Your search for the Holy Grail of VOX tone ends here. To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of VOX guitar amplifiers, Vox have introduced the first of a new Heritage Collection of hand-wired amplifiers – the AC15H1TV. Rather than just a typical reissue where a vintage amp is dusted off and copied, this amplifier, like the others in the Heritage Collection, transports you through the golden age of VOX tone, combining the prized EF86 preamp channel of 1958 with the 1963 Top Boost channel all in one amplifier. Add in some modern tone shaping control enhancements and the result is perhaps the finest VOX amplifier in the company’s 50 year history.
The EF86: The magical VOX tone
What is it that makes EF86 based VOX amplifiers some of the most collectible in the world? Maybe it’s the way the amp naturally overdrives, almost breathing with a life unto its own. Dynamic changes in pick attack almost seem to be anticipated before you make them. Or maybe it’s the raw power of the creamy distortion as you crank the amp all the way up and slam down on a power chord. Whatever it is, there is an undeniable magic about this period of VOX amplification. An age when the most simple of circuits produced some of the most complex of tones. Now in short supply, the EF86 Pentode tube is at the heart of this elusive tone. Fifty years later, the magic returns.
The AC15H1TV: A detailed look
The 15-watt AC15 Handwired features two channels of VOX tone through a single 12″ Celestion Alnico “Blue†speaker. The tube complement is made up of 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7, 2 x EL84, and 1 x EZ81 (rectifier).
Channel 1 is the EF86 Preamp channel, and features two inputs wired in the traditional way that gives them a 6dB gain difference between them. A two-position BASS SHIFT switch is included, with position 1 voiced to the original vintage-correct bass response and position 2 voiced to tighten the bass response and reduce any muddiness during high volume use. The three-position BRILLIANCE SWITCH provides flat response when in the OFF position. Position 1 is a new position voiced like the early AC30 “Treble†amps, while position 2 is the original brilliance circuit, which acts as a dramatic bass cut. The EF86 Mode switch re-configures the EF86 valve from Pentode mode to Triode mode. Triode mode will give a lower gain tone with higher headroom. Pentode mode is the famed original mode and has a very sweet high gain tone with not very much headroom.
Channel 2 is the Top Boost Preamp channel. Like Channel 1, this channel includes two inputs wired with a 6 dB gain difference between them. The Treble and Bass controls are from the 1963 Top Boost circuit and are extremely interactive. Very minor adjustments of these controls can yield dramatic changes in tone color.
And true to VOX form is the Top Cut control, which cuts high from either channel end as it is turned up.
Flexible power
The O/P Switch adds even more flexibility to the AC15. This switch changes the power output valves from Pentode Mode, which is the normal operating mode of the power amplifier, to Triode Mode which halves the power output to 7.5 watts and will alter the tone to be somewhat smoother.
The finishing touches
Great care and research went into the cosmetics for this special amplifier to meld vintage correct attributes with some modern revisions. These touches include a vintage “TV Front†cabinet, pre-1960 logo placement, and a vintage inspired cream vinyl covering. An extremely limited edition run of 400 amplifiers will be produced with oiled mahogany cabinets.
Power Output 15 Watts RMS into 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load – selectable via rear panel switch.
Valve Complement 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7, 2 x EL84, 1 x EZ81 (rectifier).
Loudspeaker VOX/Celestion Alnico Blue 12 in. loudspeaker – 8 ohm.
Dimensions (W x H x D) 527 x 527 x 263.5 mm / 20.75 x 20.75 x 10.375 in.
Weight 22.5 kg / 49.6 lbs
Appearance and specifications of this product are subject to change without notice.
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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
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, 2×10 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!!!
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!
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
Charliemoon (02/01/2008)
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.
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.
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!
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.
Murali (05/03/2008)
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