Gearfight: Matchless HC30 vs JMI AC30/6TB

[@OldBanjer]

Thanks for doing this! I have a HC30/ESD Cab. I feel like a big part of the difference between the two is the speakers! How do they sound to you through the same cab? Subbed!

[@tonecast1]

Thanks for the sub. I’m really not a fan of sound the ESD cab in my space. Don’t get me wrong, the Matchless sounds good in the room, but it sounded GREAT in front of the mics for this video. I think some of what I don't like about the cab in the room could be attributed to my room as I haven't used the cab in any other rooms yet. Before I recorded the video, I did a couple of audio tests where I A/B'd each speaker in the ESD 2x12 cab to see which speaker, the microphones sounded better on. The Matchless modified G12H30 75hz was the clear winner with the mics (and I love greenbacks). Now here's is the the crazy thing. I also have a Germino 2x12 cab that has two 25 watt Celestion greenbacks (the same model of the other speaker in the ESD cab that I didn't like in my audio test) and the Germino cab sounds better with the HC-30 in the room to my ears. This is why I believe I don't like what my room might be doing to the sound of the cab and/or the actual cabinet box is doing to the sound. I've read other players who say they love the ESD cab box, but I suspect the cabinet construction might be adding extra low mids that kind of muddy up those frequencies. The HC-30 can sound kind of muddy through ESD 2x12 (especially with humbuckers). The EF86 channel is only really pleasant and useable on bridge pickups. Neck pickups on all my guitars on the EF86 channel sound like mud to my ears (and that's with the EF86 CH tone switch on 1; the least bassy setting), BUT the 12AX7 (top boost) channel on the HC-30 sounds much more neutral and much more friendly to all pickup positions. The EF86 channel slays with single coil bridge pickups (especially a tele). Another thing worth noting about this comparison is that I dialed in the recording chain for the Matchless. I used the exact same recording chain for the JMI30/6. The JMI sounds better in person than it does in the video and that’s probably bc I used the exact same recording chain that I dialed in for the Matchless. I'm fairly confident I could make the JMI record better on the mics, but I wanted to keep that a non-variable for this comparison. The JMI is my preference of the two amps because I think I'm more into the old school Vox thing, but the Matchless sounds great; especially miked. You read a lot of people saying the HC-30 is an overbuilt AC-30, which rings true in terms of its construction, but tonally speaking, its own thing. Don't buy an HC-30 if you want the sound of an old AC-30. Buy the HC-30, if you want an HC-30. I had to spend some money to learn this because I don't have a lot of high end shops in my area that carry Vox style amps. That said, I didn't mind spending the money, because I enjoy the process of learning the absurd minutia of this sort of thing, but hopefully the video will help others who are on a similar journey making a decision between these two iconic amp designs.

[@OldBanjer]

@@tonecast1 100% agree about the ESD sounding woofy at times, especially in the EF86 channel. I have a 1x12 cab with a G12H Creamback that sounds so much better to me with any humbucker through the EF86 side.

[@tonecast1]

@@OldBanjer That's good to know. Thanks for letting me know that it can sound better with a 1x12 cab loaded with a Creamback.

[@TheThinker43]

@@tonecast1 thanks for all the detail and sharing your experience. Jmi is my favorite out the two in this video. I have a HC30 it’s no slouch but now you have me jonesn’ for the JMI

[@Grant_Ferstat]

One of the better video comparisons I've head of ANY two pieces of gear. You played a series of things that let us actually hear the amps. Well done.

[@tonecast1]

I appreciate the kind words. I tried to make the demo I was looking for when I was researching these two amps.

[@stephensamber1]

I’m team MATCHLESS. 🎸

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless did sound nice.

[@Terribleguitarist89]

I've been a Mesa fanboy since I was a teen but after sitting around using the vox and matchless models in my helix I've fallen in love with that edge of break up jangle that they do oh so well.

[@tonecast1]

Yeah both of these amps really excel at that edge of breakup thing. Really fun for rhythm work and adding pedals to push them over the edge when needed.

[@melodica5407]

You outgrew high gain amp. Just like i did.

[@rigorhead01]

There's always the Mesa TA-15 and TA-30. I've never owned one, but I've watched many videos of them. My favorite/current amps are Mesa/Boogie Electra Dyne and Deluxe Reverb Reissue. Mesa makes incredible amps. They do not just create high-gain amps.

[@MattChmielecki]

LOVE the Sonic Blue Strat thru the Matchless. But all combos were great. Bravo!

[@tonecast1]

Thanks, Matt. You and Kevin motivated me to post some stuff. Keep the vids coming!

[@BenNeal]

Great video man! I think both sound great, but the Matchless takes the cake for me every time 🔥

[@tonecast1]

Thanks Ben!

[@yngveskarphedinssons]

That matchless is so beautiful in tone and sparkle, has that rich upper harmonics. I want one to suit the Mario Martin. Thank you for doing this post. I live in Australia and matchless and Mario martins are rare to find especially Mario Martin Tekecaster, thank you to my brother in finding it for me.

[@tonecast1]

Right on, Yngve. I thought someone would find it useful bc when I was deciding between these two amps, it was tough to clearly discern the differences between the two given the sound quality of the available videos at the time. Glad you found it helpful.

[@gabrielcolvin1531]

Both sound great. Vox a bit darker and flatter and a more prominent low end. The Matchless had more sparkle in the high end and cut more. Couldn't go wrong either way

[@tonecast1]

I’d say your assessment is pretty spot on.

[@konnektlive]

Thanks for the video, I like both of them for sure but they're different. The JMI AC30 sounds thicker with more mids and low mids on it; it's like there is a Tubescreamer or something similar is always on it. Matchless sounds more open, brighter with relatively less mid heavy sound. I sometimes preferred JMI and sometimes Matchless. But if I have to choose between the two I think I'd go with Matchless. Cheers

[@tonecast1]

I appreciate the fact that you were able to note the pros of each amp. The JMI sounds mid forward as a result of the Fane Blue speakers in it. I’ve also run the JMI in to a 2x12 Vox cab with Celestion Blues and it sounded more like what most folks think of as the AC-30 sound. Thanks for watching!

[@olivercsendes6688]

I preferred the Matchless with all guitars and setting. Wow, what a beautiful instrument!

[@critterkllr]

I like the cleaner tones on the Vox and more gain on the Matchless. I own a DC30 and love it, but there is something about a clean-ish AC30 that just speaks to me.

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless C30 is definitely a descendant of the AC30 but they each have their own unique sound.

[@chrisdiceart]

Exactly what I wanted to hear. Well done. Thank you! 😎

[@tonecast1]

Glad it was helpful! I essentially made the video that I wish had existed when I was looking at these two amps. Thanks for watching.

[@clarencejeyofficial]

Love this comparison. Thank you. I’ve had a Samson Era HC30 (1994 ) with 1x12 cab for a bunch of years (Glenn Ballard used one on all the Alanis records) and finally got myself an original 1964 AC/30TB with blue dawgs. They are both very different Amps, as shown by your comparisons. Vox shines on certain playing and guitars and the HC shines on others. HC has a little of the Fender influence in there. However, I got around to plugging in a Rickenbacker 6 and 12 string into the Vox. There is nothing like it! It’s magic! If ever in Nashville, please drop by my spot! Thx again

[@tonecast1]

Thanks, Clarence. I'm glad you found this comparison helpful in some way. There's a lot of talk online how these amps are essentially the same. I thought it would be helpful to showcase them side by side and let others decide for themselves. Both are great amps, but they do sound quite different in my opinion. Thanks for taking a moment to comment.

[@musicboy2003]

Dude, great demonstration, great playing 🎉

[@tonecast1]

Thanks man! I appreciate you taking the time to watch. 🤙

[@geoPhaze]

With each HC30 clip I thought 'oh that is good sound' then the AC30 clip would start and I thought 'oh but that is also a really good sound' Judging from those clips you are good either way! Thanks for sharing this!

[@tonecast1]

They’re both stellar sounding amps. You really cant go wrong with either. Thanks for watching!

[@crownjewelmusicgearreview9430]

Dude, amazing head to head comparison! Definitely a case of neither amp sounding better than the other, they're both just a little different in really beautiful ways

[@tonecast1]

Thanks! The HC-30, surprised me in front of the mics. I agree, both are great amps. I expected them to sound more alike given that the HC-30 topology used an AC-30, as it’s foundation. I actually sold the HC-30, I always ended up on the AC-30 when in the mood for a Vox flavor. It was a shame for me to keep the HC-30 given that it was being criminally under-utilized by me. Thanks for watching!

[@robertlevasseur8896]

I have an Ac30CC2 that I put blues in and this video was very helpful for tone matching. I am very happy with my cc2, and with a klone in front it really gets me in this territory. Great vid.

[@tonecast1]

Very cool. I’m glad the video helped!

[@dragui9932]

Great demo ! Thanks

[@tonecast1]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisadkins6744]

The JMI for me. Prefer the the darker qualities

[@tonecast1]

The JMI sounds a bit brighter in the room, but it definitely isn't as hyped as the HC-30's top end and bottom end. I sold the HC-30 and kept the JMI. That said, you can't go wrong with either amp.

[@yourefromdownsouth9728]

I’ve never heard one in person, but this video makes me a matchless believer…

[@tonecast1]

They’re very loud in person. Thanks for watching.

[@okaytastic6691]

Finally some heartbreakers!!!!!! Thank you

[@tonecast1]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@NikolausBrocke]

Great tones. Both sound awesome.

[@tonecast1]

Yeah they both have their own merits. Thanks for watching!

[@vinsflokor]

Very nice comparison! I've always been craving a Matchless but, honestly, these two (in this configuration of speakers/cabs) sound very... compatible with each other, to me! If I could, I'd definitely use both for a serious stereo rig!

[@tonecast1]

Yeah they do sound different. I think this goes to show that while the HC-30 on paper looks like an AC-30 in terms of its circuit, it definitely has its own sonic identity. Thanks for watching!

[@morenoteslesstalk]

Funny story, I had the chance to buy this amp and a JMI similar to it, though I can’t remember the exact model. I chose a Sound City Studio 20 instead, which I recently reviewed on my channel. Still thinking about this one and won’t hesitate when the moment comes. UK amps are incredible!

[@tonecast1]

@@morenoteslesstalk there’s another video about JMI on my channel if you want to learn the story behind the 2000s owners of the brand and how this the amp was made.

[@morenoteslesstalk]

@@tonecast1 oh thanks that is precious. Link saved, will watch tonight without fail

[@TheRickdoggie]

I prefer the Matchless with humbuckers and the Vox with single coils in your comparison

[@tonecast1]

Thanks for the feedback. The Matchless recorded really very nicely, as I dialed in the recording signal chain for the HC-30 and kept the same signal chain for the JMI. Honestly, the Matchless recorded better than it sounds in my room. It's a little woofy in the low mids in person. The JMI sounds sweeter in person than it does in this demo. That said, the tonal difference between the two amps translated into the video.

[@ukphonebook]

I have the JMI and a Matchless (Nighthawk which is basically the EF86 side of the HC30). Both sound incredible, but the JMI is the only amp between them that let me down at a gig, blowing the main fuse.

[@tonecast1]

That’s unfortunate but that can happen on a lot of amps. How old were the tubes in it at the time? One could also argue that the cabinet design of the JMI is to blame. It doesn’t vent the heat very well.

[@MikkelKelsoFrandsen]

do you remember your setting on the matchless when you are playing led zeppelin with your es guitar ? is it the ef86 channel ?

[@tonecast1]

Everything in this demo was actually the Top Boost channel. I only liked the EF86 channel with a Tele or Strat bridge pickup but I didn’t record any of that for the video. I thought the EF86 was a bit too woofy using any other pickup position or humbuckers.

[@sloppy_hand]

awesome demo... I only wish you've played some low wind Filtertrons through this amps (cranked)

[@tonecast1]

Sadly, I do not have any guitars with Filtertrons, but if I ever get a Gretsch G6120T-BSSMK Brian Setzer Signature Nashville '59 "Smoke" like I daydream about , I'll be sure to include it in these sort of demos in the future. Thanks for watching!

[@mmatthewias280]

The magic is in the ef86 channel on DC30s.

[@tonecast1]

Both channels on the DC30/HC30 are useable albeit different. For this video, I chose to compare the top boost channels of both amps as that’s what they had in common. IMO The EF86 channel is good but not any better than the top boost channel; just different. Each channel shines in the right context, but one is not really more “magical” than the other.

[@mmatthewias280]

@@tonecast1 not many ppl who have DC/HC30s live on the 12ax7 side. Do some digging/looking at ppls settings and you’ll see. What you just proved here is that if you’re going to use the 12ax7 side just get a Vox. They’re hard to tell a difference similar. If you want the “matchless” sound you live in the ef86 side. Hence why every amp they make the ef86 preamp amps sell the best and hold value.

[@tonecast1]

​@@mmatthewias280 I think smart people who have this amp use both sides. The EF86 chanel was one of the big draws before I bought the amp. I even bought a few different EF86 tubes after I got the amp to see what sort of tones I could get out of that channel. The EF86 sounds outstanding with single coil bridge pickups but muddy with other pick up positions in my opinion. Even with the tone selector on the brightest setting, it was kind of dark when not using a bridge pickup (probably due to the tone stack) and mid forward (thanks to the tube). I even tried it with treble booster which helped, but ultimately still thought this to be the case, but your mileage may vary. I think the 12AX7 channel is where its at with this amp. I did not have any sort of hang ups with the 12AX7 channel. And as you can hear in the demo, it sounds great! Any guitar and any pickup positions will sound outstanding through this channel. If you're rocking an Esquire or single pickup Les Paul Junior, the EF86 channel is THE tone for that kind of guitar / pickup position. For most other guitars, the 12AX7 channel is more useable broadly speaking.

[@Nobody92421]

Thanks for posting!

[@tonecast1]

Thanks for watching!

[@Tonetwisters]

While the Matchless has more layers of character ... I still prefer what ever cycle of sound the VOX sings out with ... 337cps or something ... I don't know. It's just an amp character I just don't hear out of any other amp except maybe those early '60s cheapos. But really ... you were not playing through the second channel on that Matchless with the EF86 and the tone switch ... to me, THAT'S THE BIG DOG! Thanks for this video and for using these great guitars!

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless recorded much better than I expected. It sounds great here but I’m with you in preferring the other amp. I was never really happy with how the JMI sounded in this video, so much that I made a video exclusively about that amp. That video sounded more like that amp in the room than it did in this video. The EF86 channel on the Matchless is pretty magical with single coil bridge pickups but I found it a bit muddy and with other pickup positions and humbuckers. Thanks for watching.

[@sabrosapurr]

Great, now I want a Matchless. Thanks a lot

[@tonecast1]

Ha! The amp recorded really really well. Thanks for taking the time to watch the comparison.

[@sammitchell1834]

First comment ever Great video! Killer tones. I like them both can I just like them both? Haha

[@tonecast1]

"First comment ever" Ha! You win. Glad to see a fellow tone hound enjoy the video.

[@gilessteve]

I'm really not keen on the Fane speakers fitted to the AC30 amp in this video. To be honest I think the Matchless sounds better in most of these clips. It would be interesting to hear the two amps through the same speakers, or the AC30 fitted with Celestion Blues or Tayden speakers. This may actually have been more of a speaker comparison than an amplifier comparison.

[@tonecast1]

Hi Steve. Good to hear from you. You and I both know this JMI can sound better. I dialed in the recording chain for the Matchless then used those same settings for the JMI. I think doing this favored the Matchless which I agree sounded better in this video. I made another video about the JMI after this video and the recording of it came out a lot better in my opinion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imrTkn2ZnKmBhqssi=ThHHiljZxo0rtYsK

[@gilessteve]

@@tonecast1 Yes, I saw that one too. Excellent video and very accurate. It's nice to have the JMI/MG story recorded for posterity.

[@RUSTY-A-L]

Both excellent amps but I would choose the JMI note definition seemed just a touch better to me.

[@tonecast1]

I agree both are killer amps. I eventually sold the Matchless, as I preferred the JMI30 as a complement to my other amps. Most have commented that they preferred the Matchless more, so its interesting to hear someone else prefer the JMI too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@YnJrbnN0cm5nego]

Great stuff, thank you for the comparison! Any chance we can see a deeper dive into the JMI?

[@tonecast1]

I can add it to the production queue. Anything specific you want to see?

[@YnJrbnN0cm5nego]

Thank you! A tour of the three channels (separately and jumped) would be really nice. Perhaps a comparison of the Fane speakers vs Celestion Alnico Blues?

[@tonecast1]

That’s good feedback. I have a set of Celestion Alnico Blues but I’ve never installed them. To hear them I’d have to take out the Fanes and install the Celestions. 🤔

[@julesborges7396]

Hi Jim, I own both amps 1964 AC30 and a "94 HC30 and go for the Matchless ef86 (AC15) every time with my teles. Denny voiced the AC15 with a tele and it's a beautiful combination, IMHO. In fact I just bought a Matchless Nighthawk head for a lighter, more compact version of that channel. Gotta ask, what's the story with that 345? Is that a watermelon finish? Thanks for doing this comparison.

[@tonecast1]

I’d love to hear your amps in person just to see where they overlap with what I’m familiar with via these two amps in the video. The 345 is an original from ‘60 hence the fade in the saturation of the red. I love the color of it. I’ll probably do a video on it in the future.

[@julesborges7396]

@@tonecast1 I'm envious, I had an original watermelon colored 345 back in 1960 or 70. Not sure of it's exact year, '50 or '60, with a brown case. But, I was a kid and for various reasons let it go. Man, do I wish I had it today............... If you're ever in the RI area, I'm moving back there in the next couple of months, give me a holler.

[@ManeshwarSingh]

How much did you have the top boost volume open for the u2 "bad" tone? I usually get that on my modern day vox around 10:00 o'clock position. Was it opened just a crack as shown on the screen during the video?

[@tonecast1]

I had a Kingtone Bluespower on before each amp in all the clips. I eventually made another video about the JMI amp where I demoed it without the use of any drive pedals if you want to hear how it responds with just guitar and amp. kzbin.info/www/bejne/imrTkn2ZnKmBhqssi=9K-S3ft2yNcyuOLN

[@TheMoutin]

good job man respect

[@tonecast1]

Thanks Serge!

[@LesonDeson]

The Matchless is so much clearer in it's frequency response, it records, translates and mixs a lot better. Is that the head, the cab, both? I don't know. Is the vox bark sound cool? Yes but it's always there even when you don't want it. As mentionned in other comments I would be really curious to hear both amplifier sections through the same speaker cabinet.

[@tonecast1]

These are good thoughts. I didn't get to relay this in the video but the Matchless sounded great when I would run it into my Universal Audio OX into the Vox speaker cab emulation. It sounded much more Vox-ish too. I would've been cool to do a video with each amp running into the same cab simulation or cab, but I wanted to showcase each amp as they are with their own cabs. This may come to as a shock to the folks who preferred the Matchless in this video, but I recently sold the HC-30 because I honestly prefer the JMI-30/6 over the Matchless. I prefer the Vox sound over the Matchless sound, but I can't refute that the HC-30 came out on top in this recording. That said, the JMI sounds much better in person than the recording chain relays in this video. I dialed in the recording chain for the Matchless and just kept the same settings of the Vox. I left the recording signal chain the same so as to eliminate that variable. I'm working on another video to compare the JMI30/6 to a Magic Amplification Brit MKII (essentially an AC15; to have an AC30 vs AC15 comparison video on the channel). Thanks for watching!

[@LesonDeson]

@@tonecast1 I understand, I'm not a guitarist so my preferences are purely based on how a tone would fit in a mix. The cab is a huge part of the tone, even a bigger part than the amp. And the more saturation you get, the more whitenoisey the signal gets the more you can hear the cab response as the signal fed is more and more static.

[@KevinASmith-bu7hd]

Jimbo! So good, dude!

[@tonecast1]

Thanks, Kevin! You and Matt inspired me to post something.

[@thediminish8517]

What's different between JMI and korg era? Is JMI better than korg era? I have two ac30, 30th limited edition and 1997 korg era. I think your amp is better than mine.

[@tonecast1]

During the mid 2000s the owners of the JMI name hired an amp builder to build replicas of 60s Vox AC30s and AC15s. These amps were built in the same location Hiwatt amps were being built at the time in the UK. This amp is one of those amps. The amp builder parted ways with the JMI brand in the late aughts. This JMI 30/6TB is better built than the Korg Vox AC30s; sounds warmer due to the Fane speakers. The Korg AC30s sound brighter to me and not as warm as this JMI30. This amps didn’t have 1/4” speaker jack but the 60’s style UK speaker terminal. The amps guts are mounted to wood and slide into the cab like 60s Vox unlike modern amps that are built in a metal chassis and bolted in the cab. Hopefully that helps!

[@thediminish8517]

@@tonecast1 Thank you for information.

[@xiscogg]

One thing for sure, you're lucky guy with those amps and that gorgoeus MM. Matchless HC30 is one of the greatest amp ever though that JMI AC30 is lovely, not only when you play U2 (when you nail the tone)

[@tonecast1]

I am fortunate to have played both. I've since sold the Matchless and kept the JMI. Both amps are outstanding that said I kept the JMI simply bc i preferred the more classic tone of it. Thanks for watching!

[@jerrymckenzie1858]

For me, the Matchless was the clear winner.

[@tonecast1]

Most folks seems to agree with you. I actually sold the Matchless and kept the JMI. Both sounded great but I’m definitely more into the 60’s Vox thing that the JMI does so well.

[@RheuelDomingues]

Obrigado pelo conteúdo! Muito bom, informativo, prático e sensacional! 🎉👏🙏🏻

[@tonecast1]

Thanks! I’m glad you found it informative. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@atrumluminarium]

Are these two amps still being manufactured? I can't seem to find brand new units of the JMI

[@tonecast1]

As I'm sure you already know the Matchless HC-30 (head) and DC-30 (combo version) are still currently in production. You're correct about not being able to find a new JMI. They're no longer being made. My JMI-30/6 Top Boost was made around 2007 or 2008 for JMI by a seemingly skilled amp builder in the UK. During my research I read he had a small workshop that was located in or near the Hiwatt facility (I'm having a hard time recalling the exact details of the Hiwatt connection). It would seem that builder is no longer affiliated with the brand. The party that currently owns the JMI name sells amplifier shaped objects that aren't worth anyone's time That said, for a brief few years in the mid 2000's, JMI did make killer reproductions of early '60's Vox amps. If you scour the online marketplaces you should be able to locate one if you're patient.

[@abiwankinobi]

I really cpuldnt pick one over the other. They voth sounded very good on dofferent ways. If I absolutely had to choose one, I think I would go with the matchless

[@tonecast1]

“Hello there.” This is really the best way to look at it. Both are good but different. I just really want to showcase that they’re very different sounding amps.

[@hooskerdu1]

For a new player, Is Matchless considered the closest tone to Vox? I've always loved the sound of Vox amps, but I found the Matchless sounded better in this demo. But both still sounded great!

[@tonecast1]

In my opinion, the HC-30 is Vox inspired, but it definitely is its own thing. To be honest, this video didn't do my JMI30/6 justice. I'm working on making another video to showcase the JMI30/6 in an effort represent it more fairly. In the room, I prefer that amp to the HC-30, but I also like the more vintage EL84 sound. The Matchless sounds more modern to me and it did record phenomenally well. I'm not keen on the present day AC-30 Vox is making. They don't really sound like the old ones to my ear. The best sounding recent AC-30 Vox has made that I can vouch for tonally speaking is the 2007 50th Anniversary Reissue AC-30. I owned one for a bit. It too had an EF86 channel, as well as a 12AX7 Top Boost channel like the HC-30. That amp sounded great.

[@yakabayngu1126]

The star of the video is your Strat. OK, well, it's the Matchless with the Strat. And the JMI with the ES. But great Strat!

[@tonecast1]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve owned several Strats through the years. This one is my favorite thus far. It’s super stratty, and I like leaning into that when I get to play it.

[@garrettshuck7441]

Preferred the Matchless for most. Maybe with the exception of the last sample on the tele. The strat w/delay sounded absolutely killer with either- but I felt the JMI was a little more vibey there as well, just not quite as HD sounding.

[@tonecast1]

Interesting tone report, Garrett. Most of the people here probably would call me crazy, but I actually sold the HC-30 and kept the JMI. That said, I was surprised by how well the Matchless recorded. I dialed in the recording signal chain for the Matchless and left it the same for the JMI to keep it a consistent comparison. That didn’t do the JMI any favors on camera. The JMI sounds much better in the room in person. I could’ve dialed in a different recording signal chain for the JMI to approximate what it sounds like in the room, but I didn’t to keep that part of what you guys heard a constant variable. The Matchless had more lows and highs than the JMI. The JMI had more pronounced midrange, a smoother top end, and a lot less bass. It also sounded more like a Vox. The Matchless sounds like Matchless to me. They have their own sound that’s different from the vintage Vox thing.

[@garrettshuck7441]

​@@tonecast1 I wouldn't call you crazy. The guy that brought up the fact that a large part of the difference is likely the speakers is probably on the money as well. They both sounded awesome. I can definitely see them sounding much different in a room, and I can see a guy leaning towards the JMI due to the pronounced mids. I bet that JMI would do a great job cutting through a mix live. Could be the signal chain as well. I really like the helios type 69 pre on bass guitar (the eq as well for that matter).It probably likes the extra bottom end that matchless has. It is nice hearing the fanes. I have been wondering about them, as well as the weber alnico blue dogs.

[@tonecast1]

I've not tried the Helios Type 69 on bass yet. I should give that a go. Good call. I have a set of Celestion Alnico Blues sitting in the box. I bought them before the JMI showed up in case I didn't like the Fanes. The Fanes sounded so good that I just left them in the amp. I did have a friend bring over his Vox 2x12 cab with Celestion Alnico Blues. We tested through the amp through that cab. The Blues definitely gave it the more traditional Vox chime. You can go wrong with the Blues or the Fanes as they're both great sounds. It really just comes down to player preference.

[@tylerschack8021]

It’s funny how I like one amp for some things and the other amp for other things. I think I’d lean towards the Matchless but neither sound bad.

[@tonecast1]

Take notes everyone. Tyler here gets it. It’s not that one really sounds better than the other, but it’s more about which tone will serve best in each specific application.

[@MrDavemiley]

Try a Todd Sharp JOAT 20 or 30 RT !

[@tonecast1]

I’ve never come across these. 🤷‍♂️

[@josephfemoyer7218]

JMI 30/6 captures the True Tone of a vintage AC/30.the matchless is a great amp but it is its,Own thing” the JMI is built to the exact same specs,build quality as a 1963 VOX AC30/6. I have AB Ed a JMI ac30 top boost with a vintage 1963 Vox AC30 and it’s spot on. Todays Vox amps are all Chinese junk.

[@tonecast1]

“Today’s Vox amps are all Chinese junk” to be fair some of them are built in Vietnam. 😂 I haven’t talked to many folks who’ve also played the mid 2000s JMI replicas. Did the one you played have Fane Blues or different speakers? Also how did you learn that the JMI was spec’d to the ‘63 AC30/6? I haven’t found that info anywhere online. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching!

[@peterforero7277]

whats the song played in the last sound comparision?

[@tonecast1]

The song is Just by Radiohead from their album the Bends - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXqpfaeEjq5mgtU

[@DavidKim-sy4lx]

Matchless 2:12 3:41

[@tonecast1]

Nice. Thanks for chiming in.

[@micahmesserli8003]

JMI hands down

[@tonecast1]

It’s funny everyone has a different opinion. A lot of folks preferred the Matchless. I kept the JMI and sold the Matchless. The Matchless C30 is a great amp, but I preferred the more classic vibe of the JMI. This was the first video I made on my channel. My most recent video focuses solely on the JMI. If you want to hear a better representation of it, check out that video. Thanks chiming in!

[@iljasplayhouse]

Why is the Brilliant volume on the AC-30 at 1?

[@tonecast1]

Because I value my ear drums. 😂. These amps are loud. I saw you commented on the JMI 30 video too. In that video which was recorded later, I cranked the amp louder with help via an attenuator. I actually had to mod the amp to be able to use an attenuator with it, which was done in the time between the recording of the two videos. Thanks for watching.

[@iljasplayhouse]

What valuing my eardrums concerns. I have a Top Boost '69 and two older ones. In a pub each of them are way too loud when they open up at 8. Made me change to Marshall JMP's with master volume.@@tonecast1

[@MariJu1ce]

Vox sounds miles better, dont know why people say the matchless sounds like a vox, its so different.

[@tonecast1]

The two are quite different sonically but you can tell the DC-30 is descended from the AC30 lineage. From my understanding of history, the Matchless DC-30 was derived from the AC-30 circuit by co-founder of Matchless, Mark Sampson for guitarist, John Jorgenson in an attempt to make a souped up AC-30 that could would withstand the stress of touring. AC30s are notoriously problematic on the road. I have a limited understanding of amp circuits, but I have read that DC-30/HC-30 is very close to AC30 circuit on paper, but Matchless sources over-spec components to improve durability and the layout of parts, which has significant impact on the tone of an amp, is different than the AC30. This is probably where the idea of these two amps sounding alike originates. There will also be a big difference in tone between a head and cab vs combo amp. That has a good amount of impact on the sonic differences. Ideally, I would've had a DC-30 combo for this shootout, but I bought the head and cab bc that's usually my preference for an amp setup. If you've ever had to lift a Matchless you'd understand why. I like the tone of both of these amps but for different application. I ultimately sold the Matchless and moved on from it. I still have the JMI, but the Matchless was equally good tonally speaking, just different.

[@lionhead7497]

No competition

[@tonecast1]

That must mean you love the AC-30 more.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

The Vox is good if modded.

[@tonecast1]

The JMI’s only mod was adding a 1/4” inch speaker output jack over the hardwired speaker. Other than that the amp stock as it came from JMI. The amp came equipped with a pair of Fane Blue speakers. I actually bought a pair of UK made Celestion Alnico Blues with every intention of sticking them in this amp. I was so happy with the Fanes that I never bother to install the Celestion speakers.

[@JAugust]

Before watching I expected the exact opposite results of what I heard. The Matchless sounded really, really bright and a bit thin. The Vox sounded much more full and rich, albeit with less top end. The Matchless kind of hurt at times, kind of harsh. I'd take the Vox.

[@tonecast1]

I’m glad you found the video informative. The feedback has been all over the place. I think both amps sound great but they’re actually quite different. I thought it was a video worth making bc it didn’t exist when I was trying to decide between these two amps. Thanks for watching.

[@domacimacak7502]

JMI more detail, and less unwanted ingridients

[@tonecast1]

I ended up selling the Matchless. I still have the JMI. The Matchless is a great amp, but I was not the right player for it. I preferred the classic Vox sound of the JMI essentially for the same reason you described.

[@weekendwarriorcreativelab5124]

Nice! subbed...

[@tonecast1]

Thanks fellas!

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

The AC30 has more sparkle

[@tonecast1]

In person the Matchless had a more high fidelity sound in person. The lows and highs were slightly boosted in the overall frequency response when compared to the AC30. Thanks for chiming in!

[@YngveSkarphedinssoon]

I have a Mario Martin best Tele

[@tonecast1]

Yeah it’s a killer guitar. I got mine in a trade. Guitar Mill (the parts brand ran by the same folks) supplies Danocaster with bodies and necks that Danocaster ages. A lot of players fawn over those guitars, but know little about Mario Martin.

[@noahchasinguitar5831]

The Matchless is just literally 6-7x the price

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless is a lot more than an entry level AC30 from present-day Korg but compared to another point to point wired AC30 circuit, it’s not much more than a comparably built AC30. On paper these two amps look as if they’d sound alike but the reality is that there is definitely a distinguishable difference in their tones. FWIW, I sold the Matchless bc I preferred the more old school thing that the AC30 has in spades. That said the Matchless sounded outstanding and I would probably trust it’s build quality long term over an AC30 simply bc the AC30 cab is way too cramped for the amount of heat it generates. The AC30 gets hotter than any other amp I ever owned. I could see it cooking itself if you gigged with it hardcore. I completely get why I’ve read so many stories of AC30 dying.

[@williamhamrick5871]

Thought the Matchless sounded great, till you played the JMI.

[@tonecast1]

Both are great amps. That said, the JMI is the one I find myself playing more often.

[@VanjaSpirin]

Matchles has a much better harninic structure.

[@tonecast1]

Speakers are essentially giant filters. I suspect you’d enjoy the JMI more through the Matchless cab. The Matchless definitely has extra chime and punch. Thanks for chiming in.

[@pensive_]

Matchless sounds like a Vox that want to be a Marshall. The JMI is miles better as a VOX replica. Matchless is something completely different and not an accurate Vox replica, no matter what the koolaid crowd believes.

[@tonecast1]

The fact that the DC-30's was derived from the AC-30 has given life to the internet's notion that the DC-30 and AC-30 sound alike, but hopefully this video has shed light on the reality that the two amps each possess a unique voice that's different from the other. While the Matchless DC-30 stands on the shoulders of the AC-30, they are quite different sonically speaking.Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@t.sewell1513]

Let’s be honest here. That Vox falls miles away from the Matchless.

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless definitely shines bright in this video. I’m working on another Vox video. It may surprise you, but I have to agree the Matchless sounds phenomenal in this head to head.

[@t.sewell1513]

@@tonecast1 The Vox ac30 is an excellent amp. I guess for me it’s a personal preference. I’ve just never heard an amplifier that breaks so clean like a Matchless. Very good video by the way. Looking forward to the next.

[@markgodfrey1847]

No match..Matchless too trebley

[@tonecast1]

The Matchless definitely has more top end and a pronounced lower frequency response compared to the JMI Vox.

[@stephanbriansoares3370]

Matchless reminded me Hiwatts. Vox has lack of bass. Am i wrong?

[@tonecast1]

Unfortunately, I don’t have any experience playing thru Hiwatt amps. That said, the Matchless definitely has more authority in the low end compared to the JMI.