Product Comparison: Vox AC15 vs Vox AC30

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Vox AC15 Hand Wired 1x12 Combo

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Vox AC30 Hand Wired 2x12 Combo

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General Specifications

Brand

Vox

Model

AC15

AC30

Origin

China

About the Product

The VOX AC15 is the amp that started it all. Boasting both a Normal and Top Boost channel, the AC15 Custom is an all-tube, EL84 driven workhorse that delivers 15 watts of authentic British tone into your choice of a genuine Celestion Greenback or Alnico Blue speaker. The AC15 Custom also offers footswitchable spring reverb and classic VOX tremolo to enhance the already impressive sound. Adored by the biggest names in music for nearly 60 years, the VOX AC15 Custom carries on the tradition that began in 1958 and offers guitarists the unmistakable sound of VOX, with all the refinements of a modern amplifier.

There may never have been an amp boasting such a lofty and pure sound in the entire history of VOX. The VOX Hand-Wired Series relies on the painstaking technique of turret board hand-wiring – a method requiring a high level of skill and craftsmanship – is used, resulting in wiring that's beautiful in its artistry, ensuring an efficient signal path with minimal loss and no restriction in amplitude. In the Hand-Wired Series, tubes, transformers, speakers, chassis, and custom parts all join together in an ideal state to deliver the richest and most powerful sonic experience – the ultimate amp.

Key Specs

Power Output

15 watts

30 watts

Number Of Channels

Controls Included

Normal volume control, Volume, Treble, Bass, Reverb, Tremolo, Master tone cut, Master, Standby switch, Power switch

Treble, Bass, Master volume, Normal volume control

Footswitch Included

Yes

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Vox AC15 Hand Wired 1x12 Combo

The tones it produced sounded organic and felt like a translation of my hand movements instead of an electronic representation of that movement.
I've always wanted to own a Vox tube amp, but was little hesitant to purchase this model due to it being only 15 watt capacity. Don't let the 15 watt fool you as it will still provide you with enough volume with great clarity.
It immediately invokes a huge smile! Really amazing tone and breath with a surprising amount of headroom and zero noise.
Takes pedals with the best and retains that chimey tone even with all the pedals I use for post rock. And for those who are worried about headroom, go play one.
Great amp! It hits that sweet spot for a nice warm and clean tone.
Two Rock great amp but the treble bleed was annoying and muddy.

Vox AC30 Hand Wired 2x12 Combo

The tone from this amp is true to the AC30 in every way and the quality is excellent.
With the master volume and a half power mode it is very usable even for practice, but to really get that power tube distortion you got to crank it and that can hurt if you are not prepared for it.
This amp sounds like an Vox AC 30 should. I have owned an origianl 60's era AC 30 and the sound is very close.
It sounds almost as good as an old Sampson Era Matchless DC 30, which is pretty impressive.
My favorite feature of these is the all tube design. The sound one these is amazing. It's got sort of a vintage sound, good for classic and hard rock, but after you hook up a couple distortion pedals, it turns into a different beast completely.
The only problem is this is the perfect amp with basically no effects included whatsoever.

Size & Weight

Height

17.95 in.

21.65 in.

Width

23.7 in.

27.76 in.

Depth

10.43 in.

10.24 in.

Weight

48.5 lbs.

70.6 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Vox AC15 Hand Wired 1x12 Combo

Completely satisfied with the build quality.
I've got to say that this Vox AC-15 Custom is more than worthy of the Vox heritage. (goes well with my Les Paul) Don't think of it as a puny 15 watt lightweight. It's big, it's heavy, and an AC-30 won't give you better Vox tones
It gives me the nice tube distortion that I get with my vintage fender tube amp without the high volume and high wattage and heavy weight.
Don't think of it as a puny 15 watt lightweight. It's big, it's heavy, and an AC-30 won't give you better Vox tones. All I can say is to buy it. You won't be sorry.

Vox AC30 Hand Wired 2x12 Combo

Freakin awesome little amp. All that most of us would need, even if playing in a small ensemble.
It really has the AC30 top boost sound, in a compact package.
One thing to consider is that this amp is ridiculously loud and ungodly heavy.

Features

Type

Guitar Amplifier

Number Of Speakers

Speaker Size

12 in.

Compatible With Footswitch

VFS2A

VFS1 footswitch, 1-Button FootSwitch

Carry Handle(s)

Yes

Input(s)

1/4" Top Boost, 1/4" Normal

2 x 1/4" NORMAL Channel Jacks, 2 x 1/4" TOP BOOST Channel Jacks

Output(s)

2 x 1/4" jack speaker outputs, 2 x 1/4" Effects loop, Foot switch

2 x Speakers, 1/4" Foot SW

Extras

Hand-wired turret board construction, Birch-ply cabinet featuring solid bracing and a natural high frequency diffuser, 3 ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes + Dual EL84 power tubes

3 x ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes, 4 x EL84 power tubes, and 1 x GZ34 rectifier tube

What customers say about "Features"

Vox AC15 Hand Wired 1x12 Combo

And the AC15 takes well to pedals. I couldn't be happier. I intend to use the AC15 on my upcoming CD.
I could write a book about all of the great features this amp provides, but will just say that it is worth every penny and is more than reasonably priced for what you get.
The tone warmed up and it sounds soooo sweet. This amp takes old tubes very well and there is a remarkable difference and improvement.
Really think it should have come with foot switch but other than that one issue, give it a try and you won't be disappointed!
The only issue I have with it is a minor tube rattle when playing lower notes at higher volumes. I will contact Sweetwater tech support about this, but assume that this will be eliminated by replacing the stock tubes.

Vox AC30 Hand Wired 2x12 Combo

I like to plug into the normal channel in the high input, with the bright switch off, and jumper from the low side input of the normal channel into the high input of the top boost channel, with the gain switch on cool, and when I solo I like to switch to the hot setting with the footswitch.
The tone is gorgeous and flexible. Rewards nuanced and dynamic play style. Incredibly simple unit. Lovely to look at.
This is a fantastic sounding amplifier. I retrofitted a Celestion Blue alnico so that I could duplicate the early Beatles tones.
It really brings out the best characteristics of your guitar. Tubes are an important part of the amp's tone; I use JJECC803S preamp tubes and JJ EL84 power tube.
I have had this amp for 6 months now, and I have run into zero problems with it. It is built very well, and is solid as a rock.

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

1 year(s)

Certifications

Other Information

Manufacturer

Link

Manual

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