Vox AC10C1 | Repair & Review

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[@richclayton5785]

Love the honesty in your evaluations and how you articulate minutiae. Your entertaining and fun approach is addictive. Don’t stop.

[@sthengr]

Agreed, excellent review style!

[@fenatic7484]

I enjoy that too!

[@praketingrichraft6181]

Because of this very detailed video, I just scratched this one off my list. I thank you for saving me from some potential major expenses and headaches.

[@vincentl.9469]

in the end, given time, we will all go solid state...an SS AC10, 15, 30 ..

[@praketingrichraft6181]

@@vincentl.9469 I've always used tube and solid state amps. Some of my favorite solid state amps are the Acoustic 134, Marshall Lead 12, LAB Series L5 and my top choice, the Pearce G2r.

[@vincentl.9469]

@@praketingrichraft6181 BB King used LAB.. a lot of 'all tube ' amps are actually a hybrid of SS & tube and that includes the AC10...I have one. All tube , meaning anything up to 10 of them are of course very costly

[@praketingrichraft6181]

@@vincentl.9469 Do you like your AC10 a lot?

[@vincentl.9469]

@@praketingrichraft6181 yes & no. The Vox tones are good & overdrive , once you master the EQ. I didn't like the closed back from the start ; it got very hot at one point. I cut a slot in the back and put a shield in front of the speaker magnet..I bought mine slightly used. It came with two speakers. the original & a Greenback..

[@tomrutledge5621]

I love mine. Especially when I have to carry it. I also have a UK-Built Hand-Wired 60th Anniversary AC-15, which is the best amp I’ve ever played thru. I also used a Stereo live-rig using 2 AC-30’s. For what this little amp costs, what it does in capturing the Vox Vibe- I think it’s great. I will upgrade to some better tubes, and am adding a Creamback speaker. It works for me.

[@TeleCaster66]

This amp works very well for me when I jam with some country players at a lower volume. I find turning the treble almost all the way down sounds best with my Fender style guitars. All these modern amp have sketchy builds and my main amp is a nice hand wired Deluxe but these are the end days in my opinion and everything from toasters to amps aren't made they used to be. Thankfully you take care in making them better.

[@luthravin4774]

I’m actually enjoying mine!! I put extra effort into it to make it better and it’s been beneficial to the amp..and me!! I gig it all the time.. only changes are the tubes and a Celestion G-10 Greenback.. mine is near perfect for playing!!

[@FuriousMess]

got mine from Sweetwater with the G10 Greenback already in, swapped the tubes out as well. Love this little amp, especially paired with a small Fender or Marshall for stereo

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

What’s the main difference you notice after changing the speaker

[@collintheplonker4809]

The noise is likely vibration. The screws that secure the chassis come loose and rattle. Tighten them. These are the ones you put in your special wood screw cup so you wouldn't confuse them. I have been playing my AC10 for several years, and I love it.

[@theperuvianedge3137]

Thank you for the video! I grabed one of these on sale at guitar center about 3-4 years ago when the price was not as high as it is now. I replaced the speaker with a greenback 10” I had and also replaced the power tubes to 7189’s and the preamps to one 12ax7 and one 5751. I love the cleans and use it as a great pedal platform. Again thanks for the video, I used to also own an AC4TV which I picked up used for really inexpensive. Hopefully you can get one of those on your bench one day as well. Thanks!

[@vincentmoserblues]

Thanks for doing this video. Your videos are always entertaining and informative. Got my AC 10 C1 in 2015 and I love it ! Use it for rehearsels and miked for giging in clubs. No troubles yet. I also have an AC 15 C1 and a 1974 Fender Pro Reverb. I never use overdrive / distortion pedals and for me this sweet little AC 10 C 1 sounds great. I' m a Blues player trying to play in the styles of B.B., Freddy , Muddy, Jimmy Vaughan .

[@khillsy4489]

A lot of experts here, as usual. 😊

[@The802Rider]

I have the limited edition version of this amp with the upgraded Celestion creamback and upgraded JJ tubes all from the factory. I will say though that I have started hearing the same buzz. I believe I may have tracked the buzz problem down to be the wire that holds the tubes in place. Great reviews! I am a new subscriber and have learned so much great knowledge! Your channel will definitely help my decision making skills in my next amp to purchase.

[@cubistguitar]

It’s ok, I love my Vox AC-10C, you don’t have to dig it. I wish they had just left of the digital reverb personally. I switched the tubes day one for Russian equivalent EL84s and decent preamp tubes. I needed a small capable amp with vibe and character, it just delivers. I have my legacy quality amps, hardwired glory, but they don’t get as much attention as AC-10C. And inside your home the AC-15 is terribly too loud and unnecessary and sounds thin turned down so much. I’ve had mine for 5-6 years without issue, Korg has been great for the brand! It’s ok, Vox is doing better today than they ever have and will be a good choice for working guitarists for many years to come. Oh pathfinder 15r is a very classic amp too. Money does not equal tone.

[@vincentl.9469]

I thought of an AC15..same feelings..too loud and heavy for home use...but over $500 for an AC10 is too much

[@jimmy5634]

The Pathfinfer 15 R is one of the best little amps I’ve ever used.

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Well built pedal. What a great description. ☺️

[@danovee9580]

Back when these were $480 new, I bought one! Still have it today, 3 years later. I don't understand why they are a hundred dollars more today. I love it, takes pedals well. I've played with ridiculously loud drummers and it has held it's own. After watching this, I now wonder when it's going to fail...

[@SirLoinMagroin]

Lovely. However, I respectfully disagree with you as far as relative "loudness". Your "ridiculously loud drummers" must meet my drummers. I need at least a 30 watt tube amp to compete unless also going direct to the PA. That's as a three piece of Bass, Guitar, and drums playing mostly 70's music and blues at club levels for approx. 100 to 150 {of 300} people who can easily drown out 15 watts almost anywhere, although the drummer may/can compete while simultaneously burying the rest of the band. A five/ten watt amp is enough if you also use a proper sound reinforcement system. I would recommend 50 watts to 300+ crowds without direct PA support. {What we used to refer to as "live".} Then the PA was used strictly for vocals mostly. Not written in stone of course. Just what I've personally been through.

[@garyyarago2096]

You leave out the most important thing - the ac10 weighs 12 pounds, the AC 15 close to 50 this is huge to someone with transit issues, or physical issues

[@kristoffervictory5976]

Ac10=12kg, not 12lbs.

[@ClarkeGuitars]

*26.46lbs / 12kg vs 48.5lbs / 22kg Not a small difference even so.

[@benforsey]

Yeah I’ve owned an AC10, AC15 and AC30 and the weight difference between each one is crazy. AC30 is almost un-liftable with it’s rubbish handles, AC15 is very heavy for only 15w, similar weight to Fender Hot Rod Deluxe and the AC10 is extremely easy to get around in comparison.

[@brianlyall]

I own a used AC10 that cost half the retail price. Works nicely for low volume home use. Replaced all 4 stock tubes which cured the rattle in the amp. Have wondered about the speaker, Celestion does make a 10” Greenback that is skinny enough to fit. Might be overkill, but a fun upgrade for an otherwise inexpensive amp for light duty. Good video!

[@JeremyLeech]

Definitely not overkill! Makes it sound even better. I put a creamback into it now and its one of my favorite sounding amps I own!

[@brianlyall]

@@JeremyLeech Nice Upgrade. I installed the Greenback and love the full tone range.

[@vincentl.9469]

@@JeremyLeech it's interesting that no one questions the closed back. the fact those terminals are scortched tells you something..

[@pharmerdavid1432]

@@JeremyLeech Right-on man, I'm doing the same, but the stock cheap Celestion 10" speaker sounds great to me. I'm sure a cream back and better tubes will improve the tone, but I have no complaints for a $389-new amp in royale blue. The insides may not be sexy from a tech perspective, but it sounds great from a player perspective. I'm not a huge reverb guy anyways, and use the speaker-out to go through an auxiliary 16 ohm cabinet (doesn't have 8ohm out option like AC-15C1 does).

[@DDE_ADDICT]

i love how you have to explain every detail to the trolls, you do it so well. i sent you an email about a possible build

[@ThadBrown]

Not a voxy lady! Hahahahahaha, good one! Definitely not a vox sounding amp, either cleans or especially after it starts breaking up. I'm a bit in the minority in that I think that Korg has done, all things considered, a pretty good job with the Vox name. The AC30s and 15s tube amps sound anywhere from not bad to really, really good. and I appreciate that they are trying with the modeling stuff as well. But this is a vox only in the sense that it has the right gill cloth. Still, thanks for the vid, saves me from ever wanting to have one. Rock on, sir, love your youtbe.

[@michaeldelisle3100]

Excellent review and summation. Only one point with which I disagree: the weight comparison with AC15. My AC10 weighs 27 lbs while my AC15 weighs 50. To me that's a dealbreaker. My AC15 never leaves my home studio, while the 10 - admittedly not as good an amp but decent - goes out with me 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, you've been spot on. Gonna watch more of your vids (this was the first). Thanks !!

[@arturolinares6565]

@3:10 wow this might be something I have to look into on my own AC10C1. Thanks for the informative video!👍

[@JeremyLeech]

My original tubes went out, so I swapped the tubes out. The put a greenback G-10 in it. Sounded great, Then I put a creamback in it, and that speaker is perfect for it. And it is LOUD. Plus for me, my "clean" tone has some dirt so I don't worry too much about headroom.

[@thomaschilds8781]

Will look to replace the 1/4w resistors on mine, thanks for the tip. I love mine tonally, especially for edge of break up, and crunch. Eq wise, i run treble about 1 o'clock and bass around 11 o'clock, to avoid the speaker flubbing out. For me, the small size and weight is a big win vs AC15, though your channel is teaching me how amps are more than meets the ear. My biggest gripe with this amp is it's loud at its quietest setting. Its silent for the first notch on volume, then cuts in suddenly.

[@martoneill]

Thanks for all the great guidance

[@Strumbum01]

Awesome! I’ve been waiting for this amp to hit your bench! I appreciate your honest assessment and improvement tips (since I have one). The speaker made a huge difference. I’d be interested to find out the source of the vibration issue because mine does the same thing. Drives me nuts!

[@angrycheese]

I swapped the speaker for a 10 inch Greenback, the difference is amazing! However for Gigs I plug into my 2X12 with Vintage 30's

[@eduardoberdugo]

Hello, I'm trying to find any information about V30 connected to this amp. I'm planning to do the same, to have a different flavor, but couldn't find anyone who did. Does it sound good? I would expect a totally different response (more mids, maybe), any thoughts? Thanks!

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

It's half the weight of an ac15, big reason why I went with the ac10 way back when. I actually thought it sounded better than the ac15 as well, but that's very subjective. I've had mine for years, swapped the v1 preamp tube with a 5751 to give more headroom and swapped power tubes once when the set died. Been pretty solid for me, but I don't play it much anymore since I've got much better amps now. I will say I tried removing the handle on mine recently and had to dremel it out because the screw wouldn't come out and the metal bracket inside tore through the wood support and came undone. Massive pita.

[@Viks021]

I bought AC10 new from the shop a couple of years ago and the only problem I had were rattling tubes. it's great for room practice and I have also used it miked on a number of live gigs, either pushing the front with a pedal, or as a clean amp with enough of headroom to boost the solo over band. For band practice and for miked gigs it's great, I love mine.

[@edwardmilko2914]

This is the best amp for open mic. So light, plenty loud. I usually play my Les Paul Tribute with it. Gain at 2:00, and I ride the volume!

[@bboyzagy]

Another Vox video to add to my list of watched videos. Curious what this one will bring. 🤘 Edit: Yep, went about as I expected, given the other deep dives and having owned an AC15 myself.

[@andyhightides]

Thanks for doing this video. I've been hoping for it since I bought the amp in December. Due to a leg injury, I haven't been able to carry big amps, so I bought this amp, mainly to not end up with a blues Jr. The PRRI is over $1600 in Canada now, and the Traynor YGL1 is 10 pounds heavier.

[@davidmanson3659]

Mine was my first tube amp and now I’m looking at a blues jr 😐

[@PsionicAudio]

Don't get a Blues Junior.

[@Satchmoeddie]

@@PsionicAudio Listen to Lyle! I don't call the Blues De Villes "Blues De-Sasters" for no reason. A Blues Jr is just a Junior Disaster. Those poor things clutter up repair shops everywhere.

[@dangitdan9938]

I’ve had my tweed Blues Jr for 5 years and not one issue. I had some caps etc replaced but not because they were bad but it was part of the Fromel mod. I changed the tubes and speaker for personal preference. I guess I got lucky with mine and many amps have come and gone but not gonna part with my Bjr.

[@davidmanson3659]

@@Satchmoeddie I mean Lyle’s the man

[@steveyardan6215]

I didn't expect the whole amp to be mounted on a single plane. Looks like it would serve well in a rackmount and just run the cab as an extension. For that reason, one could probably pull off some cool conversions with just the amp section like modify a breifcase or upcycle an old maple drawer or something.

[@albertplaysguitar]

Beautiful AND lightweight! I've enjoyed it for bedroom levels as a pedal platform. For gigging, there's not much headroom to run a sophisticated pedal board through it.

[@fivewattworld]

Actually the AC15C1 weighs 48.5lbs and the AC10C1 weighs 27.1. Very different thing particularly for an at-home amp. But of course everything else you said about the organization of the interior is true, but then I'd hate to hear you talk about something like a Mesa with their layers of boards. So yes, these "modern" designs are so much harder to work on. I'll end by agreeing with you that you need to start with the used price expecting to do all the tube swaps.

[@the_glove]

I really wanted to love the ac10 as well after seeing bill frisell with one on paste with Thomas Morgan playing “small town” . Btw thanks for the all the informative videos !

[@voxpathfinder15r]

One of my all time favorite amps, it is such a little beast!! Weber makes a ceramic and Alnico specifically for this amplifier. The VX10 can sound incredibly muddy when pushed hard. But part of me thinks they did this because it lacks a tone cut. Trying to filter out the frequencies using the speaker instead. Other part of me has experimented with a Boss DS-1, and normally you cannot push the tone past 10:00 o’clock. With this speaker you can turn the tone knob up on a DS1 and they complement each other perfectly! An AC10C1 working in perfect condition is truly monumental in tone. Not super glassy sounding like a modern ac15 - but can be bright.

[@Strumbum01]

Which Weber speakers are you referring too? Thanks in advance!

[@picajoool]

Did you compare this amp to a Pathfinder 15R?

[@song-mode]

agreed

[@voxpathfinder15r]

@@picajoool I haven’t tested them side by side yet. Mine had some microphonic tubes, so I sidelined it since then. Here is a comparison of an Orange crush 12 I did against the Carvin Belair, which is 4 x el84 tube amplifier. AC10C1 is as epic or more so than these two amplifiers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/roemonhplJWYZ7s

[@voxpathfinder15r]

@@Strumbum01 I forgot the model, but you can call them about it

[@adenjacildo8105]

The AC10 is a good sounding small amp. I wish they would release a hand-wired version of the AC10 someday

[@jamesnortonofficial1566]

Me too

[@sooperheep]

Vox just announced a hand wired AC10 at NAMM, wish they'd make it like the original @@jamesnortonofficial1566

[@Sep45]

Your wish has come true. They’ve been announced.

[@madelineredesky6533]

Hi, great video. I put 16 ohm greenback in mine and a 12aY7 in V1. Of course this amp would get cooked by a loud drummer but it is cool to kick around with. Sure hope I don’t have to service the thing anytime soon. Thank you for all your videos psionic!

[@christianboddum8783]

I put modded Fender tilt legs on and put a 12AU7 in V1 - happy :-) !! I love this amp. I have played an original 60'a AC-10 twin, and this is close enough ;-) I added a parallel female jack with the speaker so I can use an attenuator/Di (using the speaker jack disconnects the internal speaker), also I can use the speaker by itself this way ;-)

[@EasyHeat]

The Vox AC30 is one of my all time fav amps. These new relatively micro in comparison imports, while they do make a genuine attempt to capture that Vox mojo, sound nothing like one IMO, and are about $200 overpriced, which I assume is from merely milking on the brand if anything else. I once own a little Vox AC4C12 4 watt 1x12 combo I scored on a decent second hand deal. I really liked that amp to be fair. Soon after I began running it "wet" dual amp via a Radial ABY splitter with a slightly gain cranked "dry" Orange Micro Dark and Greenback loaded 1x12. Sounded freakin' huge together, but was honestly just way too loud for my small apartment at the hours I was getting to play. So I went all digital for awhile. I'm now however using a Victory V4 "The Jack" preamp direct into Two Notes Wall of sound plugin. It's been a dramatic improvement in overall "feel" and dynamic analog interaction, and sonically harkens me back to the pre-tinnitus late 80's-early 2000's 100 watt stacks of my youth. Ha! Don't know if you've possibly ever opened up one of the Victory V4 preamps before? If not, I wouldn't be completely apposed to possibly loaning mine out for some potential future content, and to get your initial thoughts on them? Anyway, Really digging the channel amigo. Hope you are staying safe and well.✌

[@leeasbury7273]

Sweetwater is blowing these out for $429 right now (in royal blue). I had one a couple years ago and put a Greenback in it and loved it.

[@erock5b]

This review helps. Though the weight is the reason I was looking into this. I have an AC30, but I don't want to lug it around. I don't particularly want to lug around an ac15 either.

[@SirLoinMagroin]

Sounds a bit sharp and brittle when even slightly overdriven. I see some comments of V-1 tube substitution with less gain such as a 5751 or 12ay7. I would surmise that going that route and using an OD or DS-1,etc, {as mentioned in a comment} would be the cheapest way to help this particular Vox model. Another would maybe be a graphic eq pedal. For sure a speaker upgrade, but that could be a cost issue. Most of us guitar players already have a few pre-amp tubes and/or pedals hanging around.

[@vincentl.9469]

Do NOT fit a 5751 in the first position... does not improve the sound, you get less gain plus it means an overdrive pedal will not work as well either ..with a lower gain tube

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I won’t purchase this model. Thanks for the knowledge. Love your honesty about the various products.

[@HenryC7625]

My AC10 and humbuckers don't get along no matter the guitar but it loves the Strat SSS and P-90s.

[@Patrick-k8o6s]

I don’t understand how everyone else rates this amp as great but this guy puts it down. So far you’re are the only negative reviewer I can find. You are very technical which is great but I still wonder why you are the only negative review.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

He always has something negative to say about any amp that's why I unsubscribed from his channel. There's nothing wrong with the ac-10 especially for the money.

[@A.D.75]

Question about a possible mod: What annoys me about this amp is how quickly loud the volume knob gets, just barely up from zero. I play in a small room, at low volume, and when I turn the volume up, I have to tap it very gingerly to keep it from blasting. Is it possible to replace the volume pot with one that has a more gradual taper? If someone knows, or has done something like this, could you please provide details.

[@KaiserSoze-dp1hw]

Great review. Thanks

[@violinmiata]

Played the ac10 when it came out, all excitement disappeared immediately. I’d rather have a ac4 head with a 12” speaker. Then replace the head when it catches on fire, because they do. AC15 is the way to go

[@schlep4730]

"It's really well built for a guitar pedal" : )

[@pedrolourenco2707]

I would like to see a video on the VOX AC15 VR! I've got one that I moddified. Made it open baack and increased gain on the preamp tube

[@stratfanstl]

A flat chassis flush mounted against a particle board panel acting as the back of the cabinet? Did they outsource the design and manufacturing to Soundesign (cheesy home stereo brand of the 1970s)? What kind of standoffs separate the chassis from that board? Or did they literally screw the entire board directly to the board?

[@FretboardToAsh]

We've got two where I work, they passed the 5 year mark and are starting to show problems at this point. We'll see how much the repairs cost.

[@maartenstevens9848]

Really intriguing videos. Altough it's technical, it is exciting to watch. Apart from that. Is a AC15 fit for recording in a bedroom ? During the day off course.

[@coopscovers5119]

Interesting. I have a modern AC4 and it doesn’t have surface mount parts. I wonder what your thoughts would be on this?

[@Margarinethebutterlover]

I love this Amp! It is the one I always come back to, after trialing many. It is the perfect home amp, but I do wish it got a bit louder with a drummer. Anyone had experience with using it's out into bigger speaker cabs?

[@the_glove]

I had one of these . Had the rattle after less than a week . Didn’t care to diagnose , it’s too young to be unreliable and let it be somebody else’s problem. The ac15 looks and sounds nice , I wish I could get one lighter (maybe head and cab?)

[@MM-rr1kp]

same thing happened to mine, only on low E string. Packed it up and returned it.

[@fswails1]

If i just replace the el84’s will that suffice or do i need to replace the pre amp tubes also

[@jeremybnz]

I put JJ EL84s, a 5751 in V2, 12AX7 in V3, V1 is solid state.

[@defh2o]

I have an AC10, I have replaced the stock speaker with a Weber DT10P - big difference, more low end and clarity. I will say i have noticed turning the volume and gain past 1-2 o'clock makes no difference in sound/volume. could this be a " weak" Output transformer or just the way the amp is?

[@BillySoundFarm]

When you make the wood screw versus machines compilation video, You should do it like a remix over some dubstep or club dance music. That was awesome.

[@gearoftones8585]

What would you say is the better amp out of the custom classic AC30 (with resistor mod & celestion speakers) and the newer AC30 custom? What would you consider, of those two, closer to the original AC30?

[@bootlegapples]

I think they sound good for lower to middle gain sounds TP-U2 stuff if you don't need full lows.Too much lows/not enough mids in the guitar sound often sounds thin in a band context anyway.That said I held off on buying one when I saw the lower end construction.If I owned one I'd do tube swaps & possible a speaker swap but that's it.I thought the speaker was pretty good myself so would likely leave it. As for AC15s I owned both the AC15CC & AC15C1. I actually prefer the CC,I think it's built better & sounds better despite no TB cut.

[@damianz885]

Hi. Thanks for your videos. Keen to hear your views on the Vox AC50CP2 2x12 combo. I like the sound of mine but its got issues and it seems like that's not uncommon. I would be into upgrading it to make it more reliable, but not sure if that is feasible? Cheers

[@SergiOrtiz]

Is the build quality really this bad? He said this is a 3 year amp, I find it exaggerated, even cheaper solid state ones last way way longer, is this a thing with tube amps?

[@777heavyrocker777]

May I ask what resistors you replaced the existing ones with? Looking to do this myself soon and would really appreciate it 😊

[@PsionicAudio]

Vishay PRO2 2W MF 1Ks.

[@oscarfernandoofpublicnature]

So it's OK to go from 470 to 1k??

[@SalvvOrtiz]

There is one for sale$200 without tubes, should I buy it?

[@pakujewpiwnicy6701]

Vox AC15C1 is better made than marshall dsl??

[@PsionicAudio]

By far.

[@pakujewpiwnicy6701]

@@PsionicAudio :)

[@user-bo2mk3sh7k]

I find you have to let the amp sit for a while plugged in to get rid of a "muddy sound" when first turned on

[@middle_pickup]

Have you played the mini super beatle? It honestly sounds great in demos. I'd rather have that than this.

[@vintagesoul5146]

I just noticed my ac10 sound flickers. Any ideas? If it was a tube issue would the sound just go out?

[@BrandonBames]

Thanks for this video! I'd like to upgrade the screen resistors in mine as well, and I was wondering if you could advise which specific resistors I should purchase? At 2:44 you mentioned "they're supposed to be 470 ohm" but then at 7:57 you mentioned they were 2 watt 1k's. Just wondering if that's the correct information, that you upgraded 1/4 watt 470 ohm resistors to 2 watt 1k resistors? Also, did you go with carbon film or metal film? Apologies if my questions are a bit elementary, I'm new to amp repair and modifications and I really like the concept that you executed here. Thanks!

[@PsionicAudio]

By "supposed to be 470R" I meant the color bands indicated that. The one that was discolored might not have been that any more. Schematic says 1/2W but they were tiny, looked like 1/4W. I used Vishay PRO2 2W 1K metal films. Won't burn again.

[@BrandonBames]

@@PsionicAudio thank you for this info! I'll for sure be doing this mod to my AC10C1. Your channel is a godsend and I appreciate everything you do!

[@goodun2974]

"Vox 10C1 looks lovely, it's cleans dark and deep/ but it makes promises it can't keep/ and miles it cannot go before it's Big Sleep". Apologies to both Robert Frost and Raymond Chandler. "Philip Marlowe", a tough, slightly cynical but scrupulously honest troubleshooter is portrayed here by Lyle Caldwell.....

[@thesojourner7722]

As I'm a non-tech , what value are those 2 caps you replaced above the output tubes please? I might try to replace them myself to increase reliability

[@NordLydBGN]

They’re 470r resistors. I measured in one I’m repairing. I think he replaced them with 1k, or that’s what I thought he said…

[@weschilton]

Well you pretty much have the same conclusion that I did. I was able to play the AC15 and the AC10 side by side and the AC10 sounded muddy and mid forward with no usable drive sound and strangely, lots of rattling when turned up. Move over to the AC15 and everything just opens up, like a blanket was taken off of the amp. Better sounding sparkly highs, tons of great sounding drive, especially on the top boost channel, better reverb and really nice tremolo. The AC10 really doesn't sound like a Vox at all.

[@schlep4730]

@ Lyle - what pickups are you using / did you settle on in your strat ? thx

[@PsionicAudio]

There's a video on it, but this one has the Suhr Thornbucker and two Mojotone Quiet Coil '67s. I really like that combination. The other Strat has Kinman Traditional IIs.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Would a 12AX7U give an amp like this more clean headroom?

[@PsionicAudio]

You mean a 12AU7? Yeees but with drawbacks. A 12AY7 or 5751 would be a better choice.

[@vincentl.9469]

The worst aspect of this amp is the closed back with the small vent at bottom and the closeness of the power tubes to the speaker, meaning the tubes heat up the magnet and you are limited to the kind of speaker you can use as replacement...

[@davidmanson3659]

Any suggestions for different preamp tubes to try in an AC10 or Vox amp in general? I currently have a bunch of 12au7’s and a few 12at7’s I pulled from an old stereo, but I don’t want to kill the vibe and the brightness of the amp to try and get more headroom.

[@antonix_81]

if you accept my suggestion man , i would say just put 2 jj 12ax7 in it ,'v1' in this amp is a lnd150 fet, so you need a robust and reliable tube in the cathode follower , that's it

[@davidmanson3659]

@@antonix_81 You’re probably right about that. When I bought it the previous owner had upgraded to new Russian Mullards all around, but a couple months ago it started to sound really microphonic and terrible at low volume. Threw some JJ EL84s in and it immediately sounded better, but then tubes got crazy so I passed on new preamp ones.

[@antonix_81]

@@davidmanson3659 obviously you need a 12ax7 in the cathode follower to drive better the tone stack , i tried a 12at7 sometimes in the phase inverter (like fender did) , you can get a cleaner sound , but i don't know if it will draw much more current than the 12ax7 in that amp , if the power transforner doesn't get hot you're ok, at least i would be ok with that

[@PsionicAudio]

A Mullard will die as the cathode follower in this amp as would any other Russian made 12AX7. Stick with JJ or Chinese. But stay with a 12AX7/ECC83. AT or AU wouldn't hurt anything but they would not make the amp sound its best (albeit "best" is not much here).

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

Jj 5751 in mine, sounds great gives more headroom

[@nachom1971]

My ac4tv mini has the same shitty construction (edit: I just opened it and it has no surface mount crap, the transformers look pretty chunky too, no digital boards, and tube bases are white ceramic. The simple circuit should be easy to service) . It sounds really good but the best is I got it for the price of a cheap pedal... 65$. I really dig the class A character it has. I put a low testing el84 in it that was almost headed to the trash and it curiously made it bloom with character; I guess the best tube tester is sometimes the amp itself. Hope to see the new ac4 series reviewed or looked upon in this channel. I don't know why it reminded me of the ac10 which is really a disappointment after watching this video.

[@davidbarlow431]

Celestion 10 in greenback makes a big difference and isn't too expensive.

[@itskyyuuuu]

Creamback even better!

[@classicraceruk1337]

I am thinking of buying an AC 15 custom. They come with different speakers a Celestion Greenback or a Celestion Alnico ( Vox Ac15C1X). There is a price difference, is the second one worth the difference of around £250

[@joosboer1030]

Honestly, I have an ac15c1 and a Marshall dsl40c. The dsl is waaaaay better. It’s smooth warm and has a consistent tone. The ac15 sounds harsh boxy and either too loud or trebly. I’m going to sell it. It doesn’t even channel switch. I have tried to love it, took it to a gig tonight and the singer complained it was hurting her ears. I’m going to use the money to try something else. Not sure yet what but it won’t be a fekin Vox

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@joosboer1030 Thanks for the info….. I will have to try a few more options.

[@violinmiata]

AC15 with an alnico speaker is a really good sounding amp

[@PsionicAudio]

You have to learn how to set the controls for an AC15 or AC30. They don't work like Fender/Marshall. Easy to get great warm sounds but you have to learn the amp.

[@classicraceruk1337]

@@violinmiata Cheers

[@keithbriscoe99]

Is it also possible that amps in the class just keep working for 10-15 yrs plus and do not need some expensive repair?

[@PsionicAudio]

Not likely. Notice I had to change two screen grid resistors in this one. No sane designer uses 1/2W resistors for screen grids. What other flaws will reveal themselves?

[@shckltnebay]

Ragin Cajon is the best 10 ive tried

[@andrewstendahl36]

Reverb won't turn all the way off on my Vox Ac10c1. I dont think the reverb effect turns completely off on these amps

[@music-writinglife1813]

I'm sure someone has brought this up.. the AC15 is 20lbs heavier .. and that is why I don't own one, 48lbs...no way anymore and I added a cheap EQ pedal fixed the harsh sound..I've got the Blonde with a creamback

[@natediggidy6070]

Mine came with jj tubes and a greenback from the factory. I’m still not super impressed with the sound.

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

I thought it sounded better when you had it open. Maybe it's too close to a closed back? I would be so pissed if I had an amp that I couldn't fix and had to throw away or use for parts. No way I would buy it.

[@PsionicAudio]

When you heard it open it was through my shop cab about ten feet away.

[@HiHello-ku1fl]

@@PsionicAudio oh well no wonder.

[@jimmy5634]

Can this amp handle a drummer?

[@PsionicAudio]

It can barely handle a guitar. So no.

[@antonix_81]

tried it few times at the guitar shop, tried the one with the special color too which i don't know if it had a different speaker tho , it sounded ok but honestly i would not spend those money for a 'toy'

[@Strumbum01]

I have the limited edition maroon bronco version if that’s what you’re referring too. It has the same speaker.

[@antonix_81]

@@Strumbum01 the one i tried was green , i liked the sound , but too small for me

[@gordonacton4458]

I trust your technical expertise more than I trust your ears. I have one of these and have owned and played through several legendary amps over the past 60 years. It could be that some of these sound better than others but that flies in the face of your technical explanations for sonic deficiencies. More likely has to do with the player's ability to interact with the amp. You probably should have left the bubble gum remarks unsaid. Since you went there my recommendation to you would be to A/B the amp to other amps of your choosing using a more highly skilled player, to put it kindly.

[@tcb0044]

It's sad that the big amp names went the way of car companies, and decided on 'preemptive product failure, somehow, legitimizes profit enhancement'. Cheaper cost of inferior design, never outweighs the higher cost of quality, in the long run...

[@motokev2727]

Man, you need your ears cleaned. I like the amp stock. I like the gain, clean and reverb. Get off the AC15, that amp is too thin sounding. Can you say ice pick that's the AC15.

[@irf888]

Hi. Excellent video. Thanks. Hoping anyone out there can comment on the limited edition AC15C1G12C it comes with a Warehouse speaker? Regards.

[@PsionicAudio]

The G12C is a great sounding speaker. It's what was in those Magnatone Varsitys here the other day. And I put it in Deluxe Reverbs and Twins a lot. Always sounds great.

[@irf888]

@@PsionicAudio Great, thanks for the information. Appreciated.

[@glennselwitz1377]

Remember the 5 chord is a minor on Louie Louie if that's what you're going for..lol...

[@talbotadams1655]

You ever come across a Pathfinder 15R?

[@PsionicAudio]

No. To be honest, my bench fee precludes taking most cheap amps in. Most inexpensive SS gear costs more than it's worth to repair.

[@talbotadams1655]

Yeah. Makes sense. Those amps have such a reputation that I wonder if there will ever be people who value them enough to pay bench fees just to refurbish them.

[@dingalarm]

@@talbotadams1655 Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that the Pathfinder 15R actually has a great reputation 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@talbotadams1655]

No doubt! They are great. I used to have two of them and I regret selling them. What I meant was that as they further age and start to require maintenance, will they be worth the cost of bench fees to their owners. I love them though. But yes, if I still had one and it broke, I’m not sure I would be willing to pay hundreds of dollars to have it fixed. But some people might.

[@dingalarm]

@@talbotadams1655 I wouldn't be prepared to pay hundreds of dollars to have them repaired, but as an electronics hobbyist, I'll repair it myself, provided it's a simple fault that needs to be fixed!🤞😋😂 They do appear to be a bit fiddly to take apart though. I can't believe how expensive these things have become. It's just a standard analog solid-state amp, using transistors, op-amps and a power amp IC.

[@jasonlee8667]

Repair cost goes up because of a few more screws?!

[@mca1960]

Good for the grid resistors, but the output-tubes still heats up the pcb. Bad construction at all. Therefore I don't buy VOX amps. The only exception is my old VOX concert 501 amp, build by Marshall in the early '90.

[@russellesimonetta3835]

Are you familiar with Doug and Pat?? Interesting Les Paul nuts who have a great AC10 from 64' or so. Great sounding amp.

[@PsionicAudio]

Yeah, I enjoy their show from time to time. Their AC10 is a very different beast to most. Nothing at all in common with this little thing.

[@bobyk87]

I have to agree, opening up Vox guitar combos is not a joy.

[@DDE_ADDICT]

so it is a Valvetronic pedal

[@jimdevries9479]

❤ I don't know man that thing sounds adorable to me I wouldn't pay 500 bucks for it though

[@sonicosurrealista]

I have one of these ac10 thats dead silent but it lights up the power , hate the weird on off switch that stays in the middle

[@richardlynch5632]

Braggard...passed 2nd try🙄 😂😎👍 Was surprised at the layout...??? 😉😎👍