Vox AD120VTH Head

Price Paid: US $449 (and another $399 for the cabinet - God, I got a great deal.

Features: 9
Oh. My. God.
It's little bigger than I had in mind, but I have the matching Valvetronix 120 watt stereo head and 4x12 cabinet. The whole thing's about the size of an old Royal Guardsman or Super Beatle setup. Ridiculously versatile - power is switchable from 1-60 watta per channel, the ohms are switchable, great modeled pedals, effects are limited but very good, and it's gorgeous. In short, OH MY GOD, I GOT A VOX!

Sound Quality: 10
A Vox is all about tone, and the tones here are incredible, including all the Fender models, the Vox AC30TB, and the US High Gain (Soldano SLO), and the UK70s (Marshall Plexi), UK 80s (the revered Marshal JTM 900). This amp sounds like a dream in the studio, even thru the direct inputs.
The modeled pedals are simple but effective, including a Treble Booster a la Dallas Rangemaster, a Univibe (invented, interestingly enough, by the same guy who designed the power amp for the Valvetronix), and a flawless Vox 847 wah. The amp effects aren't perfect (no pitch shifting, reverse delay or long delays, for example), but the chorus, flange and especially the rotary speaker sound remarkable, and with a stereo effect loop to work with, I can easily add whatever's missing. And anyway, who in their right mind buys a Vox for the effects (except for the legendary Vox tremolo, which is here)?

Reliability: 10
So far so good - no problems since I brought it home last fall. I bought it and the VC-4 footswitch, which is actually pretty good and solidly built.
This is gonna sound odd, but considering Vox amps are as renowned for the lack of reliablity as they are for their tone, I don't mind the fact that the head is assembled in Korea and the cabinet's US-made (Baltic Birch, of course. It's a Vox). It can't possibly have more problems than my old Ampeg VT120, which was made in the good ol' USA.

Customer Support: 10
the manual for both the head and the footswitch were in plain english and went as far as to explain the tube setup and historcial data of the amps modeled, even if they don't specify most of the actual amps by name, it's pretty clear.
The Vox website is a hoot and easy to get around. God willing, I won't ever need to contact them for support - so far, I'll give them a 10 because amp info has been very easy to obtain thru the manual and website.

Overall Rating: 10
Been playing since 1976 and I've been playing well since about 1982. Trust me, there's a difference.
Every guitar I have, from my Washburn solid-body acoustic (a Gibson Chet Atkins knockoff) to my Dano 12-string to my Don Lace synth strat sounds incredible (I run my GR33 synth thru the right side of the effects loops and the synth is still crystal clear). Hell, even my old Aria bass sounded incredible thru it (thru, what else, the 1959 Bassman model).
If I lost it, I'd look for a deal of the 120-watt VTX combo and give my back (and my car's back seat) a break. This amp is LOUDER and cleaner than Line 6, Crate, Yamaha, and the Roland VGA series, and although I love the VGA's synth functions and guitar modeling, that's all any of those amps have over my Vox. I also wouldn't mind more delay options, intelligent pitch sifting or FoxxTone octave fuzz or a Slow Gear, but BFD. I got me a Vox. It sounds like my favorite Fenders and Marshalls, and the SLO model was an unexpected treat - I hadn';t played thru a Soldano in 10 years, and now there's one in my living room. And oh yeah, it sounds like a Vox. A damn good one. I'm tempted to hollow out the cabinet so I can be buried in it.

Submitted by chad white at 08/31/2004 20:38

Price Paid: N/A

Features: N/A
this is an update to my review from 1/5/04

Sound Quality: 9
I just wanted to spread the word on a cheap way to improve your tones when you're recording direct with a Valvetronix. For home recording, I experimented a bit and here's what I found. I tried miking my cabinets with Shure SM-57s, but at bedroom-type volume levels the recorded tones were very disappointing. Then I tried running the VT's line outs to my digital recorder, but the tones sounded too sterile...not like a real miked amp at all...seemed to be missing a lot of the lower end bass/mid tones. Then I tried running the VT's line outs into an ART stereo tube preamp. The tones were a bit better, but still not what I was hoping for. After reading a recommendation on the Vox user site patchtronix.com, I ordered a pair of Behringer Ultra G direct boxes. The price is great, only $30 each. I run the line outs into the Ultra Gs, then to the stereo ART tube preamp which provides phantom power to the Ultra Gs, then into my recorder. The Ultra G has a 4x12 cabinet simulation, and when you kick that in, the tones are GREAT, for both clean and distorted! Depending on what tones you're after, there's little or no noise. Actually in some cases I have less noise than I'd have recording without the Ultra Gs. Definitely a very "professional" quality tone that you won't have to make any excuses or apologies for! I plan to try them live too. They're also versatile...you can switch the 4x12 simulation on or off, so you can use them for bass, keyboards, etc too. When it comes to recording guitars, it's the best $60 I've ever spent. Huge bang for the buck.

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: N/A

Submitted by ming at 03/18/2004 07:56

Price Paid: US $540.00 (It still had the plastic over it) used

Features: 10
Vox announced these on July 21, I ordered mine on July 22nd. I purchased both the head and the 4x12 cab. I play every thing from acoustic to thrashy stuff, but I mostly stick close to garage/experimental stuff (seeing as that is what my band plays). I LOVE the fact that it has 16 different amps in it and all of the built-in effects that it comes with. It makes it REALLY easy onstage switching back and forth from it if your're running a line selector. You guys know the rest of the features though. If you don't go to: www.valvetronix.com

Sound Quality: 10
I play through 2 guitars mainly- A '99 Custom Heritage Les Paul made in KALAMAZOO, MI! - A '98 Gibson SG-X(modified)...MADE IN USA! The Heritage is a TANK and weighs almost 20 lbs so I can get a DEEP, RICH tone out of it. Very jazzy or bluesy feeing to it. With the Gibson it is a COMPLETELY different story. It is the thrash master when you have the overdrive going through, but with the right setting it can purr too. I LOVE having the flexibility to go between 16 different amp settings and being able to find my exact tone in a head and not a rack pre-amp. TURN THIS BABY UP AND ROCK!

Reliability: 10
I've had this amp for almost 6 months now and NEVER have had a problem with it... trust me... if this amp doesnt work, YOU BROKE IT! No need for a back-up here.

Customer Support: 10
I've talked to Vox once, they shipped my head without a "Drive" knob... no big deal at all... I laughed... they laughed...they sent me a new one... then we all went out for drinks. VERY POLITE AND VERY CONSIDERATE.

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing for 7 years (I'm 18 now) and this is BY FAR the best amp I have ever owned. I also have a vintage Marshall JCM800 1x12 combo (not that reissue crap) and various other cabs and a Crate TV120 head too I believe. As far as pedals go, I have almost every Digiteech X pedal they make, plus a Rocktron Hush pedal, and of couse a Boss tuner, and I run a Dunlop Cry Baby Bass (I think it has better tone than the guitar one and it is self rising). This is probably the best investment one could make (besides a Pedal Pad pedal box) BUY THE 4x12 CAB WITH IT! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! I dropped close to 4 grand into my rig within the past year (including guitars) and this was the best thing I bought!

Submitted by Matt D at 01/28/2004 06:51

Price Paid: US $600

Features: 10
Mine is a 2003. I play mainly jazz, funk, and metal and it covers these styles very nicely. There are 16 amp types, 10 stomp box types, 5 modulations, 3 reverbs and 3 delays overall the most feature-packed piece of sweetness I've ever purchased. Contains a "Valve reactor" which is just a fancy way of saying "it's a digital amp that sounds like a tube amp."

Sound Quality: 10
I mainly play with a '03 Epi Les Paul classic quilt which has been upgraded to Dimarzio pickups (Sup Dist. bridge, Breed neck). The amp has it's factory presets-many of which suck. But that's okay because it's super easy to invent your own sounds and save them in the amps bank. I cannot foresee myself EVER getting bored or tired of this amp as long as it works. All of the amp models sound great especially the Mesa/Boogie and AC30 models which I find myself gravitating to. The distortion can be a bit much but the cleans are pristine and sparkle very nicely, even at high volumes the amp just opens up like a real tube amp and sometimes I forget it's NOT a real all-tube amp.

Reliability: N/A
Only had it a week, but it seems well-built we'll see how the techno-crap holds up.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 10
I've played about 13 or 14 years. I've owned several peavey amps not worth mentioning, a randall stack, and a fender twin reverb. I run this amp through a vox ad212 "neo-dog" cab. Still waiting on the VC12 foot controller. I love this amp because it's the best bang for the buck. period. I hate the fact that I could only afford to buy one. If it were stolen or lost I would cry for the first time in years. great amp.

Submitted by Dan at 01/22/2004 10:10

Price Paid: US $600

Features: 9
2003 Valvetronix stereo head. Very versatile amp, yet not too complex. The tubes in the power amp section DO make a difference, no matter what the 100% solid state fans may tell you. No matter what type of music you're into, you're sure to find your favorite amp models quickly. Plenty of power to drive 2 4-12" cabinets. The only change I'd make is to make it possible to dial in a specific amount of delay time, instead of the "tap" button. The built in effects are good, especially the stereo chorus, and if you're really picky when it comes to effects, no problem. The stereo effects loop will easily let you add whatever effects you're into. The power switch, which gives you a choice of output watts per channel, is a great feature that helps you get great tones at low volumes. Another bonus is that it's MUCH lighter than the Mesa tube rack amp rig I had!

Sound Quality: 9
I've played through mono and stereo Mesa Boogie 100% tube rigs, and with the addition of a Tonebone Classic tube overdrive pedal, the Vox definitely holds its own. The built in distortion/overdrive pedals are good, but they're no substitute for true tube overdrive, no matter what the fans of 100% digital amps may tell you. One of the reasons I went to a mostly solid state amp like the Valvetronix is because it's easier to get great tones at low volumes. Another reason is because the Valvetronix is much more versatile. It's easy to find the sounds I'm looking for, without all the complicated bells and whistles that more expensive modeling amps have. The tone controls are very responsive.

Reliability: N/A
Too early to tell how reliable it'll be, but because it's circuitry is pretty simple compared to the more complex modeling amps out there, my guess is that I can take it to gigs without any worries.

Customer Support: N/A
No need to deal with customer service so far.

Overall Rating: 9
Although it's debatable which modeling amp is better, the Valvetronix or something more complex from a company like Line 6, when it comes to bang for the buck, it's a no brainer. Even when you add the cost of the Tonebone Classic tube overdrive pedal, which I consider essential for great overdrive tones, the Vox stereo head costs less than half the price of a Line 6 stereo head. And when it comes to the power amp section of solid-state and modeling amps, the Vox is clearly the best. I've owned two different 100% tube Mesa amps, but overall I like the Vox much better. If it was stolen I'd definitely buy it again. No amp is perfect. The effects section could be a bit better, but with the addition of the Tonebone, the Vox holds its own with any amp out there, and with the stereo chorus the tones are a dream come true. Besides, a $1500-2000 100% tube head doesn't have any built-in effects other than reverb anyway!

Submitted by ming at 01/05/2004 14:14

Price Paid: US $550

Features: 9
Super duper! If you're checking the reviews out you already know all the features.

Sound Quality: 10
Like the last guy said.. This sounds great for any guitar you play through it. This is by far the best tube modeling amp. I was blown away when I got this. I run it through a George Lynch Gflex 2x12 cab(AWESOME!) The vox 212 cabs are awesome as well. I've played 25 different guitars and pickups on this amp and it adapts well to any and all! I'm not BSing here. If you don't think you can get enough metal the trick is the following: Use the treble booster pedal on it along with a stereo EQ in the effects loop and a SONIC MAXIMIZER(bbe)(this is the key). I'm serious.. You may think it sounds bad ass for a regular amp and almost perfect for metal w/recto... but when you flip on the Maximizer you will wonder why you never had one before reguardless of the type of style you play. It boosts the high and low, and enhances the signal(especially good if you use tons of effects).

Reliability: 8
So far so good. Had it about a year. The first head I got would shut off because it was defective. Got a new one right away and works like a charm.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 8
Great amp!

Submitted by Anonymous at 12/07/2003 23:24

Price Paid: US $599.00

Features: 9
I purchased this amp about 4 months ago. I play at Glad Tidings Tabernacle Church, 33rd st in Manhattan. We cover just about all styles whether it's for the general congregation on Sundays or the teens on Wednesdays. For the money it has enough effects and models to satisfy me. It has 4 stages. 1st stomp boxes, 2nd 16 Amp models, 3rd modulation (flang,chorus, etc.), 3rd Delays, 4th Reverbs ALL IN STEREO! My only thing leaving me alittle "wanting" is it would great if it could have more than one stomp box effects at the same time (wah, compression, distortion etc.) However, believe me you can spend hours/days/weeks adjusting your sound, not because you must but because the possiblitities are great and a joy to discover!

Please note that the current VC4 pedal is lousy. small and limited. Vox is going to release a new pedal (Sept.'03?) called VC12 which seem like it will be comprable to the LINE 6 products.

Sound Quality: 10
Primarly I've used only one guitar for the last 12+ years (at least 12, I forgot when it orginally came out but I jumped on it the moment I got it into my hands). It's a Washburn EC29 steven's cutaway with 29 frets neck tru the body. I have had it modified with Duncan Lo impedance 1s/1h pickups and also have a variable Dementer midrange boost circuit in it. Back to the amp. Sound and (subjectively) feel and response is where it's at for me when I judge an Amp. Let me tell you if an amp can't sound good dry (with out effects), keep looking. But in my opinion you can stop looking, the Amp models are absolutely amazing. In the past I've played just about everything out there (covering 25 years of playing.) I've owned some of the best of Boogies, Fenders, Carvins, Rolands, and a few old balls (if you what I mean). I can attest to the fact that the marshall, boogie, soldano, and especially the my all time favorite clean Fender 2x12 blackface are so close that they can bring a tear to your eyes! If you never played the originals it wouldn't matter. Because with a little effort to dail in the combination of Drive and EQ you will be experiencing some of the best tone combinations ever to be put in one head. Believe me when I tell you Line 6 may have more options but Vox has the tone. I truly believe they nailed it with the output tube section. I run mine through a Mesa 4x12 reto oversize cab loaded w celestian 30's using the 15watt setting. It has 4 power settings in stereo, 1,15,30 and 60watts per side. IT IS LOUD, you can ask the teens at my church. (believe me I love to rock for Jesus!!!) All the musicians which have heard the sound (tone) of this Head and the Mesa cab have been blown alway and cannot believe I have it at 15 watts with the master volume set at 12 o'clock!

Now if you think I have just found the "MAGIC" combination guitar/amp/cab which just happens to work, let me tell it's just not the case. I have played Les Pauls, Strats, teles, jacksons and a few others through this system and each one retain it's unique character and sound awesome. I've also played through open back 1x12 Boogie EVM cab and a 2x12 Marshall cab and the sound change due to the nature of the cabs but it still sounded great!

Now like I said the amp sounds great with out effect. With effect it is as versetile as you wish. From subtle to outrages with quality effect to back up your creative mind. If you are seeking to duplicate your favorite guitarist/tunes that is possible also.

You may ask way would I pump a product like this? The answer is simple my friend. ALL musicians deserve to be able to have the opportunity to experience the beauty of their instrument. That beauty will only be found in the sound you hear. The $600 buck price of admission is in low and worth the sacrafice. Even if it would cost more it is competatve with amps which cost thousands!

Reliability: N/A
No problems yet, but it is not moved often.

Customer Support: N/A
Seem responsive. I emailed me regestration form and request a cataloge. Get this, they FedEx'd it to me!

Overall Rating: 10
No other Amp in the market today (or yesterday for that matter) offers so much high end sound for so little.

Submitted by Miguel Espinosa at 09/09/2003 15:07

Price Paid: US $470

Features: 10
Made in 2003
Totally versatile, from Radiohead to Tool!
8 banks with 4 channels each. All are footswitchable.
This is the 120 Watt Stereo version!

Sound Quality: 10
I am using an Agile LP2500 with stock pickups, and I have the head plugged into the matching 212 cab. I play a lot of styles similar to bands such as Coldplay, Thursday, Chevelle, Tool, basically everything besides country and death metal.

This amp has 16 models. My favorites are UK Modern (Marshall JCM200 DSL100), UK '80s (Marshall JCM800), Recto (Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier), and Black 2x12 (not sure what this models, but awesome clean). This amp has some serious high gain! So for those of you who are not sure about the Valvetronix being able to handle your heavy styles, just check it out and you will see for yourself. Not only does this thing have versatile high gain options, it also has versatile cleans! What other amps can do that?

Also, there is a programmable noise reduction feature that will really help out the more serious high gainers.

Reliability: N/A
Well, I've only had it for less than a week, but I feel it is pretty reliable.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with Vox.

Overall Rating: 10
I just love this amp! Anyone debating over whether to get this amp or another? Choose this one! You will not be disappointed! There is nothing I wish it had.

The VC-4 floorboard that is available sucks though. I am waiting for the much better and more efficient VC-12 floorboard, which should be out in mid-September.

Submitted by Denmark Luceriaga at 08/22/2003 13:51