hope someone gets a nice VOX and not the one's I bought.
I am putting my e-mail on this info. and hope to hear from someone out there with good or bad news about tis amp. Remember $1,400 is alot of money and you want the the The Holy Grail not just the Vox Name.

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