Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

[Mononoaware]

About six months ago, in a fit of optimism, I bought a new Traynor YCV50 Blue. I thought it was about time to graduate to tubes, and wanted good bang-for-the-buck with my first purchase. Man, did I get it: more gain that I can even use, and I really, really love the clean channel on this thing.

Thing is, I thought maybe I could handle 50 tube watts. Neighbors aren't close so that's not a factor. But I realized I really prefer moderate volume playing, and to get the sorts of distortion I want with this amp, I have to throttle it up a bit more than I can stand. It's also great for rhythm, but I can't get it smooth enough on the top end to get the solo sound I want. Pedals help (Bad Monkey ftw). . . but are very hit-and-miss.

So, I played a 30-watt Vox combo at GC today, and was suitably impressed. I liked that the sound "opened up" at a reasonable volume, and there was some nice tube-y bounce to it. Not as nuanced as my Traynor, but way better than almost any other modeller I've played.

So now I'm thinking, maybe I should trade. For bros who have one these (and who doesn't?), I'd appreciate some insight. Keep in mind I don't play out, prefer instrumental blues, surf and rock, and use both humbuckers and single coils.

-What's the sound difference, if any between silver and blueface models? There's a used bluefaced 2x12 Valvetronix combo locally for $499.99 -- good deal?

-Which models are tasty (not necessarily accurate, just decent sounding)? Which ones don't live up?

-How are the onboard effects? Those on the 30-watt version were servicable to my ears -- but then, I was trying to listen through 4 or 5 teenagers thrashing away. :chairshot

-Anyone traded real tubes for Vox? Do you miss tubes? A little? A lot?

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[fingerace]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I can't seem to find some of those old LONG valvetronix threads that we had here a few months ago. Anyway...

First of all, have you considered an attenuator? Those weber ones are great, people say. It's a shame to loose a tone that you like and you know that it works for you just for volume.

anyway,

All of your questions can be answered here: http://www.valvetronix.net/forum/ in the FAQ threads. There is no need to make a thread, it's all written down.

I am too sleepy to write the info from memory, sorry (it's 02:00)

Oh, I remembered something that I believe is very important:

I tried the 30 watt silver face, I didn't like it...
A forum member, 'gearjoneser', suggested that the valvetronix sound A LOT better with the overdrive effects on. (but turned low for cleans). He said that it makes a huge difference and that the effect must always be on. Those OD effects can be found only on the blue face models.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

A forum member, 'gearjoneser', suggested that the valvetronix sound A LOT better with the overdrive effects on. (but turned low for cleans). He said that it makes a huge difference and that the effect must always be on. Those OD effects can be found only on the blue face models.

Yeah, I tend to like the blue faced heads the most, since the gain tones are better with a sealed 2-12 or 4-12 cab. With a Marshall cab, the Marshall models automatically sound more authentic too. The amp loves Vin 30's.

I always keep one of the 3 OD models on to further shape the gain structure, even on cleans. It adds more punch and sparkle, reminiscent of tubes.

2 of the best features are the variable wattage selector and the onboard tuner. I'm so spoiled by the tuner that I wish all amps came with one. Even tube amps should have a little tuner on the faceplate.

 

[Mononoaware]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

Thanks for the specifics, guys. This is the sort of thing I was hoping for. I've read a lot of threads where the general consensus is "Yeah, the Valvetronix are pretty darn good," but what I'm really trying to pinpoint is if it's going to be a step backwards for me after the honeymoon period is over.


I've considered the Weber MASS in the past; thanks for reminding me about that. Pretty well priced, too.

 

[CaptainCrunch]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I don't think I'd be comfortable calling it a step backward, for some it would be, conceivably for someone else, not. But I did find that after two tries, a few years and never really finding the tone I wanted in a modeller that I am much, actually MUCH happier with my 1x12 combos and a decent pedal board. I don't have to worry to much about volume constraints, modellers do have low volume "advantage" but I still prefer a low power tube amp with a few good pedals. I won't be going back anytime soon.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

Backwards?

Meh...not so much. Sideways seems more like it.

Modeling amps serve a function. For some players that role is bigger than others. For a bedroom practice amp they're great! But when they get out of there alot of folks find they don't hold up.

However, some folks find they can make them hold up and sound good doing it.

 

[Markk]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I hated the VOX 30 and VOX 50 (or whatever the next step up was). The bass sounded like ass (A lot of farting) and the effects were really pretty crappy except for maybe 2. I've heard a lot of people say that replacing the speaker makes a world of difference and only then does the amp come alive. But are you willing to gamble on this? Then again, if you like the sound, go for it. I didn't

However, the VOX 60 I believe has more tubes in it. It sounded quite nice to my ears. Almost a little too nice, unfortunately it was out of my price range.

So instead I just got a Pathfinder 10 and a VBM1, both from VOX. Now these amps are awesome

 

[Gr8Scott]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I will say that the Mesa model isn't very good until you put an EQ in the effects loop. Since the AD-30 doesn't have an effects loop, you either have to add one or you buy an amp equipped with one. The AD100 head has an effects loop and all the blue series amps have them too.

The marshall models sound their best when run through Vintage 30 speakers in an enclosed cab such as a marshall 4x12.

 

[75lespaul]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I've got the blue close-backed model. It's the 1X12 AD60VTX. I use it with an Earcandy 2X12 Buzzbomb cab. By itself, it sounds okay with the stock speaker. I've put in a Vintage 30 and it's a lot better. However, with the stock speaker in the amp and with the 2X12 loaded with a G12H30 and Vintage 30 the amp is killer IMO. Also, the tube HAS to be changed. I love the tone of about half the amps. Really, who needs more than that considering when I was growing up we all made due with the sound of ONE amp, lol. I love the way it sounds on 15 watts, cranked up. I've found that using the effects like GJ says adds some more realism to the models as well.

In an email I got from Vox, they said that the cabinets are better quality on the blue amps but the models are the same quality on both silver or blue. There seems to be some documentation to dispute that, but that's what they told me when I asked. I guess that if you're going to go the silver route, I'd get the head and a really good cabinet with great speakers--and change the tube(s).

 

[ErikH]

Re: Okay: Please Edumucate me on Valvetronix

I love my AD50VT combo. Have had it since last last June/July and never had a problem with it and it's been played heavily since I got it. The stock speaker is a Celestion 7080 and a stock EH 12AX7 tube. I could sit and type out all the pros and cons but it ultimately comes down to hearing it. There's some clips I posted of a few of the models. Those can give a general idea of what it can do.

To me, the best models are the UK 80's, Tweed 4x10, Vox AC15 and AC30TB, and the US High Gain. The Blackface 2x12 is pretty good too. The Mesa model and TSL models aren't that great, IMO.

The effects are good. I use the reverb or delay mostly though.

Once the drummer starts, you're not gonna care anyway...LOL.