Vox AC15H1TV

2008 model, all tubes changed to Tung-Sol. 2-channels EF86 & 12AX7 (no channel switching), 12" 16ohm Celestion Blue speaker, brilliance, bass, treble, bass shift, pentode/triode (for both EF86 preamp and opamp), top cut, high and low gain inputs. No reverb or effects loop. Blond tolex with Vox rust colored grille.

I've played a lot of different tube amps; some good, some not so good. I bought this one because it was exactly what I was looking for. The EF86 channel with the Celestion Blue is so bloody awesome that I almost pissed myself. Some amps' controls don't do much, but that's not the case with this one. All of the functions work very well and provide a huge amount of different tone combinations. I particularly like the 'top cut' feature. Keep in mind, though, that it lacks channel switching so you'll need a good A/B box. 15 tube Watts is plenty of volume for small venues, and you can just mic it if you need more. My only complaint is the lack of reverb; I tried the crappy Guyatone FR3000V tube reverb unit and settled on VanAmps' Sole Mate reverb. If you are looking for the finest vintage tone coupled with a very articulate speaker, look no further. If you can't play, you'll sound like crap through this amp. If your chops are up, though, you'll really shine.

I've got to wonder if the tubes and electronics will wear out sooner due to lack of good ventilation in the design.

Never needed Vox for service, but their tele support left nothing to be desired.

It's all relative, right? Everyone has a different ear and different tastes. Do yourself a favor - if you're considering this amp then be sure to a/b it against all of your other considerations before pulling the trigger. I played a lot of other amps that sounded good on their own, but their weaknesses really came out against the Vox. Wish that it had channel switching and a master volume, but then the tone would probably change, so I'll take it as is. Don't worry about a full EQ - you won't need it with this one.

They took an old idea (EF86) and really expanded the versatility. The pentode/triode switch is really handy for bedroom playing. The new brilliance position adds to the possible combinations of sounds. This garners a "9" because they could have managed to place tremolo and reverb in there, while they were in the business of improving old designs. The Top Boost is excellent and whole different tonal palette. Oh yeah, there's 6 dB difference between inputs on each channel too. Very versatile. Pentode/triode, +/- 6 dB,---upgraded to a "10"

For this price, one would be really hard put to find this quality of sound, made in China or not. This can emulate Hendrix at low levels, which I have not been able to do elsewhere (of course it requires a left-handed Strat strung right-handed, Fulltone '69 pedal, Roger Mayer Octavia, etc). I'm also very partial to Rickenbackers, and my reissue 360/12 and 620 are just plain fun to play. Tom Petty/Mike Campbell, Byrds, REM...country twang clearly can also be had out of this amp. You will not find this much bang for buck elsewhere. I have a el cheapo tweed Carvin 2X12 tweed cab with "British Series" speakers and they're not bad with the AC15. You can hear those Edge/U2 "bells" and "chime" in there. The real magic happens with the Blue Bulldogs in the AC30 cab attached. As is well known, the speakers are a large part of the VOX sound. You still get some of the chimey/bellsy thing with the Greenbacks or Greenback wannabes like in my el cheapo. The wannbes seems to add a little extra compression over the Bulldogs. Adds to the versatility in my book.

Don't know, just got it. It's handwired--what is there that a good amp guy can't handle? Learn to read schematics and when and how not to get electrocuted when you crack it open. Because there are voltages in there.

Don't know.

I'd say most bang for the buck for those looking for this sound. You will shell out 2X the cash EASY for a British-made handwired version of anything VOX.