AC15CC1 Troubles... amp geniuses, your help is needed :(

[treeuh]

Hey guys, I need some help with my beloved AC15CC1...

Keep in mind, I'm a tube know-nothing... all I know is that tube amps sound good and you have to crank them to get the best sounds.

That said, my amp is not working. The fuse blew so I replaced it (apparently the fuses blowing on this amp is not an uncommon problem); however, the replacement immediately blew as well. I haven't changed the tubes since I got it two years go (I know, I know, may the amp gods strike me down), so would that solve my problem?? Or is there something more diabolical hiding in the chassis?

 

[skunx]

Bad power tubes will do this. I'd try changing them out first.

 

[treeuh]

awesome-- what tubes would you suggest (brand?)?

 

[skunx]

I had JJ's in mine when I had it and thought they sounded great. I didn't try any others. I also had JJ EL84's in both my classic 50 and Tiny Terror as well and never had any issues.

 

[Ming Chow]

Mine came with EHX tubes. The I swapped them for some JJ tubes. The JJ dirtied it up a little more.

 

[the russ]

awesome-- what tubes would you suggest (brand?)?

I always use NOS fuses. SLO-BLO just doesn't mean what it used to anymore.

 

[nnick]

Hey guys, I need some help with my beloved AC15CC1...

Keep in mind, I'm a tube know-nothing... all I know is that tube amps sound good and you have to crank them to get the best sounds.

That said, my amp is not working. The fuse blew so I replaced it (apparently the fuses blowing on this amp is not an uncommon problem); however, the replacement immediately blew as well. I haven't changed the tubes since I got it two years go (I know, I know, may the amp gods strike me down), so would that solve my problem?? Or is there something more diabolical hiding in the chassis?

I had the same issue with my AC30CC. It was a bad rectifier tube that caused the fuse to keep blowing. I replaced all the tubes with JJ's and it sounded great and never blew a fuse again.

 

[sixstring531]

Don't change those power tubes yet -- your culprit (more than likely) is your GZ34 rectifier tube. Get a good slo-blow fuse, pop in a new sovtek rec and it should work fine. I've done this three times to three different amps.

 

[stratocaster]

Don't change those power tubes yet -- your culprit (more than likely) is your GZ34 rectifier tube. Get a good slo-blow fuse, pop in a new sovtek rec and it should work fine. I've done this three times to three different amps.

The AC15CC has a solid state rectifier.

 

[sixstring531]

that's a horse of a different color then -- put a tube one in? Get some SAG going.

 

[stratocaster]

that's a horse of a different color then -- put a tube one in? Get some SAG going.

Ahmen to that

 

[treeuh]

that's a horse of a different color then -- put a tube one in? Get some SAG going.

Oh really? Please explain the process... is this something I can do on my own (preferably without the use of a soldering gun...)?

EDIT: or were you joking?

 

[impactblue]

Oh really? Please explain the process... is this something I can do on my own (preferably without the use of a soldering gun...)?

EDIT: or were you joking?

Prolly not simple....lol

The AC15's SS rectifier is designed to emulate some sag. Just replace the power tubes with JJs and see how you go.

 

[sixstring531]

well, if its a standard rectifier tube slot (same pins...yada yada) and there is space available, I don't see why you couldn't throw a rectifier tube in there.

 

[treeuh]

Okay, changed the tubes (brand new Gold Series GTEL84-S... it was the best my local GC had...) which was an interesting experience (first time I've ever done it)...

Turned it on- flash. The fuse blew again. Any other suggestions?

The tubes needed to be changed anyway so that's no big deal.

 

[treeuh]

bump...

I really want to try to fix this without taking it to a tech...

 

[frquent flyer]

When I had my Vox ac 15 I had the fuse blowing thing. I called Vox and spoke to a tech guy who said I could safely put in a #3amp fuse instead of stock #1. I never did have to do that as the fuse blowing ended by itself. I recently sold that great little amp .Oh ,yes I know that putting a larger fuse is frowned upon but thats what I was told.