Re: Valvetronix or podxt w/computer speakers
Everyone is probably SICK of me already and all my posts about this amp, LOL!
How much is he looking to spend? According to the Vox rep that I emailed, the lower quality Valvetronix models (silver metal grills) have the exact same quality models as the higher shelf models (blue cloth grills) but the cabinet is pressed crap instead of wood and the speaker is not as good. Trust me, that 15 watts is LOUD. You're not going to jam with a band at 15 watts but for bedroom levels, it's very loud. I've also noticed that the louder you play, the more "tubey" it sounds. Of course, I'm 42 years old and my hearing may be shot (what??? what???) but that's what it seems like to me. A lot of people don't like the Marshall models. I think the JTM-45 is great (UK blues). Don't know if it sounds like the real deal, but I like the sound. The Fenders are killer, especially the Bassman (tweed 4x10).
Make sure you change the tube as well. Of course, that's only my opinion but when I used some NOS Mullard tubes and some over the counter Ruby and Groove Tubes the sound got way better. I have the AD60VTX but the AD50VT sounded really good to me as well and it has the wattage control. You can go from 1 watt to 50. I don't know if the AD30VT has that. The silver grill models also have less amp models and I think less effects as well. You also can't save too many patches.
IMHO, the Valvetronix would be the better way to go if he's not going to do heavy recording. If he's only using crappy speakers then you're not going to hear the pod at its best and it is more expesive than the AD15VT. The POD has lots more stuff in it but hell, the Valvetronix is an amp, and amps are COOL! I had a POD xt by the way, and it was great, but I like to mike a "real" amp instead of running direct. I'm a little more old school, but I think in the end it sounds a bit better that way just to me. The mere mortal who doesn't play won't know but we do.
