How could I prefer a Matchless over my vintage Vox?

[Whatizitman]

I haven't been using my 64 AC30 too much. At home, it's too loud. I don't take it to gigs or band practice because the Variac seems like a nuisance to take along and I don't plug directly into the wall.

In a sense, I've become the custodian of it.

I went to GC Hollywood to try out some LP's and plugged into a Matchless DC30 just because I'd never heard one. Instantly, i loved it. The tone I had idealized in my mind was real in that amp. I'll spare you the weird adjectives.

I thought I was crazy to want anew amp over my 60's amp and re-tubed my AC30 just to make sure. It's confirmed. I would rather have the Matchless.

If you feel the same way, it's OK!

Because nothing sounds better than a Matchless. I thought that was common knowledge.

Actually, way back in the 90s when Matchless were all over indie and alternative studio recordings, I remember reading how Matchless amps are based somewhat on Vox designs. So I kinda figured that the original design must be at least as good as the "copied" one, right? Years later I was looking at Vox amps to buy. As great as the are, they never quite sounded like what I wanted them to sound like. It's because I wanted them to sound like a DC30. Because of this I have never owned a Vox, but have come close to it several times. OTOH, I've never owned a Matchless because I can't justify the cost. So I play Marshalls and Fenders instead, since they sound like Marshalls and Fenders. But Vox amps sound like Vox, when in my mind they are supposed to sound like Matchless. I know, I know.

 

[schmee]

It may be my el34 problem than anything... not fund an amp with those I have liked....

 

[kLyon]

I love Vox amps. But I had a Matchless DC 30 at my place for about a year in the early '90's; it belonged to a friend but I used it all the time. And it was amazing sounding: I used to use it with an old archtop, straight in, to play a weekly straight ahead jazz gig I had at the time. That's right, jazz. No reverb, no delay, nothing. A cable.
And it sounded perfect: woody, round... I loved it. Mark Sampson was doing something right.

 

[D_W_PGH]

I've never bought a matchless, but have also liked the way they sound better than most vintage amps. when they're dialed in, the seem to sound like vintage plus a little something.

I don't know if they sell as poorly as some other boutique amps, but if they do (the new ones, especially), I'd haunt CL and get one there instead. BTDT reselling boutique amps bought new - it usually hurts.

 

[CV Jee Beez]

It was a newer 2000 to present DC30. Having only heard a Sampson era Lightning, I have no way to compare. I did compare it to my favorite amps that I've heard and played through in person. The newer Matchless was easily my most preferred. Prior to this, my favorites are/were my AC30, my friend's JTM45 Offset reissue w/ 4x12 open back alnico cab, my Marshall Artiste, and my EmerySound Superbaby.

 

[CV Jee Beez]

Key knowledge to have when it comes to Matchless.

Scott

I don't think it's so much knowledge but, more of perception or preference.

 

[Zeonoid]

thats why I have 3 tube amps:
7,5/15W
25 W
and 50 W

I love all of them because I use all of em in different enviroment - pumping it up so the tubes can actually do something with the sound

 

[RLee77]

Just went to the matchless site to check out the Lightning, then I saw the price...

 

[MatchlessMan]

As a long-time Matchless owner I have a duty to contribute to this thread!

I have a Lighting 15 Reverb, which as I understand it is a kind of AC15 Top Boost, but with reverb. The previous step on my amp journey was a Laney VC, another kind-of-a-Vox design.
If I plug into a modern AC15, I feel I am on home turf in terms of the ballpark sound.

It's no surprise that if you like a particular Vox, you'll love the sound of Matchless's take on it. What you'll also love is the build quality and reliability, which I believe was the reason Matchless exist in the first place.

Have a gratuitous Matchless pic:

(image removed)

 

[agogetr]

Because nothing sounds better than a Matchless. I thought that was common knowledge.

Actually, way back in the 90s when Matchless were all over indie and alternative studio recordings, I remember reading how Matchless amps are based somewhat on Vox designs. So I kinda figured that the original design must be at least as good as the "copied" one, right? Years later I was looking at Vox amps to buy. As great as the are, they never quite sounded like what I wanted them to sound like. It's because I wanted them to sound like a DC30. Because of this I have never owned a Vox, but have come close to it several times. OTOH, I've never owned a Matchless because I can't justify the cost. So I play Marshalls and Fenders instead, since they sound like Marshalls and Fenders. But Vox amps sound like Vox, when in my mind they are supposed to sound like Matchless. I know, I know.

the vox cranked up was never my cup of tea, however in around 91 when i plugged into a dc-30 it was magical,it was the only one in the store,i would have robbed 5 7elevens to buy it but it was this ugly pale green color i just couldnt get past. closest thing i had at the time was my 50 watt jcm800 for a saturated type tone. i still have an old tan ac30 its great for what it does but the matchless is just freakin awesome at least to me.i went overboard and got an hc-85!

 

[3-Chord-Genius]

I like the logo nameplate that lights up!