Vox AC15HTVH

More than enough to keep you busy.
2 channels, not foot-switchable.
High and low gain inputs for each (6db difference).

Channel 1 is a ef86-based preamp (1 tube). Can toggle this preamp tube between triode and pentode mode. Channel has 3-way brilliance selector, with a position that duplicates original Vox brilliance circuit. Channel also has 2 bass settings via a separate switch. No traditional EQ, but these knobs/ switches and the tones knobs on the guitar make them not needed.

Channel 2 is 12ax7-based (2 tubes). Top end cut chicken head knob. Bass and trebel adjust.

Both channels are based on classic Vox amps of the past. Both drive nicely when you pus the volume, but they get LOUD, so get yourself an attenuator. I like the attenuator only when trying to get the drive at lower voumes. When playing clean, don't use the attenuator.. It takes away some of the liveliness/ punch of the channel (though the clean still sounds good, in its own right... just not as good when you directly compare with and without the Hotplate). (8ohm hotplate).

Power tube type-- El84.

No reverb, no tremolo. Two speaker inputs. 8 and 16 ohm selector. That's it. Personally not a tremolo fan and don't have much need for reverb, in general, either. Hear a custom classic at the shop with reverb, and didn't like the "after-sound" of the reverb after the chords on that amp, in particular. AKA-- no losses, there. Probably keeps the circuit more pure.

OK, I'm not a fan of sterile cleans. I also don't care a whole lot for Fender cleans, though I do like them to some extent. Just not my fav.

The cleans on this amp are great. The distortion is great. Chimey. The second channel has more of a fuzzier tone than the first, and the bass produced can be overwhelming, if I dont' turn down the bass knob. Sounds great... Very full and... amazing!

Cabs and guitar play a big roll. I use a Mesa 2x12 rectifier cab loaded with one V30 and one Celestion gold. Closed-back. Gibson Les Paul studio. Strange combo, but it works! The cab (and LP) are probably responsible for the bass. It sounds golden.

I also own a Dr. Z 6545 and a Bogner Ecstasy head. This amp sounds great. 6545 sounds very similar but is a bit spikier and maybe slightly more harmonic. Vox can get a bit smoother and fuzzier. Very simlilar, though. Both through the same cab. Great amp!

Bought it used. Bad 12ax7 when it arrived in original box, mint. I've heard this is common. Replaced the whole set with 12ax7's (JJ), including a balanced phase inverter tube. Sounds great.

Insides don't look nearly as beefy/ built as the Dr. Z. But how often will you be pounding around on the inside. Circuit inside looks fairly simple, but PC boards are used. Handwired... wires, along with caps to the PC board. The Bogner Ecstacy is a PC board amp, too... so don't fault it just for that.

Preamp tubes are pretty close to the PC board, wires, and caps... Hope that's not a problem, with time...

No idea. Never used it.

I got this thing used with a rebate online. Cost me just over $600. For the money, and even for the new price, go for it. I'd take the Dr. Z 6545 over it (Dr. Z= a bit spikier/ more cutting sound, with a little less chime, overall... and better build quality, discontinued botique amp...), but I have no problem keeping both. GREAT amp!
Might have to pick up an open-back cab in the future and let some alnico breathe!!!

This is a new 2008 model from the Vox Heritage Collection of amps.
I'm a diverse musician / guitarist that covers a lot of stylistic ground - this amp keeps up with those challenges. It's a twin channel head with some very simple bass shift sliders and triode / pentode power options. No channel switching - yeah, i can do without it. No associated additives (fx loop , phone jack , pre-out , etc.) like you might find with many of todays multi-layered multi-tasking amp designs. This amp is straight up simple that delivers a very well known tone and response.

Because i play a variety of styles i have a few guitars to draw upon for the duty required. This amp is non-partial to single coil or humb-pups ... it's all in the EQ setting and outboard gear you use that's going to render a bad tone if not used rightly. This amp is rated at 15 wts. with the ability to knock it down to 7 wts. It is loud is all i can say - it's bigger brother of 30 wts. must roar. The raw basic sonic footprint from this amp is what one would expect knowing classic Vox tone. The reason i got the head and not the combo is i like using various speaker cabs to change my tone. The cleans from this amp are tight and snappy and well balanced. The grinds are breathy with excellent note definition - distinct edgy chords. The max distortion is classic Vox - you'll love or hate it. I like it myself. For the most part, i mate this amp to a Mesa 1x12 widebody cab loaded with a 90wt. Black Shadow. I've always liked this cabinet for its flexibility - you can throw anything at it and make it bend to your desire. This amp takes pedals well - of course with the fact they are being used right. Big predictable classic Vox tone and a bit more is found from this amp - if that's what you're after. A great amp indeed.

Unfortunately , mine was received with a bad compliment of tubes. I brought it home an opened it up right from the box - got it all set up and flicked the switch .... nothing but hissing , popping , etc.
Now being very acquainted with this kind of thing i knew it was tubes and hoping it wasn't bad filters after replacing the tubes. So, i replaced the tubes and presto-bingo ... no more wierdness. The retailer gladly replaced the tubes for me - i was out nothing. I noticed upon removing the chassis the preamp tubes are located too closely to the tag board and related components - another good two inches of depth could be used to get some separation and increase the overall reliability - i'll have to see as time goes on if this becomes a prob for myself. In the meantime , way better choice of tubes should go into these amps from the start.

I hope i never have to contact them. this amp is still very virgin new - so, time will tell as usage is increased.

I've been playing 35 years - yeah, you heard me - i'm an old hand at this stuff. The Vox sound is widespread and found on more recordings than you can shake a stick at. It's a tried and true tone that keeps making its way into studio after studio. Take it from me - this is a keeper of an amp and it delivers the classic Vox sound without regrett. I hope it holds up - too soon to tell. I like simple amp designs - that's a big reason i got this amp. I've used multi-layered channel switching crap before. All of that stuff is nothing but a box of compromise. If you can , pick a simple design type amp and stick with it - grow with it. Build your trademark sound upon it - this is how your gear should truly work for you. Don't chase afer what everyone else is saying is the best. My tip to any of you ... use a simple amp head(s) and spend your money at three or four very different speaker cabs (2x10 , 2x12 , 1x12 , 4x10 , 4x12) making certain the speakers are different magnet types and manufacture. Of course keep to the operating limitation of the amp(s) to feed it the proper ohm load. Anyhoot , you can't miss with one of these AC15HTVH amps from Vox. I wish i could comment more about its reliability but i must let time roll on to fairly address that matter. As it is right now, it's a great amp and does what i want it to.