Vox Valvetronix

[ImmortalSix]

OK, so I have decided that Solid State is limiting me as a guitar player...so, I have decided I want a tube amp (besides my 1969 Univox project.)

Am I stupid for being interested in this Vox AD50VT? Should I just stick with aFender VibroVerb or something else that I KNOW will sound sweet?

Kicker: Price is a factor, I'm not a baller like some brohams...

I've found these bastards under $300, hard to beat that for a good sounding amp.

Please Advise, If I spend hundreds of dollars on an amp I grow out of again :smack: I'm going to kill myself (paid $$$ for Fender Ultimate Chorus in 2003...POR QUE!?)

 

[danglybanger]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

for a cheap amp I recommend a fender pro junior. Tube, 15 watt only a few controls... but damn do they sound good, and loud.

For a bunch of all around sounds that are decent, I'd recommend a valvetronix... it doesn't really do anything excellent.

But I think it's the best amp of that sort in its price range.

That's why I own one

 

[More-Gear-Than-Skill]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Yeah, im with slade on this one. The Pro Jr is a tube amp proper. (yes i know the rectification...) Pure and simple. That Vox seems really cool and all, but you said upfront you're in for the tubes. The vox is semi tube, mostly emulation, which is great for a wide range of psuedo-sounds. Also check out the little Laney 15 watt with the jensen speaker. That thing is killlller. But if a pro jr is available, consider just getting it. And yes, it might take time to settle on your ears. And your tactile approach to the guitar needs some adjusting with all-valve amps.

 

[Foeburner]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

I own one, and actually you can nail some decent sounds with valvetronix amps, it ain't no full tube but it gives semi-tube feel and almost like full-tube sound.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

The Vox is loud, I'll tell ya that. I've got the AD50VT and it can keep up in a band setting with no problem at all. I have the wattage selector at about 1-2 o'clock and the master volume at noon-1 o'clock.

Take your guitar to a local shop that has them and try one out. If you want to hear a few clips of a couple of the models, I posted some in the Tips and Clips section not too long ago.

Also try the AD60 combo and the AD120 head (blue series). They're a little more expensive but they have more amp models, more storable presets and there's cab and stompbox models available.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Thanks - I'm glad those of you who have actually played with them recommended I just go all tube.

I don't need the watts, I'm afraid my days of blowing people's minds with my high wattage rock are over. 15 tube watts would be enough for me I'm sure. I have a 130 watt solid state 2x12 now that will get louder than the space shuttle takeoff (that I will probably sell to someone who wants it on eBay to purchase a tube amp) , and I'm working on a 1969 Univox U-1000 100 watt head resto (needs 10 tubes = expensive) so I'll have wattage when I need it.


I needed this input, thanks fellas! I'll start to look at Tube Amps a little more seriously now.

I'm an SRV-raised Strat player, and I play with a lot of dynamics, plus I've been plgging inlots of stuff to a Hot Rod DeVille over at de sto'... I don't think the transition will be too bad for me!

Now, Suggest some tube amps for me! Blues Junior? What else?

 

[Markk]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

I really liked the VOX AD60VT, it sounded sooo much better than the 50 or the 30VT and I believe it's tube preamp and poweramp (?).

I suggest getting that, I used to think Hotrods (and DeVilles) were good amps until a thread not too long ago seemed to bring them down.

 

[ErikH]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

The AD60/120 and the AD15/30/50/100 have a 12AX7 tube in the power amp only. The major differences are the number of models between the two series, the stompbox models, the cab models, the number of storable presets, presence knob, tuner and the type of footswitch used. The models in the AD15/30/50/100 are the same as those in the AD60/120, there's just more in the AD60/120 and they cost more.

If you want all the bells and whistles and then some, go with the AD60/120. If you want the stripped-down simpler version, look at the AD50/100.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

I think what I want is a pure 101% tube amp, no solid state.

I'm looking in the $300-$500 range - what amps do you know of that fit the bill for clean cleans and lots of bass? (again, I'm an SRV disciple)

 

[innerdreamrecords.co]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

What about a Palomino?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Don't know anything about them, but I'm more of a Fender person, and I have a bone to pick with Crate because of a prev. bad experience

 

[Mr. B]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Blues Jr. Best for what you have described (in your price range).

 

[Dills]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Fully tube great soundning amps in that price range?
I went through the same cycle looking for a tube amp, because I didnt like the peavey classic 50 I was using, lacked a tight bottom end wasn't voiced for my liking. I liked the sound of those vox models, but i couldn't justify the practicallity of using them on a stage, since there is so many presets and settings. In my opinion they would be great for practicing with, but too complicated for stage.
After reading about issues with marshalls dsl-401 and never finding anything from other brands instock, (I wanted to try laneys lc models. I found a 20watt hughes and kettner 20th anniversary edition tube which is perfect for what i want to use it for. It has a really nice clean channel, that breaks up nicely and sounds fantastic with single coils, and the gain channel is very warm and articulate. I don't need to have it too loud since it gets nice tube saturation at moderate volumes. good luck

Dills

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Fully tube great soundning amps in that price range?
I went through the same cycle looking for a tube amp, because I didnt like the peavey classic 50 I was using, lacked a tight bottom end wasn't voiced for my liking. I liked the sound of those vox models, but i couldn't justify the practicallity of using them on a stage, since there is so many presets and settings. In my opinion they would be great for practicing with, but too complicated for stage.
After reading about issues with marshalls dsl-401 and never finding anything from other brands instock, (I wanted to try laneys lc models. I found a 20watt hughes and kettner 20th anniversary edition tube which is perfect for what i want to use it for. It has a really nice clean channel, that breaks up nicely and sounds fantastic with single coils, and the gain channel is very warm and articulate. I don't need to have it too loud since it gets nice tube saturation at moderate volumes. good luck

Dills

Thanks! I wish I could change the thread title now that I've ruled out that VOX!

Next Question:

Do you think the 15W Blues Junior 1x12 can hang with a drum set in close quarters? I mean CLOSE...imagine the worst acoustics you can

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

P.S. The other side of the room is exactly at the right edge of the picture...the room is shaped like this |___________|... long and way SKINNY

 

[Hoss]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

That might be pushing the Blues Jr. a bit without a p.a.

you might want to consider a Tech 21 trademark 60...it would definitely hang in that room...also a Fender Blues Deluxe might be an option for around that price range used if you want to stick with tube?!

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

In your price range, I'd look at the Hot Rod Deluxe, used HR Deville, Mesa Subway Rocket, Peavey Classic 50 and Delta Blues, Ampeg VL502, and other used amps I'm forgetting.

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

In your price range, I'd look at the Hot Rod Deluxe, used HR Deville, Mesa Subway Rocket, Peavey Classic 50 and Delta Blues, Ampeg VL502, and other used amps I'm forgetting.

Which of the above would be best at SRV tone - any opinions?

 

[Benjy_26]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Which of the above would be best at SRV tone - any opinions?

My first choice would be a Hot Rod Deville with the 4x10 configuration. All the others are quality tube amps, but they do stray farther from the BF Fender/ SRV sound.

 

[Pink Unicorn Horsey]

Re: Vox Valvetronix

Don't nobody be dissin' the Valvetronix! Quite honestly, I get some sxxy tones out of the AD100VTH head pumping into a Mesa 2x12 cab. Look at my signature to see the amps I get to compare it with.

- Keith