Please help! Should I do this trade? (Vox AC30 content)

[misterzachariah]

Hey folks. I've got a 4x10 Hot Rod DeVille currently, and while it's got gobs of nice cleans, everybody knows about the drive channels. I've grown accustomed to using this amp as a pedal platform, however. I recently had a buddy suggest that I'm never going to be able to crank the amp to a "sweet spot", though, and I know what he means...I've cranked amps before and gotten that nice perfect level, and there's no way in hell to do that with my DeVille without destroying walls.

On a whim, I put a trade feeler out there and got an offer for a Vox AC30CCH and 2x12 cab. This is the head version, and yes, it's the Chinese-made one. I'm reluctant to let go of my DeVille because of familiarity and because it's an older US made version (the 50th Anniversary one). Also, I'm afraid this switch may compromise too much clean headroom (my drummer is LOUD ).

For reference, I play mostly what you might call "indie/alternative/experimental" sorts of rock. Also, I'm a lead guitarist.

Any thoughts?

[ford]

Well... I would do it... because first I love the Vox sound.... and those amps sound really, really great in my opinion.

The 30 watts will be loud and should have plenty of clean headroom for most bands... my 30 watt Hayseed always did....

It will sound really different from your Fender though.... maybe you can find one to play really soon?

rock

bford

[Scott Auld]

I'd do it in a heartbeat

[misterzachariah]

I've played Vox amps in stores before, and I've always loved the sound, but I can't crank it as loud as I'd like...no way to know how it sounds live until you've got it hooked up onstage with you. How loud does it get before distorting?

[hammersig]

Yeah, I would do it just because the Vox seems to hold it's resale value. And that doesn't even consider the tone, which I'm sure you'll thank yourself for later.

[Jan]

That Vox is probably every bit as loud as your amp. And it has a very different sound. And if you gig with it, it will see an amp tech more often than your amp will. I am just saying ... never mind monetary or resale value later. You will be no better off with that trade.

I suggest a) go smack the sales person who sold you the Fender (or was it your ... never mind) and b) buy a serious attenuator like a THD or Dr Z - I have the latter. Try that for a while. If you cannot get usable volumes and tones after learning how to use the new setup, start thinking about a much smaller amp than either of these.

[misterzachariah]

Originally Posted by Jan

That Vox is probably every bit as loud as your amp. And it has a very different sound. And if you gig with it, it will see an amp tech more often than your amp will. I am just saying ... never mind monetary or resale value later. You will be no better off with that trade.

I realize a 5 watt amp cranked can sound as loud as a 100 watt stack in terms of perceived volume, but I would think, at least speaking in terms of the tiniest hint of saturation, that a 60 watt 6L6 amp would need to be significantly louder than a 30 watt EL84 amp. I'm not really looking to cut overall volume capability so much as volume needed to get a warmer, slightly saturated sound. An attenuator may be the solution, though.

Also, are the CC series really that unrealiable? People make the same claim against Hot Rods and mine has never needed more than new tubes.

[Jan]

Loudness perception is not linear. All other things being equal, a 60W amp will only sound slightly louder than a 30W amp. You may know different sources, but amp techs I know and trust say that the AC30 is quite loud for a 30W amp and that they require more maintenance to keep road worthy than any other amp they service.

I am not trying to sell anything here. I just do not think the trade mentioned will get you nearer to where you want to be unless you really prefer a Vox.

[ed_dale007]

I had a CC for 4 years, never had a problem, just changed the tubes every year.

[misterzachariah]

Originally Posted by Jan

I am not trying to sell anything here. I just do not think the trade mentioned will get you nearer to where you want to be unless you really prefer a Vox.

I gotcha, and I really appreciate the input...I'm not the wealthiest person you'll come across, and won't be anywhere near being anything but broke until I'm out of school, so a high-maintenance piece of equipment is the last thing I'd need.

[m@2]

just wanted to add, i have had the ac30 head for a couple years with no issues. Personally, i'd do the trade

[Jan]

More thinking out loud, I have a 2 6L6 amp that is only rated 30/40 Watts (triode/pentode switch), though it is a loud 40 Watts for sure. If you are looking for a warmer, more saturated sound, I am not sure EL84 and Vox is the way to go. I also have a 2 EL84 amp, but it is not a Vox. Voxen are generally bright to me.

If I had your Fender, I would look into a little tube options which may or may not require an amp tech. I am not familiar with the circuit so talk to someone who is if you like where I am going. Look at a pair of 6L6WGB/C tubes. They can roll the power back some and warm it up. I have a friend with the same amp as me, except for the 6L6WGB NOS tubes he uses and oy, his sounds better, and less loud. I am looking at trying a pair of these soon myself.

http://www.kcanostubes.com/products/...6L6WGC-STR.htm

The rectifier can make a huge difference in tone and volume too. One of these made a big difference for me.

http://www.kcanostubes.com/products/...-RCA-5V4GA.htm

Massive tone changes can be had in the preamp tubes too. A good amp tech can help you get where you want to be with your amp. A not so good amp tech can burn up a lot of money for you and not help so much, so shop wisely.

*edit: Hey, if you like Voxen, go for it. But ask yourself why someone is interested in trading down in value - the Vox should cost more if I recall correctly. If I had a Vox, I would rather have the head/cab than a combo so there is a plus. I just prefer 6L6 it seems. If my suggestion sounds interesting you may want to ask over in the amp tech section how doable it is. As I said, I am not familiar with the circuit - but I think it is not difficult. I would try it on my amp but you may not want me experimenting with yours.