Vox AD50VT 112 Combo

Price Paid: US $359

Features: 9
I went to buy a Fender modeling amp but came home with the Vox instead. The Vox sounded richer,was cheaper(less expensive) and I just liked the set-up with the chicken head knobs instead of push buttons and menus.It obviously has the same features as everyone else's so I won't repeat it.

Sound Quality: 9
I use a 70's Strat with 3 singles and a Valley Arts with HSS configuration. I play classic rock and blues at home and praise and worship music in church. I needed something that can play clean to slightly fuzzy,nothing heavy. I like the Clean Botique and the AC15 and AC30tb. The effects work well and are simple to use. I would like a stand alone chorus. The amp is very quiet,no hissing.

Reliability: 2
Now, here is why I submitted this review, as I am not much of an expert on tones. After2 weeks the wattage selector (attenuator?)started to occasionally short out, giving shrieks from the amp at the worst possible times.At least that is what it seemed like to me. Whatever was at fault,the repair shop couldn't get a replacement part.All parts were going on new amps, and new amps were backordered. So I was stuck without an amp and without funds to buy a different amp. After a few weeks the store gave me a loaner amp and eventually Vox replaced my amp with a new one. The process took about 6 to 8 weeks.It was inconvenient for me , but for a working musican it would have been dire. I guess this happens sometimes with a new product that is in high demand and to their credit they did make it right.I can't say their products are unrelaible in general but this particular amp was. No problems at all with the new amp yet.

Customer Support: 8
The customer support was fine. Their hands were basically tied until an amp came available.The repair shop mainly delt with Vox or Korg. In my correspondence with them they seemed concerned and willing to do whatever thay could. If they had gotten a replacement for me sooner I would have given them a 10.

Overall Rating: N/A
I've been playing off and on for 25+ years and am very happy with this amp. Portable and versitle you can crank it or play softly. I think it would satisfy all but the most discriminating purists.If it were stolen(how could you lose something this big) I would buy another, or a 30 watt model if it was significantly lighter.

Submitted by mark at 06/05/2005 22:08

Price Paid: 330 (Euro)

Features: 9
2005 - Ireland
I think the features of this amp have already been well-covered by other contributors here. I play in a lot of different types of bands ranging from Jazz to rock to country and I love this amp. Have had the amp 3 weeks now and it has done a lot of sessions since including a tv show last night. To be honest I always bypass the effects section, for 2 reasons. Firstly I find it quite limiting as I like to mix and switch effects at my feet, but for the price of the amp they're a great feature. Secondly I've been using Boss pedals for years along with a Tubescreamer and I'm so used to them. Some people have commented that their effects didn't work well with this amp but that hasn't been my experience.

Sound Quality: 9
My main guitar is a Gibson Les Paul although I use several others depending on the situation. My favourite sound on this amp has got to be the AC30TB. I use this most of the time with the gain back so that the sound is clean but almost starting to break up. Then when I need to rock out I kick on the Tubescreamer and 'Tone Heaven'. I love it. My main worry buying the amp was that it mightn't be loud enough in a live band situation, my previous amp was a Peavey 160w Special 112. But so far it has had no problem being heard and I only mic it in situations where I would have miced the Peavey also.

Of the other sounds available I like the 70's and 80's Marshall but I would never use Numetal sounds for instance, so I can't really comment on these as I don't like that particular sound.

Reliability: 6
Haven't had it long enough to give a fair comment. Seems sturdy enough though a lot lighter in weight than my Peavey (thank God!). I do a lot of work and this thing seems to be taking all in it's stride.

Customer Support: N/A
Don't know and hopefully never will.

Overall Rating: 9
Been playing about 20 years. If it was stolen or lost I would buy another one, or possibly upgrade to another Valvetronix model, though this one is doing all I need. What I love most is the valve sound at such an incredible price. My biggest gripe is that you can't add an extension cab, which would be ideal for real spread on stage. I think they should have included the footswitch, even if it meant adding a few quid to the overall price as the amp is great value for money.

Submitted by mickeyfrets at 05/24/2005 15:35

Price Paid: US $359.00

Features: 9
It has everything ill need and more for features, i jam in a live jam situation, and im a tube amp freak, but as far as the amount of time i use it jamming, the peavey, laney, and marshall halfstacks i had werent practical for me to use 2 times a month jamming and then practicing in the bedroom with! Effects by korg the same who make my favorite pedals, Boss. Its solid state with a one tube preamp, i immediately stuck my favorite JJ ecc83s in the tube socket and ditched the electro harmonix 12ax7. I had it specially set up for my AD50VT. Wish it wouldnt cut the internal speaker out when a cab is hooked up to it, wish i could just add a 112 cab to it.

Sound Quality: 9
My current set up is an Agile 2500 LP copy, A seymour duncan sh-1 vintage'59 pickup in the neck, and an sh-11 custom custom in the bridge. Run it through a modified Vox v-847 wah pedal all insides are area51's vintage italian wah kit. It suits my styles just fine, i play rock, hard rock, Blues,metal. For the people who dont read the directions it does sound muffled and unable to project, i know because im one of them! Im a tube amp guy and when i had it for the first week i was like man it would sound so much better if it was so muffled, and it sounded too electronicky, like a line 6 anything. All though line 6 has redeemed them selves with the hd-147 head, If i had the cake id be writing a review on that right now! Im used to the tube feel and until i learned how to turn off the stinkin noise gate i was dissapointed. The sustain and background sssssssssss was there as i would expect from a tube amp at high volume and i was really diggin it after that, the ac30 70's and 80's UK settings is/are what i use the most, and ive recently started slaving it with a VOX Brian May special! It really increases the tonal range from blues to god awful distortion.HOwever you can hear every chord and note. Ive jammed in live situations plenty of times unmiked and it cuts right through, RDFD! Read Da Fucking Directions! Play with it and twist the chicken head knobs for all they are worth! i wouldnt play stadiums with it but for a club jam or garage style its perfect. this is what i have found, and my buddy jeff plays loud!"motorhead loud" and he has the new hd 147, and he was amazed at how it projected its sound.

Reliability: 9
Well i havent spilled a beer on it yet or dropped down a flight of stairs like my poor Classic 50. but it seems to be pretty decent, i d gig with a backup anyway, if i regular gigged id have a half stack and probably a Vox Valvetronix head. Besides for the price, if it malfunctioned, specially repeatedly, id Pete Townsend its electronic ass! Stage show antics!

Customer Support: 10
I emailed them to ask them how to slave it with the Brian May special, the next night i got a reply! WOW! They seem really enthusiastic about customers there questions and the new gear they are putting out, friendly and curtious.

Overall Rating: 9
Ive been a playing Amature for bout seven years now. I am always looking for new things, especially how different amp companys take is on a tube emulation amp. I went through a lot of them including the big boys, i picked this over an Hughes&Kettner Matrix. Hmmm i wanna try the H&K again. I currently own nothing else i used to have every thing but a set of drums but my past situation led to where i am with this little Vox Ripper! The only amp i want back is A Laney lc-30, i had one and regret to this day giving it up to pay a bill, i hear people say marshalls are loud, sheer childsplay next to a Laney! I know..... im a trouble maker....

Submitted by Mark J at 05/17/2005 19:05

Price Paid: US $357

Features: 10
Lots of choices. Eleven amp models, some you will like immediately some will require tweaking. Some amp models are more sensitive to modification than others, but I think that criticism of subtleties isn't productive nor is it mature. Any "classic" tube amp is going to sound like, well, itself, and nothing will nail it on the head. This amp comes closer to an AC30TB, a Fender Blackface 2x12, a Marshall 70's and 80's model than you're going to find without a lot of work or money, and it does a good enough job at a Vox AC 15, a Fender tweed 2x12, and a Mesa amp to get you into a no-excuse territory as to your craftsmanship on the guitar. Versitility is a major strong point here.

Sound Quality: 9
I use a Telecaster. Stock pickups. The people I like either play the same or started their careers on them. It's noisy unless your cord is brand new, never stepped on or bent. I can't say I like all of the effects as well as the best of them, I can say that they are all, without exception, useful and well-executed. I don't like the excessive noise I get with a well-used cord. I do like the flexibility they built into the amp, both with the controls and with the wattage selection. Great idea, an electronics tech dream in a world of pure tube bullshit. Not enough noise suppression for me, but that is a common complaint for me with all kinds of gear. I play slide a lot, I play Brit Invasion, I play serious and not-so-serious rock and roll, I play whatever I feel like at the moment in front of anybody. I play a Telecaster for its flexibility, got this amp for its flexibility, haven't been disappointed yet with either.

Reliability: 10
Don't know for sure because it hasn't broken yet. I have a Marshall Valvestate, made by Korg like this one, have had it for years, sounds great live and has NEVER given me a bad note I didn't ask for. I spent the 1960's and '70s playing Vox, loved the sound, never had a problem, not one. This is Korg. Played the 1980's and 1990's with Korg effects, never had a problem. Korea? England? Who cares? What I know is that the nameplates Vox and Korg and Marshall have yet to cause me a problem, and other makes have. I might have just been lucky, but I've played out a lot for a lot of years and I'm happy with these brands.

Customer Support: N/A
Dealt with other companys, not with Vox/Marshall/Korg except to buy the stuff.

Overall Rating: 10
I've played since 1964. I play a Tele and this Vox. Hope it doesn't break, but all gear does now and then. It sounds good. It does an AC 30 as good as an AC 30. It does a Fender Blackface just as good. It is surprisingly good at the 70's and 80's Marshall, will make you stop and play those settings as they are that good. Can't say I hear a lot in other settings, AC 15 leaves me cold as does boutique clean, but I have to say the amp gives a lot to work with and I'm not a Korg rep and could probably gain some insight as a rep who knew the amp better. I play a lot, demand a lot, and this, short of a gozillion dollars worth of overpriced "classic" gear, does a fine job. I played the classic amps when they were new and cheap. This amp does a fine job. Don't listen to the finicky rich mofo wannabees, old or young. Screw em. Listen to the amp. You'll like this one.

Submitted by Bill at 04/29/2005 21:59

Price Paid: 200 (UK £)

Features: 9
Bought 2005 , 50w (variable) combo amp from Vox.

11 Amp models, range of effects (some work in tandem, but you cant pick and choose) 2 preset channels for storing your favourites, together with Preset (the settings Vox in their wisdom claim you need to hear!), and manual so you can mess around to your hearts content. Effects section is bypassable, and has a noise gate. (I need this for my Tele, but not my Strat)

If I am correct, this has a tube on the pre-amp stage.

Standard EQ controls, Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Master Volume.

Also has a hot output for connecting to another cab, jack for external footswitch (VFS2) for changing channels and bypassing the effects section. Shared Line and Headphone jack on the back.

Cool feature is the variable power output - some people on here are suggesting that this is just another volume - they are missing the point. The tube section really comes into its own when you drive it hard, and for many, this aint an option in a bedroom or house. By turning wattage down, you can crank the volume and gain right up and play at full tilt without the loud sound, but still flooding the tube to full and getting the sweetest tones out of it.

Things I miss - sperate jack socket, or maybe even XLR jack, but thats all.

Sound Quality: 7
Still new to it, and it clearly needs breaking in, but very impressed so far. With AC-30 setting I was getting a sound very similar to the Small Faces on Afterglow or All or Nothing with my Tele.

Lots of other models as detailed in other reports below. The modern amp sounds very 1990's and cool distorted. The Boutique Clear is really sweet, and Fender models are lovely.

Cant say the same about the effects section, which in my view sounds very digital and weak. The compressor for example when on high volume gives a notable digital fade to the end of the note. AutoWah is useless (get a pedal!). But I suppost thats my point, I have a pedal board with Boss Compressor, Delay, Big Muff Fuzz, Small Clone Chorus, so didnt buy this amp for effects. You will have fun with them, but I cant really class them as serious effects. Only one I would suggest is worth using is the Reverb.

Otherwise, sound is so so sweet when you get the right setting. Can occasionally sound a bit muddy, and volume differences between models are a bit extreme (try changing from a loud Boutique CL setting to Nu Metal, and you will shake the windows) Still, sounds lovely though.

Got to mark this down for the effects section being superflous, but would give it a 10 otherwise

Reliability: N/A
Obviously put together cheaply at this price, but it doesnt really show. Plastic corners, cheap covering material (but lovely metal grille that is solid!!)

Chickenhead switches seem to turn too easily between models, but they are firmly stuck on.

Not broken yet, but then it's brand new!

Customer Support: N/A
Not tried

Overall Rating: 10
Been playing a few years, but still only class myself as a beginner to intermediate. Terrible with theory, but think my technique aint bad.

I play MIM Tele and Am Std Strat through it and it is a huge improvement on my Marshall 30 DFX rubbish. It sounds so sweet and warm, and has massive variety. Still new to it, so got lots to play with before I've explored it all. Value for money though, cant go wrong.

Submitted by PJM at 04/19/2005 04:49

Price Paid: US $259

Features: 9
2005 model.. 11 amp models, 11 effects, two channels, line out, head phone jack, no effects loop, foot switch jack but foot switch is not included. I had a two button switch from a peavey amp and it worked fine providing channel switching, and effects bypass. Uses a tube in the power amp and the ability to overdrive the tube while turning down a power potentiometer in the back to keep the volume down. Great in theory, but it still generally sounds better at louder volumes.

Built in noise gate - a great feature!

Outstanding bang for the buck! Effect combinations are pre-defined, but each has two or three parameter adjustments. Very cleverly set up. Outstanding as a studio/practice amp. For the stage, it would be difficult to use unless you assigned just two main sounds, one for each channel, and were very quick with the controls for any other sounds you wanted to use. I have a digitech RP2000 modeling foot controlled processor, and it is more versatile and practical for the stage than this amp would be. Also, the RP2000 sounds better at low volumes and WAY better with headphones. Tried using the RP2000 through this amp, but there is no real neutral clean sound, and it the two units just didn't get along well.

Amp seems plenty loud for a 50W 1-12 combo.

Sound Quality: 8
I play a variety of rock styles. The clean sounds are great, and the effects are generally very good. I was able to compare it side by side with a Marshall AVT50 which uses a tube preamp instead of the power amp as on this amp. Generally the Marshall had the warmer more tube like sound, but it costs about $200 more, and is much less versatile.

This amp totally nails the Nu-Metal - scooped mids sound! Quite impressive! The speaker has much better bass response than my Marshall AVT 50 stock speaker, and the Marshall could not produce a comparable nu-metal sound, nor could my digitech RP2000.

It also does a pretty convincing Marshall JCM 800. The high gain model sound is alright, but none of the overdrive sounds were really tube-like IMO. However, for the price, they are all pretty good with endless variety. If you like tinkering with controls, this amp will keep you plenty busy. If not, it has presets which are well set up, and easily modified.

You definitely want to read the manual to get the most out of the amp.

The noise gate is great, but when you back off the volume control on the guitar, its hard to find a setting where the notes don't fade out too fast while still gating all the noise at full guitar volume.

Some have mentioned a loud fan. On this one, it was very quiet (unlike my Marshall AVT50).

I'm using Carvin guitars with humbuckers and coil taps, and also a Fender HM strat.

Reliability: N/A
Seems reliable. I only had it for two weeks and took it back, but not because of any problems. It was just too redundant with things I already had. Still, I would recommend it to anyone looking for very versatile amp at a reasonable price.

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 8
Been playing >25 years. I was shopping for a backup for my other amp, and was willing to consider any combo under $1000. Spent a whole morning at Guitar Center trying all sorts of amps, and finally kept going back and forth between this and a $900 Mesa Boogie FE30. Sure the Boogie sounded better but (being cheap) it just wasn't $550 better IMO. Also, the Vox did the NU-metal sound much better, and had so many more toys! However, once the novelty wore off, I had to admit that my RP2000 could do almost everything this amp could do, and in most cases better and more easily (except that NU-Metal sound!). So I took it back and ordered the new Traynor 50blue all-tube amp. Still, I would highly recommend this amp to the non-professional on a budget.

Submitted by pgsulli at 04/18/2005 21:31

Price Paid: US $359.00

Features: 8
2004 Model Vox AD50VT. I play anything from blues to pop/electronica to 'Van Halen' tone rock. This amp covers all the bases for the types of tones needed. This is a solid-state modeling amp with a 12AX7/ECC83 tube in the preamp stage. I wanted to rave about this amp until the demons set in..... First off, I've had it back to the shop twice for cold solder joint. It kept cutting out completely while I was playing. Second of all, don't let the other reviews fool you. When I first got this amp, I was excited about it. I really thought it felt/sounded like a tube amp until I put it to some 'real world' tests (open mic night) where I was literally asked to leave the stage after playing half a song. I crumbled.
The built in effects are nice. Has all the basics. Flange, chourus, reverb, echo/delay and a nice built in noise gate, which I wasn't even aware of until I realized my Strat was making no noise at all! Cool!

Sound Quality: 8
I play an American Std. Tele w/a Danny Gatton (Joe Barden) pickup in bridge and a beat up old Strat using Duncan Antiquities all throughout. This amp does cover all the tone selections needed for most styles of music because of the amp modeling, but HEED MY WARNING. When playing out and needing the 'drive' and openness of a real tube amplifier, this amp completely pukes out. Very over compressed and over-processed. I was playing next to a Peavey Classic 30 and could not keep up at ANY volume. It sounds like there's a blanket over this amp at any high volume levels, and it sounds like it's 'choked' or 'straining'. So, as far as sounds are concerned, I have to give it high marks for some nice modeled tones. From a Vox AC30TB to a Mesa rectifier tone, it does a great job at low/moderate volume, but DON'T BUY THIS AMP IF YOU'RE EXPECTING TO PLAY OUT AND NOT BE MIKED UP! It's a nice amp for recording, but it's basically a 50w practice amp.

Reliability: 4
Had it in twice in a week for cold solder joint repairs.

Customer Support: 7
emailed tech support, and actually got a 'non canned' email within a day, but they basically said 'bring it to where you bought it for repair'. Duh.

Overall Rating: 5
Been playing for 25+ years. I would NOT but another one of these amps if it was lost/stolen. I 'undid' the deal I made for this amp to get my Vintage Club 60 back (Crate). This amp is not the tone-modeling panacea all guitar players search for. It is still a transistor amplifier, and cheaply built to boot. (Mine was made in Korea) Take my advice, if you're looking for multiple tones, get yourself a 30-50w ALL TUBE AMP and a few pedals. This amp had no volume overhead and falls apart in real-world applications. Trust me.

Submitted by Jim at 04/15/2005 07:42

Price Paid: US $359

Features: 9
2004. The features have been listed below already, but if you're too lazy to scroll:

*11 amp models and 11 built in effects
*Power adjuster (allows user to dial in desired wattage from less than 0.15W - 50W)
*External Speaker Out jack (8 ohms)
*Line/Phone jack
*Foot Switch jack (Vox VFS2 footswitch sold separately)
*2 channels to store settings
*Preset and Manual modes
*Dimensions: 22.76" x 10.43" x 19.95"
*Weight: 44.09 lbs.

I've prolly forgotten some stuff, but you get the picture.

This amp meets every one of my musical needs, but I'll talk about that more in depth under sounds.

Would get a 10, but i need to go out and buy the footswitch?!

Sound Quality: 9
I use a Gibson Pete Townshend Signature SG with two P-90 single coil pickups. This is the perfect guitar for me because I'm a Classic Rock guy in a teenage classic rock cover band. We mainly cover Who, Beatles, and beginning to add some songs by 'The Band'. I can get just about any sound I need from my PT SG. Pete used a Gibson SG Special that had P-90s, which is partially responsible for creating his defining live sound between late '68 and '71. The Beatles are very closely associated with Epiphone Casinos which also have P-90s. They also used Strats (and George later used a Telecaster) which also have single coils. The Who and The Beatles being my two favorite bands, i felt it was safe to get P-90 single coils (I also liked the clean sound i got from them :) )

With the Vox AD50VT's 11 amp models i can dial in just about every sound i need:

*Mid 60's Beatles / Early Who - British Invasion sound (though you'd need a RIC too) can be found on AC30TB. This is THE sound for "Day Tripper" and other songs from this era for the Beatles, and lucky me, that's on our set list.

*Late 60's Beatles sound can be found on Tweed 4x10 (Fender Bassman) In the Late 60's when the Beatles were getting more and more psychadelic, they switched their amps from Vox to Fender. You can also get the sounds from most Fender users out of this amp setting.

*The Who's live sound from '69 to '71 (think Woodstock, Live at Leeds, Isle of Wight festivals, Live at The Young Vic), can be found using UK '70s. Cranking the gain on this amp will give you decent distortion, at least for my taste. I plan to get a fuzz pedal for the perfect fuzz sound i seek tho.

*John Entwistle songs ("My Wife" - live) i use UK '80s. When The Who would play John's songs live in the late 70s, theyd play it fairly distorted, so I use this setting. This is the closest I get to playing anything remotely metal or modern. I have no use for the heavily distorted amp models and am not someone to consult if a metal player's amp is what you're looking for. But I do know that if you got money, and are looking for a metal players amp, Mesa Boogie is the way to go. The fact that this amp has amp models for classic rock, modern rock, and metal, you know its versatile. The distortion can get pretty brutal, but at a certain point, distortion loses definition, where distortion is gonna sound like the same mangled piece of shit no matter what you do. I'm definitely not talking about just this amp, but amps in general. But to state it simply, the distortion on this amp can be just about whatever you want in this price range and without a distortion pedal.

* The Band - I turn it to Black 2x12 and turn the Compressor on and I'm able to achieve Robbie Robertson tone. If you're not familiar with his sound, he uses mostly Strats and Teles. In the 60s, the middle pickup of his Strat kept getting in the way of his playing, so he just moved it down towards the bridge. The finished product gave him lots of "twang" and "quack" which defined his sound. He also plays with pinch harmonics almost non-stop to get him even more "quack". It can be heard on the songs "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" and "Just Another Whistle Stop" especially.

Effects:
The effects on this baby will suit anyone who isn't too picky about their effects or can't afford top notch effects. I'm no Tom Morrello, so I have no intention of having a pedal board with a dozen stomp boxes. However, there are two effects that I am specific about and plan to upgrade to: Fuzz and wah. Being the huge PT fan i am, i intend on getting a Black Cat Univox Superfuzz to mimic the unique distortion heard when Pete plays live. And me also being a sucker for classic rock, a Crybaby Classic. There are some effects i'll use very rarely (i.e. flanger, phaser, tremelo), rarely enough, that i can survive the quality of the effects. They're A-OK in my book.

Overall - the sound is fantastic but

Reliability: 10
This thing is a TANK!!!!!! It's solid. Its hard for me to explain the amp's strength with words, so if you're at a guitar store anytime soon and they got a ADD50VT on hand, give it a good inspection. I cringe at the thought, but I bet that if it ever fell down the stairs, it could survive. I would definitely gig with this without a backup on hand, cause i trust it. Hasnt failed me yet, I've owned it since late December of '04 and I've been playing it almost non stop.

Customer Support: 10
I've dealt with Vox once asking for the specs of this amp, because for some reason their sites and other sites hadnt posted that yet. I emailed them and they answered me promptly within 11 hours or so.

I think the warranty was 90 days or something, which isnt much...but I don't think I'm gonna need one.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing guitar for about 3 years (I'm 15), bass for about a year and a half, can barely play keyboard or drums, better at twirling drum sticks than actual drumming. Lead guitarist for a teenage classic rock cover band, backup guitar/organ in my Dad's group (if they need me), which is also a classic rock/ folk cover band. I own a 2001 Gibson Pete Townshend Signature SG and a 2003 Yamaha F-35 acoustic that i started on, along with my trusty Vox AD50VT. I also use/ have access to my Dad's 1997 Epiphone Sheraton II, 1987 Fender F270SCE acoustic-electric, and Epiphone EP-1000 amp. I also use/ have access to his lead guitarist's Squier Strat, 1974 Gibson SG Standard Limited Edition I, Fender Fretless Jazz Bass, Peavey Audition 20 amp, and Fender BXR 25 bass amp and am currently using my guitar mentor's friend's Ibanez-like bass.

When shopping for this amp i considered many things: Wattage, weight, versatility, sound and price. I compared it to many other 50, 65, and even 100 watt amps. It was a clear winner because of it's Vox quality, features, sound, and versatility. Other amps i compared to lacked certain qualities (like staying clean past a certain volume)

I love just about everything this amp has to offer other than its weight, but small price to pay for the greatest amp money can buy in this price range. If someone stole this amp, I'd be pissed, but be glad that they didnt steal my beloved PT SG instead. I'd definitely look for the culprit, who prolly couldnt have run far with this 50lb beauty. IF i couldn't find them, then of course i would definitely buy a replacement cause it's Vox, under $400, with just about every sound i've ever needed right here. Did I mention it's beautiful as well?

Submitted by PinballWizard77 at 04/14/2005 15:57

Price Paid: US $350

Features: 9
Brand-new 2005 model. For the record, there is no fan. You can read the other reviews or go to Vox's website for the complete feature list, but here are the ones I'm most impressed with:
Power knob - genius! Imagine getting that power-amp saturation with a bedroom volume. Works like a built-in attenuator.
11 amp models - the models actually get really close to the tube amps they try to replicate. The AC15 is dead on, and even the Recto is pretty close to my Dual Rec. The only thing missing is that tube response, but hey, if you want that, buy a tube amp.
Effects - I'm not a huge effects user, so this amp suits my needs perfectly. It's a little complex to change some of the effect options (basically you hold down a button while you turn the knob), which could have been avoided by simply adding some more knobs.

A feature that I'm a little disappointed with is that you can only save two channels. Three would have been perfect, or at least a solo boost.

Sound Quality: 9
I've played through this amp with an Ibanez S470, an Ibanez GSA60, and a Yamaha 120SD. All guitars sound great through it, and maintain their own respective sounds. I play mostly old-school thrash, with some blues mixed in. The models on the amp give more than enough choices for getting the tone I'm after for a particular band or song. The amp gets a little noisy on the high-gain channels with the volume cranked, but there is a built-in noisegate that takes care of it well enough for me. The sounds that this amp can make have made me wonder why I spent $2000 on my Dual Rec. While it doesn't hit the sound exactly, it gets pretty darn close. The Marshall sound in here is dead on, whether it's for the 70s, 80s, or Modern setting. It brings back memories of the JCM900 I used to have. For players looking for a more laid-back sound, the AD50VT delivers. The AC15 and AC30 settings are perfect for that late Beatles overdrive, and the Marshall 70s or Tweed are perfect for that heart-wrenching smooth blues tone. It's a little hard to get a clean clean sound from this amp, but with the Boutique clean and backing off the gain it is possible.

Overall, this is a very good sounding amp for $350.

Reliability: 10
I've only had it for about 2 weeks, but being a solid-state amp there's not much in it that can break. Regardless, it seems very well-built and solid enough to withstand some abuse.

Customer Support: N/A
Haven't dealt with Vox. The warranty is pretty much a waste, since it's only 90 days. I've always said, an electronic item will either break out of the box, or never break. Given the high build quality I don't anticipate having to deal with Vox support.

Overall Rating: 9
I've been playing guitar for about 9 years now, and this is the most satisified I've been with a guitar amp. In the past I've owned a DOD G6 practice amp, a Marshall JCM900 Dual Hi-Gain, and a Mesa-Boogie Dual Rectifier Road King. Think of this amp as the solid-state version of the Road King. Great sounds possible, just not the tube response. I compared it while shopping to the Line6 Spider II and the Flextone III, and the Tech21 Trademark 60. I also played a bunch of other amps in the store which I never considered buying (Behringer, Marshall AVT, Crate). The Vox blew the Line6 out of the water when it came to sounding like the amps it modeled. The Tech21 somehow managed to get a tube response with a solid-state amp, but it couldn't deliver on the gain, and it didn't model as many amps and had no built-in effects.

If Vox added either a third channel or a solo boost this amp would be perfect. As it is it's still quite a good amp for $350. Feel free to email me with any questions. paistss@hotmail.com

\m/

Submitted by Scott at 04/12/2005 22:52

Price Paid: £209 (british pounds sterling)

Features: 10
i wont list all the features as eveyone else has and as u may no they are all damn good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Mine is a 2005 model WITH A FAN!!!I could use this lve as well as in the sitting room its AWESOMME!!!!!!!!!,Like that u can turn down power on back so u can still get that warm distortion at volume levels that dont make my wife hit me!!!!

Sound Quality: 10
iam using this with a IBANEZ RG 321 and it is great uk 80,s is the marshall tone i have been longing for since my marshall avt150 was stolen but this amp is much better and a lot cheaper and thats sayin something since i was brought up on marshall amps!!!!

Reliability: N/A
dont now yet as only had it since friday 8th april,Anyone that winges about the fan must be on acid sure it vibrates on start up slightley but goes quit straight away,its no louder than marshal avt150,people stop winging and get rocking like maiden.CANT RATE THIS AS ONLY HAD COUPLE OF DAYS

Customer Support: N/A
1 year warranty from soundslive in newcastle upon tyne hopefully should be fine

Overall Rating: 10
Only been playin about 6 months but like i said earlier wish this amp had been out 6 months ago and i would have saved loads of cash and still had a belting classic marshall sound which everybody wants but not everyone can afford(stacks that is all valve not mg series they suck!!)if it was lost or stolen i would cry and annilate the people responsible for it and get another one I also have the VOX BRIAN MAY SPECIAL ,used to have line 6 pod v2 but got rid of it as this amp has everything i need so part exchanged it for the brian may amp,Line 6 salesman tried to compare his spider2 amp next to this one but he failed (i tried not to laugh at him)silly bloody man!!!

Submitted by dave "iron maiden"elliott at 04/11/2005 15:15