AC15 vs. Vox AC10 | Vox Amp Shootout!

#voxamps #vox #guitar #guitaramp #guitar ‪@VoxAmpsVideos‬
Check out these awesome Vox Amps! AC10: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKQYzr
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Welcome to this in depth comparison between the Vox AC15c1 and the Vox AC10c1! Using a Gibson SG Classic with Singletone p90s, a Fender Stratocaster with Lust for Tone Montereys, a Rickenbacker 620 with Gemini Toaster Pickups, a Fender FSR American Original 50s Telecaster, a Gibson SG Standard with Lust for Tone 61 Lustbuckers, as well as a Keeley Compressor Plus, a Vick Audio Tree of Life Overdrive Pedal, a Tru Fi Rangemaster Treble Booster, and a Catalinbread Belle Epoch Tape Delay Pedal.
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[@lookingforarlandria]

I've been aware of your channel for a while, but you've become my favorite demo channel as of late. Thanks for all you do!

[@steverossi7949]

Been watching a bunch of vids about the Vox ac15c1. Finally went to Guitar Center and played one today, was completely blown away with how good it sounded. Much better than I thought it would. I have a Nashville Tele that I put Fralin Blues Specials in and it sounded amazing. Not brittle at all to my ear. Came home and ordered one from Sweetwater. Super excited.

[@rsmallfield]

Excellent demo - thanks.

[@billw8648]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@JackFossett]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pauljrogersmusic]

A great video. Thank you 👍

[@Lowtech14]

Loved that Ric/Vox sound, all 4 versions.

[@garyevans9688]

Jack, Love the videos you put out, everything is so well explained and you show the amp settings and pedals that you are using, something a lot of channels fail to do. BTW loved the AC10 with the Ric.

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Thanks for the comparison. I’ve been looking at both of these amps. Part of me says that I don’t need the volume and added weight of the AC15, but wow is sounds so much better. Plus I like the idea of having a spring reverb

[@waynebridger4998]

I have an ac10, which fits my application perfectly. I'd love an ac15, but as I play I church most weeks, the ac10 is easier for transportation. It's gives me decent bottom end, with either my epiphone lp custom or my classic vibe thinline 60s tele.

[@BrandonOutside]

While they’re not as widely seen, I would love to get an AC30 112 someday. Portability of the single 12, but with the power and headroom of the 30watt. I like keeping my amp quite clean, and use pedals for drive.

[@MagoEge]

I have one. Still not light , really. Not as portable as I would like (54 lb, 25 kg) and awkward to carry with just one handle. To me it sounds great, although some people are not fans of the Neo Dog speaker.

[@gregoryhall3156]

Nice Demo playing Jack and another great amp review as usual. Loved your intro playing…i could easily see that being music for a closing movie scene..it was great! As for me, I bought an AC10-in no small part because it scratched my itch for that AC sound but is low enough volume for me as a home/hobby player and its much lighter to move around (I am 60yo and have a bad back) plus its cheaper of course (I got a great deal on mine used.)

[@JackFossett]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thats actually a backing track from an original song called "Taking the Blue Line" which will be coming out on my next album

[@rsmallfield]

I bought an AC15 head when a sale was on, but it’s big and heavy (esp with a with a 2x12” cab). For home, the AC10 would probably have been more suitable. But I do love my AC15, nonetheless.

[@BrewerShettles]

21:04 - Vox Sound!!!!!!! 1) Changed VOX AC10 preamp / power tubes to - NOS Telefunken / Germany - for bright / tight sound 2) Bought a Weber Mini Mass 50 for my Vox AC10

[@jhstudio749]

I bought the AC15-c1 but I also have a few extension speakers so options are limitless. I do really like the tremolo and the reverb is OK. Using a Keeley Compressor+ with Top Boost is a great combination and a delay pedal rounds out most of my needs. I bought it for the VOX sound and it does that very well. The Keeley was my comp of choice already ... so thanks for demonstrating those together ❤️ The AC10 lacks quite a bit and the only 10" speaker I've ever liked was in a Princeton Reverb. That's just me.

[@chriscutmore492]

Love the AC10C1 sound, also loud amp and lighter to carry! ✅👍

[@MDN1505]

I have the old AC15CC1X with the Celestion Blue. It's a nice pair with my hardtail strat.

[@firemarshal2629]

I will never understand why people say an ac15 won’t compete with a drummer. Any gig where you are able to turn up an ac15 will most definitely have a PA. Once you add in a PA ANY amp is viable.

[@JackFossett]

I’ve played loads of gigs without sufficient mics or inputs for the guitar amp to go through the PA, it’s quite common.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Stick a A Vox ac10-15 on top of a 4x12 of eminence legend gb128 speakers. You will have all the clean headroom you could ever want to compete with a drummer for live gigs with no PA support

[@GarryWan666]

I had actually made up my mind for getting the AC10, but then I saw how cheap it looks inside of the amp, and that the cables behind the back panel were totally a mess, besides the tubes were sitting on the back panel it self. So I changed my mind and got the AC15 instead. In fact, I was in REAL LUCK, the AC15 was on discount for 700€. But they made a mistake, so I got the AC15 in the limited Rich Blue color instead, which saves me even 100€ more :D So far, I really dig the AC15 except the weight! XD

[@tomrutledge5621]

I have both. An AC-15 Hand-wired; UK built 60th Anniversary. And an AC-10C1. I also used a stereo rig of 2 AC-30’s, for about 40 years. The AC-15 HW UK 60 is the best amp I have ever played thru. Plenty loud to play with a drum kit. My AC-10C1 sounds great. Not as “big” as the AC-15, but still has the similar vibe. It’s surprisingly loud. But I put a Sennheiser E609 mic on it, and let the PA do the work. I especially like carrying the 27 lb AC-10 more that the 57 lb AC-15, or the 74 lb (each) AC-30.

[@carlweiderick]

Both nice amps but I prefer the more articulate, jangly sound of the AC15 which is good because that is the one that I own. Good review. Thanks!

[@JackFossett]

The clarity of the ac15 is really something special

[@guitareMTL]

I like both for different reasons. I already own the ac15 and I ridiculously think of buying the ac10 too. Same as I'm thinking to buy a princeton reverb just because I own the deluxe. Is what it is. I like the idea even more than the tone. I don't smoke, drink or play golf, I buy amps lol!

[@davidbarlow431]

How many amps do you need? I bet you know the answer 🎸👍😀

[@grawman67]

Love these amp demos and shootouts, Jack! You do these with so much detail that I can get a good idea of how to dial these in for different tones pretty easily. I was debating on an AC15. What speakers do you all like for these? I know you mentioned a Weber, Jack, but what do others think?

[@JackFossett]

Weber is my top choice for the AC15. Might benefit from an Alnico to warm it up a bit. ToneSpeak also make great speakers that sound full while taming some high end glassiness.

[@mmpatriot2170]

Thanks for this review of two great amps. I chose the AC15 CH head (with attenuator) for its power and clarity. Still need to build the cabinet for the Celestion 12” Goldback I found on the side of the road. By the crossroads.

[@Lalairu]

I've considering the head because the attenuator too. Are you happy with it? PD nice catch, I wish I could find things like those lying around xD

[@roughcutguitars]

Hey Jack, you provide a real public service - the algorithm knows exactly the question I'm asking & puts it in your head. Any ideas on how to brighten up the 10? Playing low vol in an apt, so worried about brittle tone you mentioned on the 15 but the 10 sounds really dark even muffled on the highs - close to Brian May IMO (cool but would like more Beatles chime for versatlility). Plus can't hall a 50lb amp with my back! Would a trem boost/jangle box/compressor with the 10? Hate needing to doctor an amp to sound like the amp should sound, but...

[@bee.normal]

Yikes, the AC15 eats the poor AC10 for lunch, and then some. I recently saw the AC10 circuit has really nothing in common with the AC15 and AC30. Thanks for the review, very eye-opening.

[@vincentl.9469]

a number of design faults..sounds OK , but not easy to get on with

[@frankmitman3347]

Nice comparison. I have an AC-10. I love it for what I do. I use it as a clean amp for jazz. I play Gibson arch tops and a Fender a Tele through it and it can sound like a 60’s Fender Princeton for way cheaper. I know because I compared them side by side. I can also get a cool blues tone with a pedal. And it is easy to carry.

[@artamussumatra6286]

AC-15 for me. I got my blue/cream TV in ‘014, it’s a keeper.

[@blaineca]

At gig volume I love the sound of that AC15! I just have to wonder if I can get it to that volume for recording in the house - it seems doubtful! But I can put the amp in a different room!

[@cjvansickle]

I had the AC10C1 and liked it. It got really good high gain, almost metal sounds, with an EHX Soul Food in front of it. When I got a Fender Deluxe Reverb and wanted to play my Rickenbackers with Rock-O-Sound, I found the AC10 wasn't loud enough at clean settings to compete with the Fender, so I traded the AC10 for an AC15C1. I liked the AC15 up until I installed Tung Sol EL84s, and now I regret that. I'm going to get something closer to the stock power tubes.

[@hhzyk]

did you changed the tubes afterwards?it's hard for me to get stock kind of tubes

[@thomasmoore3822]

I have an AC10 and love it. Sounds great and really like the reverb. I play it on gigs and inside it is fine. Outside i use my fender concert but its 72 lbs. The best thing is I can carry it in one hand, a pedal board in the other and guitar on back. I been thinking of getting a Princeton or deluxe. The deluxe would make most sense with more headroom but i would lose the portability. Do you gig with your Princeton? I play classic rock and mic my ac10. Would a princeton be a similar volume. Im plenty loud unless I’m outside and just don’t want to carry my concert.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

Ha! I just bought a 10 & feel the same-way. I haven’t been playing-live & I’m pleased to hear that you like it for club-shows. When I DO play-live again this fall, I’ve circled a few Concerts & Supers myself. Nice taste in gear, man. ☮️

[@graemero5532]

Great video Jack. 🍏&🍊s

[@JackFossett]

Thanks… you know. I really appreciate that… 😐

[@dmac3316]

I like the AC10 for my situation. Too much volume is the enemy unfortunately where I’m currently living.

[@roughcutguitars]

Same vol situation here plus a bad back doesn't need to haul 50lbs! What about articulation and chime though? Here it sounds REALLY dark compared to the 15? Thinking about checking if a speaker change would remedy that.

[@dtrietsch]

I'm liking the sound of the AC10 over the AC15. Thanks for the comparison!

[@davidbarlow431]

I've had my AC15C1 for 3 years, and I would never part with it. Yes, it's heavy, but it's not that heavy. The main drawback is that it can get a bit too loud in a domestic environment, but even at a bit less volume than you'd like, it still sounds pretty good. I've recorded mine at some fairly low volumes and still got a respectable result. I have considered getting the AC10 as well, for those days when i really need to keep down a bit, but in all honesty i dont think it would make a great deal of difference. No doubt that at some point i will buy one on impulse anyway.😂

[@SuperScreamerBand]

The AC15 is one of my favourites, but I agree about the greenbacks. I do prefer them with other speakers. But the trem and the reverb is just so fantastic. I do also prefer the AC15 compared to AC30 as it is easier to push the smaller amp into a gorgeous overdrive.

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I live in a pretty-small apartment and wanted a small tube-amp for practice or maybe even miking-up and recording instead of using a digital-thing. I’ve mainly used AC-30’s, so I was stoked for a 10-watt top-boost signal. That’s what showed-up too. Overall, I’m pleased. The speaker isn’t great & may replace-it someday. No effects loop. Other than that, it’s great.

[@JackFossett]

With a speaker upgrade I think this amp would punch way above its weight

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

@@JackFossett It’s a lot louder than I expected, for sure. Once I start rehearsing I’ll drag it down and see how it does with a drummer. I usually play with a heavy hitter and need to crank-it a bit. I’ve used AC-30’s since the 90’s and never had any problems hearing. 😂

[@dirtydutch5253]

Interested in what a Weber blue pup would sound like in the ac 10? Any comments or advice

[@riffmania]

I’m thinking of running the AC 10 with a compressor pedal, a parametric EQ and a tube screamer what do you think??

[@texasbootlegger3752]

AC15C1 for me!

[@Davidthestratman7]

How well does the ac10 take pedals?

[@garybanke372]

My ears like the AC10 much better. I prefer the warmer tones and it sounded more focused. Great comparison! Thanks Jack.

[@vincentl.9469]

Even at 10 watts, the 10 is too loud for home use. that is the problem with valves...

[@martingregory5955]

what about using a speaker cab with an AC10? I'm considering it

[@benstewart9207]

Please consider that you can play at rehearsals often much louder than on stage, that’s a fact! So I don’t really understand why people think the other way round.

[@sirspens]

What is the tune you play during the jangly part? It was excellent!

[@JackFossett]

That’s a little Tom Petty inspired thing I wrote

[@daveroberts1099]

I have owned an ac15 for about 8 years ,with a green back ,and at first I thought it was a bit ice pick ,but now it has mellowed out beautifully. I think the Chinese green backs just need a lot of breaking in ..

[@singletonepickups]

For me, it's the 15. The 10 just sounds anemic, it's missing fullness, not that the 15 is super full, but in comparison it's much more full. If I had to use the ac15 I'd put an attenuator on it and crank it while using the guitar volume to control clean amd dirty. I liked the SG with P90s and the Tele through them the best, with the bucker SG a close 3rd. Great review!!

[@JackFossett]

Ya know I really think the C2x with the Blue speaker would solve many of those low volume woes. But you’re right on with an attenuator too.

[@chrissullivan40]

The AC10 sounds great clean, however, when you push the gain it sounds harsh.

[@jimmythefish]

I have the 10, put JJ tubes in it. I dunno, sometimes I love it and sometimes I can’t find what I’m looking for. It’s all I have aside from my THR10c. I’ve been thinking of getting a Princeton and then selling the one I like least. I don’t particularly like the drive tone I get from the Vox, it has a weird high mid nasal thing. Adding my TS 808 improves things significantly. I really like the classic Vox sound but I don’t feel like I get there with the 10 as easily as it should be, if at all.

[@JackFossett]

Well if you’re up for investing, a speaker upgrade would make a huge difference. Unfortunately to get a really true “Classic Vox Tone” you’re looking at an expensive Handwired amp from a private company.

[@jasondorsey7110]

My ac10 came with jj tubes, I put nos sovteks in it and I swear the jj's were better, I'm gonna put them back in someday, but that back panel's a pain in the posterior, so many screws...one thing I've noticed with tube amps, what works for one might not work for another

[@jimmythefish]

@@JackFossett I’m gonna try that speaker upgrade. Thinking a Greenback, though I have heard good things about the Weber too. Eminence Red Fang is another option.

[@vincentl.9469]

were you actually plugged into that amp ?

[@taylornutt]

I have only had Fender Amps for the most part. What would consider a good first Vox amp? One of these amps or the AC30?

[@JackFossett]

First? I Wouldn't go all in on an AC30. Start small and see if you like it.

[@MagoEge]

Look for a Vox Pathfinder 15R. Solid state with real reverb and tremolo. It sounds really really good at home. I have an AC30 but no need to use it at home anymore, since the Pathfinder sounds totally vox. It's awesome although not that easy to find anymore -depends where you are-.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Jack, if you want that AC10 to be brighter, pull out v1 and put a tungsol 12ax7.

[@simontuppurainen2639]

I have the AC10, I've changed out the bias resistor to back the gain down a bit and added Golden Lion powertubes. Gain break up is now at about 1 o'clock and to my ears, the whole amp sounds a bit warmer and not so "edgy". Keen to change out the speaker to give it that articulation, but limited in choice by the positioning of the powertubes directly behind the speaker. Easy to dial in and sounds pretty good with a Noventa with the Fender P90's. Great rock combo!

[@davidbarlow431]

Celestion make a 10" greenback that fits the AC10.

[@vincentl.9469]

@@davidbarlow431 .. it wont sound any better. I've done it. The EQ on this is not very easy to get on with

[@oceanhedonist265]

Why didn't you just spend the extra money and buy the AC15 ?

[@simontuppurainen2639]

@@oceanhedonist265 I liked the AC10, and didn't need the extra grunt from the AC15 in my room at home. Saw a heap of reviews where they liked the AC10 better, and so did I. Didn't cost much to make the changes, less than the difference to the AC15.

[@pyarra]

I have both AC10 and AC15. I prefer the sound of the AC10, and the weight (about 12 kg)! There's an interesting video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/emKmqpetYsmYoNU on modding the AC10 to give more clean headroom, and he also touches on speaker upgrading. I'm tempted to try those! The AC15 sounds pretty good running at full-tilt, but I find it rather harsh at lower volumes, and way too heavy (24 kg). I upgraded the speaker in my AC15 to a Warehouse G12C, which I like better than the Greenback, but still.. it's not my fave amp. I've lately been using an Orange Rocker 15 combo (better power/weight ratio) and a Marshall Origin 50 head through a 2x12, which has pleasantly surprised me for crunch tones.

[@hhzyk]

Do you mean the AC10 performs better at lower volume?Actually that's what i want the most. I‘m in difficulty choosing between them,thank you!

[@pyarra]

@@hhzyk yes, exactly. The AC10 sounds a lot better at lower volume, when I play at home. The AC15 is a bit harsh at lower volumes.

[@hhzyk]

thx for your reply!! I've chosen a ac10 haha@@pyarra

[@profile_01]

If you dial the treble and bass back almost all the way on the AC10 a lot more mids come out

[@JackFossett]

Actually all the modern Vox tube amps do that

[@grimper35]

Fwiw… I’ve heard from a tech that the AC10 is really not very well made. Vox cut a lot of corners to save $. Whereas the AC15 is designed much better. I can’t confirm this, but I do respect the guy I heard it from.

[@JackFossett]

That wouldn't surprise me. Vox's quality control has been pretty shoddy across the board in my experience.

[@grimper35]

Following up on this I found these two KZbin videos... in case anyone is interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWmWnX6YoL2dkKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGGtooiMftaUaJY

[@rockinvida1960]

Is the tech Lyle Caldwell from Psionic Audio by chance? On his KZbin channel, he really likes the 15 but thinks the 10 is complete garbage.

[@Seanph25]

Idk why but I’ve never gotten a good sound out of an AC15, it just never sounds right, especially the gain. It was my brothers first amp and he lets me use it but it doesn’t seem to matter if I use his strat or my Gibson it just sounds bad in the room. Wish I liked it more.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Amp likely needs some TLC and/or speaker upgrade...?

[@Seanph25]

@@pharmerdavid1432 yeah it probably does need a little love. It’s about 10 years old now, and while it doesn’t get played a lot I have no idea when the tubes were last changed. And idk if there’s anything else it needs. I’ve honestly never thought about changing the speaker lol, it’s still got the stock one but I have no idea where to start on a speaker upgrade.

[@pugforce8315]

@@Seanph25 I’ve heard a lot of good things about Weber Blue dogs. Cheaper celestion blue, if you like the vox sound that’s probably the way to go.

[@markmullins2756]

I like them both about the same

[@ericglasson7140]

A creamback in the ac10 will greatly improve the amp. It fits without modifications.

[@tomrutledge5621]

Will a creamback 12 fit in an AC-10???

[@ericglasson7140]

@@tomrutledge5621 sorry misread. Not a 12. The ten. Not many tens do.

[@frankswildyear]

Ác 15 sounds so much fuller

[@compucorder64]

Preferred the AC15 clean tones, and preferred the AC10 dirty tones.

[@Tiler-ju9zl]

Ac10 has many floors

[@keithcarter9396]

I did not enjoy the crowd shout at the pedals comment, with headphones on it scared the crap out of me.

[@JackFossett]

The angry anti-pedal mob scares me too

[@frankyq3481]

The ac15 cuts through the mix more

[@anthonymoore1705]

they don't sound like the originals because there not made in england anymore.

[@pugforce8315]

No, that’s stupid. They don’t sound like the original because it’s a different type of speaker and the circuit is slightly different.

[@marekdrimal2806]

Ac10 sounds like from next room...

[@nekkon1989]

Apples and oranges. Just 'cause

[@JackFossett]

🤦‍♂️

[@voxpathfinder15r]

Where are these mythical guitar players that use no pedals with their amplifiers?

[@JackFossett]

Internet forums and Facebook groups.

[@voxpathfinder15r]

@@JackFossett I have this TS9 that was modded back to ts808 specs with those original stripe diodes and a metal can 4558 opamp chip from the early 70s. That pedal will make any rig sound like a tone machine come true! I defy any anti-pedal purist to play through it and not want this pedal!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Not apples and oranges at all...more like cucumbers and zucchini. They look similar but have very different and distinct flavors.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Oranges and tangerines?

[@j.cameronbrett2660]

They both sound really thin and tinny sry. Great vid but I hate these amps. No mids or lows just no body.