So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

SoCalSteve

New member
I had a POD XT Live last year and to my ears there wasn't a whole lotta variation between the dirty amp models. As a hobbyist who just plays my favorite classic rock songs it would be nice to have a wider variety of tones available. I'm considering selling off my Traynor for a Vox if it makes sense.

I'm referring to the Valvetronix heads/combos and NOT the Tonelab. Thanks.
 
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Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Did you ever get the metalpack? IMO, you NEED that pack to get a good dirty tone out of the XT.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

No, I never sprung for the upgrades. I had it and the Atomic Reactor for 29 days and sent it all back.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

I hav'nt explored the high gain amp's to much but there is a noticeable diffirace between them the Boutique OD based on the Dummble Overdrive Special really sings



:fart:British toilet humour
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Not only do the amps sound different, but even the four Vox models sound different from each other.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

I may try the ADV30 combo for a 30 day trial and then decide from there if I want to keep it or go for the head/Avatar 2x12 route. That new variable 100 watt head at $399 is tempting.
 
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Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

I love my new Roland Cube 30. Not ultra programmable, but how many sounds do you need? Twin reverb, Bassman, VoxTB, JCM 1987, 5150, and Mesa DUal Recto. And the reliability of the Vox apparently is weak. I had the same "These just aren't that differnt experince (among others) with the Spider series. Of course, a lot of amps are similar...
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

The new line of VTX amp have supposedly worked out the reliability bugs and issues that the older Vox Valvetronix amps had. I've had mine for a few months with no problems. I based my purchase on the advice from some people who have had their VTX series amps for a real long time like Stratdeluxer97. That being said, I would NOT buy one through the web like Musician's Friend. I went to GC and tried it out to make sure there weren't any glitches before I took it home. I've swapped out the tube and the speaker and it is a KILLER amp.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Aceman said:
I love my new Roland Cube 30. Not ultra programmable, but how many sounds do you need? Twin reverb, Bassman, VoxTB, JCM 1987, 5150, and Mesa DUal Recto. And the reliability of the Vox apparently is weak. I had the same "These just aren't that differnt experince (among others) with the Spider series. Of course, a lot of amps are similar...


Gotta squash you again....You simply are way off base in your posts about the VTX,VTH series Vox amps...You're going on hear say,but you aren't spending anytime playing through the series!

I gig with mine,have practiced many many hours through it at cranked up volumes and this amp has been amazing for me....I consistently get great tone from this amp and have had no problems whatsoever with mine!

All of the amp models sound different and the Vox models do also as mentioned...Do I need "all" the models in the amp? No....But I payed only $600 for the variety and those models I don't use,I'll try someday down the road...

The Roland stuff is very good also,but I didn't buy that one..
Quit bashing something you can't back up with any substance! :27:
 
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Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Yeah, I tried the Cube 30 for one day and took it back. It didn't inspire me and the effects weren't nearly as tweakable as I had hoped.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

SoCalSteve said:
Yeah, I tried the Cube 30 for one day and took it back. It didn't inspire me and the effects weren't nearly as tweakable as I had hoped.

This Vox amp has pretty much been the only amp I've been using now!
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

That new head for $399 and an Avatar 2x12 is sounding better and better, although I like the traditional Vox look of the original Valvetronix better-the new one has the steel look.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

SoCalSteve said:
That new head for $399 and an Avatar 2x12 is sounding better and better, although I like the traditional Vox look of the original Valvetronix better-the new one has the steel look.

The key is to make sure you get a nice birch ply cab....
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Looks like Avatars are Baltic Birch. A black metal grill might go well with the steel grill look head.............
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

SoCalSteve said:
Looks like Avatars are Baltic Birch. A black metal grill might go well with the steel grill look head.............

Sounds like that would be a cool match..:banana:
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

SoCalSteve said:
Yeah, I tried the Cube 30 for one day and took it back. It didn't inspire me and the effects weren't nearly as tweakable as I had hoped.

I've messed around with the Cube 30 in-store at least 3 times now at higher volumes. I didn't really find the cleans any more appealing than those on my Randall combo (but they're still good for solid state), but I thought a few of the distortion tones really sang; especially the Recto model.

Sorry for semi hi-jacking the thread.... :offtopic:
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

STRATDELUXER97 said:
Gotta squash you again....You simply are way off base in your posts about the VTX,VTH series Vox amps...You're going on hear say,but you aren't spending anytime playing through the series!
:27:

:blackeye:Squash well taken, however, when "heresay" is that easy to find... Where the's smoke, there's often :firedevil: or perhaps a kickin' party. And I did listen/play one. Just didn't want that many VOX's, and wasn't in the right price point.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

They all have a unique voicing and each changes the controls to mimic the original amp as well.
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

Aceman said:
:blackeye:Squash well taken, however, when "heresay" is that easy to find... Where the's smoke, there's often :firedevil: or perhaps a kickin' party. And I did listen/play one. Just didn't want that many VOX's, and wasn't in the right price point.

I was very open to your facts about the amp and your own opinions,but I still took it as an overall stereotypical bashing of the Valvetronix series as a whole! I'm here to tell you that this is a great sounding amp....Call me lucky,call me crazy,but I've had no problems(none)with the head version of the 120 watt VTX combo...Maybe because I Opted for the head....

I appreciate the opinions,but maybe I didn't feel they were positive? But it's all good....Still the best $600 I've ever spent on "any" piece of gear!:banana:
 
Re: So is there a noticeable difference between amp models in the Valvetronix line?

I had a 50 watter and the tone was quite good. The only reason I got rid of mine was the "feel" the amp had...close to a tube amp, but not quite. I would opt for the head like stratdeluxer has, it has a lot more models and effects. :fingersx:
 
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