Vox Cambridge 15

Price Paid: US $180.00

Features: 1
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Sound Quality: 1
I play a 60's reissue strat. I love tube amps, vintage guitars, and vintage sounds. This amp has nothing. The gain is very solid state, cold, and shrill. The clean has no sparkle. I was looking forward to using the tremolo, hoping for deep, rich 'Crimson & Clover'. The tremolo feature is practically inaudible--beyond poor.

Reliability: 1
The tube is hidden up in the control box. You'd have to take it all apart to modify it as some suggest. The piping/trim is hopelessly cheap: embarassing! The gold trim consists of a rubber-band stretched around a groove in the cabinet...

Customer Support: 1
What warranty???

Overall Rating: 1
David Allen's review nailed it. His is one of the only ones I could identify with at all. I have no idea how all these musicians with fine instruments, other amps, and years of experience can praise this worthless wonder. It seems to me, having utilized this site to research every piece of gear I've ever owned (and much that I haven't), that most of the reviewers tend to see their new gear through rose-colored glasses and/or are not very discriminating to begin with. At first, when using this site, I tended to discount the negative responses as there appeared to be few in most catagories, but I realize now (having purchased some lackluster stuff) that many of those comments were accurate---more so than the glowing accolades..

Submitted by Banana O'Toole at 12/03/2001 10:31

Price Paid: US $180.00

Features: 8
Great features for the price, you dont miss a midrange contol...but I'd rather see reverb than the tremlo.

Sound Quality: 8
I bought this amp for my son, so he doesnt have to turn on my Marshall everytime he wants to play. We are playing a wolfgang,a couple Les Pauls and a bunch of EARLY 80's charvel's through it. After owning many different amps over the last 25 years, this is the best 180 bucks I've ever spent. Very good for a practice amp! The clean channel smokes my Marshall jcm900 and it breaks up for a nice distorted tone(NOT as nice as my Marshall or Soldano)Keep in mind it is a practice amp and will not go head to head with acoustic drums.

Reliability: N/A
Just bought it a few weeks ago, its still working

Customer Support: N/A
90 day warranty...never dealt with company

Overall Rating: 9
I've been playing for 25 years or more. My son has just started and that is who I bought the amp for, NEVER thinking I would like it too.For it's bang for the buck i give it a 9

Submitted by Brian at 11/19/2001 16:11

Price Paid: £130 (UK Pounds)

Features: 9
Features as stated by everyone else!

Sound Quality: 10
I've played my guitars (a fender strat and a les paul studio) through a marshall jcm800 for years. I'm a fool to have ever bought the heavy lump. This new little jem sits unobtrusively in my lounge and sounds perfect. Amazing - and even better with the 335 dot I've just bought. Jangly pop rock is just like the record, and beef up the middle with a les paul and it sounds just like mid seventies brian may. Classic! Shame I can't afford an AC30!

Reliability: N/A
never any problems

Customer Support: N/A
never needed to contact them

Overall Rating: 10

Submitted by Paul Burford at 11/19/2001 10:03

Price Paid: US $130

Features: 8
15w tube preamp, tremelo, Celestion bulldog speaker. Made in Korea. I believe it has one channel, which is perfectly fine for a practice amp. The tremelo sounds good but is basically useless so I never use it. It would have been better if Vox used a reverb instead of the tremelo. Has a headphone jack but I never use it since the volume can be kept under control. The midrange boost sounds great and I keep it on all the time. Gain boost makes the amp sound too artificial but is still useful. No effects loop but that doesn't bother me. I used this amp once with a full band and it was not loud enough. I put everything up to ten and it started to shake when I played chords so I connected it up to the PA. The amp is loud enough for bedroom playing but definately not enough to be heard over drums.

Sound Quality: 9
Compared to a Peavey Rage 158 and a crappy solid state 20w, the Vox Cambridge 15 is well above both in quality and sound. The amp would have been much more useful if it had reverb. I turned the volume up to 10 with no gain and it was still clean with a hint of overdrive. Very good clean, except it gets a little bit harsh. The gain on this amp doesn't sound that much worse than my friend's marshall valvestate. The vox gain is looser and more midrangey. I have a Fender HotRod deluxe that has an awful gain channel, I find myself using the cambridge for it's gain more now. Fairly versatile. For a $1xx 15w practice amp it sounds excellent

Reliability: 10
I gigged/jammed with it a few times and nothing went wrong. I've had the amp for almost a year now and nothing has gone wrong. Very dependable since I only use it in the house now.

Customer Support: 7
I emailed the company with some questions about the amp and the warranty, they responded right away. However the 90 day warranty sucks but since this is a dependable amp I wouldn't worry much about it.

Overall Rating: 9
Before the Vox Cambridge 15 I had a cheap 20w solid state amp. Compared to that old one the vox was tone heaven. Now I have a Fender hotrod deluxe and I still like the Vox. The clean is a bit harsher compared to the tube. If the amp had reverb it would be twice as good. The looks of the amp are classic Vox so I love it. It is also very light so you can take it anywhere with ease. If it were lost I probably won't buy it again. This isn't because it's a bad amp, I like to try different things. If anybody was just starting to play guitar, I would recommend the vox. Compared to other solid state or hybrid practice amps the vox is much better.

Submitted by User at 11/06/2001 00:11

Price Paid: US $179

Features: 9
15 watts, 1 X 12ax7 tube in the pre-amp, Gain boost, Mid range boost, Bass control, Treble control, tremelo, head phone jack, 8ohm speaker extension, foot switch (optional),8 inch Celestion speaker. Every feature included in this amp is very usable. Would be even better with reverb.

Sound Quality: 10
Ok, I purchased this amp while checking out guitars at a music store, I plugged into this gem out of curiosity and convenience, it was placed near the guitar I was interested in. This little amp is 100% amazing! The clean is rich and tight. There is no need for a mid range control - the bass and treble controls shape the tone perfectly for all situations. The little 8 inch speaker is unbelievable. The bass is rich and punchy and has the ability to make this amp sound BIGGER than one would expect from a 1X8. Turning the gain up gives a very VINTAGE 60-70s british style distortion. Engaging the BOOST on the gain brings about a more modern type of distortion. I have found that with the boost engaged and the gain at about 6 and a half(this is an approximation) I can get ridiculously close to an early Van Halenish sound - minus the reverb. Again, all the sounds here work very well, making this amp about the best value I can think of in the amp market. The mid boost is very friendly when compared to mid boosts I have heard on other amps (Peavey classic 30 -which I own- mid boost is not usable). The trem is cool but better suited for cleaner tones.

Reliability: N/A
Have only had this about a month.

Customer Support: N/A
Not needed them yet

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing 16 years, I own a Peavey transtube 212, peavey bravo 112 all tube, and a peavey classic 30. I have always felt peavey was the biggest bang for the buck - there clean channel is better than Marshall, and there distortion is better than Fender -to my ears anyway. But this amp is the best value when compared to any amp I have ever owned, heard, or considered owning. This is a great little studio amp and an unbelievable practice amp - the lack of reverb really allows you to focus on your playing by not hiding mistakes, which is good thing for practicing.

The only limitations are: lower wattage rating makes it difficult to consider to play out with, unless its a small place.
Lack of reverb. Switching between clean and distorted sounds (This is a one channel amp) requires knob tweaking - making it inpossible to change mid song without the use of an overdrive or distortion pedal.

I have ordered a Celestion vintage 8 speaker for this amp. Why?
Partly because I always have to tweak my equipment out of curiousity and becuase I am a gear junkie. I think the 20oz magnet on the vintage will make for an even tighter bass response. I plan on making an extension cabinet using which ever speaker performs less to my liking. I also feel the 60watt rating may lend to longer life of the speaker when played at higher volumes, however I may have to trade off warmer sound - who knows? Again, I am NOT dissastified with the stock speaker, I just can't leave well enough alone sometimes.

If it were stolen or lost??? I would 100% replace it in a heartbeat. I may buy another one just to be able to use an ABY switch to change between clean and distortion.

Submitted by kurt at 10/29/2001 08:25

Price Paid: US $190.00

Features: 10
This amp is quite versatile for many types of music except maybe balls out thrash. Its best suited for clean sounds, they are probably the best and most varied Ive ever heard on a small amp. Has a headphone jack but Im not enthralled with the way it sounds, which leads me to believe the Line-out jack wouldnt be much better. I'll get back to you on that one. Its got Tremelo which is nice, im not gonna cry about no reverb, ive got a zoom505 that should take care of that. I use the amp in my basement and it sounds pretty good at low volumes although it sounds better louder. I havent played in front of a drummer yet but I think it could cut the mustard for basic rock drums. And oh yea, dont forget.....it has that cool as shit Vox look. Arent we all a little suckered for marketing?

Sound Quality: 10
Im using a Gibson ES-135 with P-100 stacked humbuckers and I play mostly Jangly Pop rock, like say Tom Petty, R.E.M. etc. It does the chime and ring thing quite well with open chords. I think the gain sounds worse the higher up you turn it. The best way to get the overdrive sound (slightly dirty) is to leave the gain all the way down and turn up the volume to about 4 oclock (from the front). I also like to add a little gain for a little more dirt. When you use the neck pickup, it sounds better with the treble higher and bass a little lower, opposite for the bridge pickup. If youve got the time you can coaxe some wonderful tone out of this baby. I really really like it. Yea, I know its not a tube amp (despite the 12ax7) but dammit, i just really liked the way it sounded, better than more expensive tube amps. I havent tried changing to a groove tube or anything but I will report in when I do. Bottom line---a fantastic clean sounding amp and a very versatile tool that you can get a wide array of tones.

Reliability: 9
I was concerned that it seemed to make a crackling noise but I havent heard it in a while so maybe it was just an isolated incident or my imagination. I was quite nervous about it for awhile but it hasnt given me any other problems.

Customer Support: N/A
I havent had to deal with them yet and I hope I dont ever have to.

Overall Rating: 10
Ive been playing for 14 years and I also have a Peavey Express 112 Transtube 65 watt amp. My Vox is better for clean and that is what I primarily play as a songwriter. I probably would get another one, I like it that much. When shopping for it, I tried the Pathfinder which sounded noisy and tinnier to me and Fender's Bronco among others. I thought the Fender sounded like shit to be honest. For a sweet shimmering chimey clean sound like what VOX is known for you cant beat this amp in this price range. No it doesnt sound like an AC30 but its the closest approximation Ive ever heard for under 2 bills. You get what you pay for usually but at $190, I feel the Vox Cambridge 15 is an exceptional value. Please feel free to E-mail me with any info anyone has on there own Vox Cambridge, I love to hear what others think and how they use it.

Submitted by Timm at 10/18/2001 12:57

Price Paid: US $210

Features: 6
The tremolo is a nice "deluxe "add for a pratice amp, but I don 't think the ausence of reverb is a good trade (authough more expensive).
I feel the ausence of channel switching too...
Overall is a very good option for the pratice price/range

Sound Quality: 7
I have used it with a Fender Telecaster reissue and a new Strat . The clean sound is very good for this type of amp, clean, with a lot of sparkle . I feel it a bit too bright though . With a Les Paul seems to be a better match. The overdrive is good only at max. Has not the dynamic of an all tube amp.

Reliability: N/A

Customer Support: N/A

Overall Rating: 9
I recommend this amp for a pratice or beginer amp.
If it has reverb, I would give it a 10

Submitted by Philos at 10/03/2001 21:59

Price Paid: 109 (UK Pounds)

Features: 8
Single input combo amp, switchable mid range boost and gain boost, tremolo feature (nice!), Celestion 8" custom speaker. Traditional VOX styling down to the basket weave covering and grille cloth. Proper 'chicken head' knobs, but... oh no! a modern rocker switch for the on off. How about a chrome toggle switch?! I might even replace mine for one. The cabinet corners are slightly exposed with no edge protectors.

Sound Quality: 10
I play an Epiphone Les Paul standard with the Gibson pickups. I play in a band, but was getting sick of lugging my Marshall 100W head and 1936 cab around to rehearsals, so I bought this amp. It kicks! The sounds are very VOX'y, the tremolo reminds me of the old AC30 amp used by the Shadows, and the full range of sounds is there from clean to breaky-blues to full on overdrive. The valve pre-amp certainly does its job, no problems with my stock valve at all. Volume wise, our band (SUBSONIC MELON) are loud with a capital L. ie. Loud! It cuts the mustard for practices no problem. For quality of sound and volume from this amp, it scored highly.

Reliability: 10
It has not broken down yet, and I don't expect it to. If it goes down in it's warranty period, it'll go back. Out of its warranty? I'm an electronic engineer, so shouldn't have any problems getting it back on its feet :o)

Customer Support: N/A
I've not had to speak to VOX at all, since I am entirely happy with this amp, so can't really comment here.

Overall Rating: 10
I've been playing guitar for ages now, using my Marshall stack for gigs, and an old roland keyboard amp for practice at home and our practice studio. The Roland is now a doorstop, and this little VOX does the job of practice tremendously. If it was stolen (Heaven forbid), my insurers would be told I wanted another one, no problems. I love the styling of the amp - it sits in the living room next to my guitar, and it looks entirely the vintage part. It's great. The only thing I would (and might) change on it is the on/off switch to a toggle for aesthetics. I compared this amp to the Laney LC15R, but it seemed unreliable from reviews, running too hot, and of poor construction quality. None of these factors are evident on this VOX. It's a great amp. If you love that British 60's sound, GET ONE!!

Submitted by Rob Greaves at 09/15/2001 13:16

Price Paid: US $175

Features: 8
Made in 1999 or 2000-one channel; trem, mid and gain boost/headphones - tube/solid state hybrid. I bought it because of the built in tremelo, but now would prefer a reverb instead. I use this amp at home and it sounds great at low volumes and through headphones. I wish there was easier access to the tube.

Sound Quality: 8
I have a bullet strat with fender custom shop fat 50s pickups. I've tried some of the replacement tube suggstions in previous reviews. tried a groove tube and another "newer" as my local shop told me - sovtek 12ax7lps tube. I also have a tube radio that I pulled the tubes from and tried them. I can't tell that big of a difference, but mine lately seems to have lost tone/power and sounds flat, but then the next day it sounds like I think it should. I don't know if its my inexperience or if the groove tube thats currently in there is going out. this is the first amp I've owned with a tube so its been fun messing with it. I may try the mullard suggestion.

Reliability: 8
don't gig and its never broken down. pretty sturdy

Customer Support: N/A
no reason to call...works great

Overall Rating: 8
I've been playing for off and on for about 10 years. I use it with a american big muff and if it was stolen, it would give me the chance to experiment with another amp, but I would be pissed because its a great amp. I like its looks, sounds and its lightweight. this amp is well made and sturdy. only thing I would change is to make it have easier access to the tube.

and if anyone knows....where's the trip posts that someone suggested that you adjust?

Submitted by Anonymous at 08/24/2001 22:59

Price Paid: 220 (Canadian)

Features: 9
This amp was purchased this year so I am assuming it was made in 2001. Quite a wide range of features for a budget amp. Most notable in my opinion is the mid-range boost. All too often boost swithces on lower end amps sound terrible and are rendered useless. However, with the Cambridge 15, it actually gives the player another dimension to their sound. Also, unlike some reviews, I feel that the tremelo is very useful. It can be used to produce some very nice subtle sounds. For a practice amp, this gets a 9. I know there is no reverb, but how many other practice amps in this price range have reverb? Not the Fender Bronco, nor any of the Danelectros.

Sound Quality: 10
For an amp that is basically solid state, this is a geat sounding amp.I know it has a tube in the pre-amp section, which is nice, but we cannot really call this a tube amp, contrary to what the salesperson tried to tell me! Still, this amp has a fairly wide range of tones that can be coaxed from it. I play primarly country lead guitar and the clean tones this amp produces are very nice, particularly with the mid boost engaged. Also, it can produce nice smooth overdrive for blues. Though I should note that I only set the gain as high as 3 or 4. I don't use alot of gain. Also, I should mention that I don't usually play very loud, which is actually an important point for me because I tried a number of tube amps (Fender Pro jr, Blues Jr, etc) and found that they are difficult to get a nice sound out of at low volumes. With those aforementioned amps, a slight turn of the volume knob and the levels become too loud for practicing in an apartment. At low to medium volumes this amp provides some very lovely tones. It actually has a voice of it's own, something one cannot say for many amps in this price range. For what it is designed for, I think this amp does what it does very well.

Reliability: N/A
I probably would not gig with this amp at a medium to large sized club. I have a Mesa-Boogie Maverick with two twelve inch celestion vintage thirties for that. I don't think this amp is really made for heavy duty work. I think it is plenty loud enough for a coffee shop gig or something like that. I would just be a little careful with the corners. I might look for some corner prtectors for it if I can find the right size and color (black). Nonetheless, it is very light and therefore very portable. I have already taken it out to a few friends houses and jammed with it (no drums however). I don't really see it giving me any problems in terms of performance however.

Customer Support: N/A
Never dealt with the company

Overall Rating: 10
I have been playing for seventeen years or so. I have owned a number of amps; Vox AC 30, Fender Twin, Fender Dual Showman, Mesa Boogie Studio 22, Marshal Mosfet 100 (crap!), Marshall Bluesbreaker. I eventually sold all of these for one reason or another. All of them had their strengths except for the Marshall Mosfet. I now own a Mesa Maverick which is my favorite amp I have owned to date. The Cambridge does not sound as good as my Mav. It does not sound as good as my old AC30...how could it? It surly is not meant to compete with amps of that caliber. However, after trying out 9 different practice amps in this price range(all of the Danelectros, some of which were not bad though somewhat limited, Fender Champ, Pro jr which is over rated, Blues jr, Peavey classic 30, which is nice but too expensive for a practice amp, Ampeg and the Vox Pathfinder), I feel that it is head and shoulders above the competition. Just try it along side a Fender Bronco! There is no comparison! It is marginally better than the Pathfinder, which might make the Pathfinder the best value for the money. However, I felt that the extra features of a mid-range boost, pre-amp tube and a celestion speaker might make it a better amp for the long haul. If you are looking for a small, reliable practice amp that can actually generate some nice tone and is versatile, look no further. My best advice however is to try it out side by side with all of the other amps in this category. You will be pleasantly surprised. Obviously, do not expect it to sound like an AC30! For what it is designed for, this little amp is wonderful. By the way, just because it is not all tube, do not presume that it cannot produce nice warm tones. I thought I would never own a small solid state amp. OK, I owned that peice of junk Marshall Mosfet, but that was fourteen years ago! Some of the new solid state amps are quite capable of producing useful tones in a practice situation, with the exception of the crappy Bronco. As a footnote, the Fender Bronco is'nt awful, it is just over priced for what it is and does not even come close to the Cambridge for sound quality. Great value for the money. I am very happy with it.

Submitted by Owen Thomas at 08/23/2001 23:25