Using two Ac15c1’s: One sounds glorious, the other… not so much.

Do they have the same speaker in them?

 

Wish I had a clue to help you figure this out. Doug just beat me to the only thing I can think of.

 

Are you always playing them in the same positions? I’m sure you thought of it, but just in case- did you switch the top and bottom amps? Does the thick and juicy sound stay with the bottom amp? You could be hearing the bass coupling from one of them sitting on the floor. It’s the reason I won’t use an amp stand or other lifting or angling device. I won’t even leave an amp on casters if I’m done moving it. Any time I take an amp away from sitting flat on the floor it loses all its low end in a very unpleasant way.

 

I was thinking of that too. Great minds think alike, lol. It could also be that the speaker in the new one hasn't broken in and loosened up yet.

 

Too obvious I can possibly see but ... for the 2nd one, is it new/how long has it been an issue .... so does the 'new" speaker just need breaking in?

 

I'm thinking the new speaker is tight and needs some time before it'll give up those mids and bass you're lacking. If things don't change, the next thing I'd do is compare the bias between the two amps. Bias can make an amp sound big and full and rich; or weedy and thin.

 

see post above.

If the new amp is indeed new and competing with an amp that has been around the block and is broken in I am sure it will sound different.

I also agree with @Jakedog as an amp sitting on the ground seems to have more lower end that one that is suspended.

 

Just out of curiosity, did you try to compare both amps using just the A/B feature to see if they actually do sound the same? Try putting them both on the floor and using the A/B switch.

You may not have the room, but I liked spreading the amps apart when I use the splitter for that stereo effect.

Also, my Radial switch is identical to yours. You should have a Drag adjustment on that pedal. Make sure it is turned to high noon for starters.

 

+1 what DougM says above.

I had my AC15C1 for several months and was very frustrated with it. Spiky, harsh, stiff, nasty. Was just about to sell it when I gave it one last big break-in push. I played my Gretsch baritone through it for several hours. The kids weren't home, the neighbors are tolerant, I put on shooters' ear protection and a baseball game and just made a lot of noise. For hours and hours. The next day, I gave it the one last chance at usable volumes and with a variety of guitars, and it was lovely. Just as you describe your older AC15. Lush and expressive and clear and...lovely.

So my bet is with speaker break-in. Give your newbie more time and more exercise, and see what it's like in a few weeks.

By the way, I always physically separate amps when I play two (or more) at the same time. That really makes 'em talk with each other.

Good luck!

 

yea, what dougm and davidc said above.

when i bought my ac15, my wife's nephew had owned one for a couple of years and had gigged with it. even tho i thought mine sounded great, when he brought his over, mine was puny and his sounded great. it let me know that it needed to be broken in, particularly the speaker as well as the components.

i would also recommend spreading the amps out so that it gives you a fuller sound and it may actually be easier to compare and adjust the two with your aby pedal. also may try the top boost on one and normal on the other. i run my aby pedal into both channels and tweak until i like it.

play music!

 

Isolate the ab box as an issue by removing it. Plug each amp into the same wall outlet one at a time and play through them. What do you hear?
Edit: put them in the same position on the floor, too.

 

8 hours might not be enough. It took my Cannibus Rex 12" about 30 hours to break in.