Does a Vox AC15HW1X sound better than an AC30HW2X that's Set at 15 Watts?

[Jay Filippone]

Originally Posted by alamere

I've owned both amps and couldn't disagree with this much more. The AC30 is just a different amp once you use the half power switch. It's still useful but if you compare the 15 to the 30 at half volume the 30 loses a ton of its feel, string response and immediacy at half volume. It turns into a spongy feeling amp in my opinion. The difference is VERY audible. The 15 sounds MUCH better at full power than the 30 at half power IMO.

.. Both still sound best at full power in my opinion.

[diaz]

Originally Posted by alamere

I've owned both amps and couldn't disagree with this much more. The AC30 is just a different amp once you use the half power switch. It's still useful but if you compare the 15 to the 30 at half volume the 30 loses a ton of its feel, string response and immediacy at half volume. It turns into a spongy feeling amp in my opinion. The difference is VERY audible. The 15 sounds MUCH better at full power than the 30 at half power IMO.

Not sure where you are playing but the 15 mic'd would be enough volume and clean headroom for all but some of the largest stages in the world maybe?

I too kept the handwired 15 because the 30 is VERY, VERY loud.

Both great amps.. Both still sound best at full power in my opinion.

I am wrong, I've not seen the HW schematic.. from what you describe, the 15watt setting decreases the voltage of the amp, which is the "cheat" way to reduce power. I was describing a scenario where two tubes would simply be removed from the circuit through a selector switch. Thanks for pointing that out

[diaz]

Originally Posted by teleluvver

diaz,
So you were un-mic'ed, and the cab is now your monitor. Where are you putting the chair with the cab (where is it in relation to you)? Thanks.

At practice (16 x 20 room), I use it in a corner for corner loading (helps low end a bit), the chair raised the cab maybe 18" so the center of the speakers are upper hip level, but since then I use a bar chair, which raises the center of the speakers to belly-button level. I stand in front and point the speakers to the opposite corner of the room.

At the two "gigs" we have had, it was plopped on stage behind me, and at about the same height as the bar stool. The first time it wasn't mic'd, but the second time it was. I rather it not mic'd because I hear myself better, and it was plenty for that small place anyways.. but sound guy wanted to have a slider for me on his sound board. The first time I only played a few songs, and the other band borrowed our gear to play their stuff. My amp sounded great without the mic.. Location is a small pub with a stage that is raised 1 foot, and the crowd was maybe 50 people lol.. We were nice and loud there.. good times. Note: Drummer heard me ok without the mic, the open back cab bounced off the back wall pretty good.

[Jangles]

Originally Posted by teleluvver

Tush,

Vox makes an AC15HW with 2 speakers?

Not sure if they do a HW line, but they have one for the "standard" amp.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/deta...1&zmap=AC15C2#

[alamere]

Originally Posted by teleluvver

Two questions:

1. What about the AC30 at full power, using the Master Volume?

2. AC15 won't have enough headroom un-mic'ed with drums, will it?

Thanks

1. Yep.. The master volume works, but the same basic rule applies. Both amps sound and feel best with the master volume bypassed and at full volume. However, the master volume does actually work.. It's more of an extra 'nice to have' than it is an 'outstanding' addition to the amp.

Makes sense though.. When you think classic ac30-15 vibe.. There's generally no master volume involved.

2. Well, it's pretty loud so I think it really depends on what type of music you're playing. For me, mostly blues rock and small clubs and coffee shops.. And in 90% of the places I play.. They mic the amp. That being said, I practice with just the 15 not mic'd and it's plenty of amp for what I do.

Only one way to figure this out in the end.. Go play both amps.. Don't over think it and just pick the one you like best!

For all that I've said I certainly agree there's just something classic and cool about having the massive spread of a 2x12 ac30. And if you play it and it doesn't seem crazy loud to you.., that might be your answer!?!

Sometimes when I play the 30.. It's so loud that I fear it will give me a hernia.

[Nelson89]

Originally Posted by teleluvver

Yeah, I've thought about A/B'ing as well. One thing that I forgot to mention is that my AC15C1 had a Greenback in it, which is less efficient than a Blue. Does your amp have a Blue in it?

Mine has the greenback...for now (and it was still louder than the C1 with the greenback), i bought a blue and its on the way, so i can comment on that point more once i swap them over