I've come to the conclusion that for an amp this size ..not intended for stage use-but still a little loud for some homes, , a DSP version would work best-a Tonemaster Vox! little maintenance & low heat
Vox AC10C1 Owners Club
- Thread starter StormJH1
- Start date
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I did change my mind and have stuck with standard ECC83 / 12AX7
ChrisDowning
Tele-Holic
Yes, I had a VT40 Valvetronix amp - looked good and was perfect for lessons and home. I think if they'd had a really powerful one of these I might have tried it live.
ZackyDog
Poster Extraordinaire
They do:
The Vox VT100X Modeling Electric Guitar Amplifier
The VT100X features a brand new modeling engine and sounds even better than ever! VTX amplifiers produce the most accurate and realistic amplifier sounds.
voxamps.com 
stormsedge
Poster Extraordinaire
NAD...I traded a half a truckload of dusty gear for a new AC10-C1. I'm very pleased with it. ANNNND...the obligatory picture noting they all look pretty much the same.
dsouza
TDPRI Member
Still have the Fractal Audio AX8 and RedSound ELis 8 FRFR speakers, with two nice guitars a USA Fender Strat and a Slash Signature Gibson Les Paul Standard. The total value of just this equipment is approx. $12,000.
It's simply awesome. Only problem is I wouldn't want to take out $12k of equipment to a $250 gig. It doesn't make any sense. That kind of equipment is meant if I'm getting paid $2000 for a gig. Then it's worth carting all that.
However, this brings me to the Vox AC10. I can't get over how rich and bass and voluminous it sounds with just a guitar attached even without pedals. I mean just my Strat and the AC10 to a gig is enough. Or my LP and AC10 to a gig. Easy enough to carry in two hands without any added trips. And the value of what I'm carrying is $900 Cad for an AC10 with tax. And $2500 CAD for my strat. So that means at the min I only have to take $3400 worth of equipment with me not $12,000. Or I could take out the LP which is worth $4800Cad with tax and my AC10 which is worth $900 CAD for a total value of what I'm carrying being $5700. Still cheaper than carting my FAS that's worth $12,000.
Worst case I take out the AC10 and both guitars I'm carting, $900 CAD for the AC10 and $4800 for the Gibson LP, and $2500 for the USA strat which is a total of $8300 CAD. Still cheaper than carting my FAS worth 12k.
The thing is the FAS has multi effects and amp sims built in. For me to compare the ac10 with both guitars to it I would have to add a full on-slaught pedalboard. Pedalboards are worth a good $5k-10k for loaded ones. So in essence at the very least both the tube amp, guitars, and pedals cost just as much if not more than the FAS AX8, Redsound Elis 8 FRFR speakers, and two guitars.
I am at a crossroads. Do I keep the FAS , two guitars and Speakers and forget about an AC10, or Buy the AC10 keep my two guitars and ditch the FAS? Or keep both the FAS , two guitars, and Redsound Elis 8 FRFR speakers and add an AC10 to my collection in addition to everything I've got?
Seemed like a lot of equipment. Maybe too much to own... But I feel greedy!
Mooooohahahahahahahha!
It's simply awesome. Only problem is I wouldn't want to take out $12k of equipment to a $250 gig. It doesn't make any sense. That kind of equipment is meant if I'm getting paid $2000 for a gig. Then it's worth carting all that.
However, this brings me to the Vox AC10. I can't get over how rich and bass and voluminous it sounds with just a guitar attached even without pedals. I mean just my Strat and the AC10 to a gig is enough. Or my LP and AC10 to a gig. Easy enough to carry in two hands without any added trips. And the value of what I'm carrying is $900 Cad for an AC10 with tax. And $2500 CAD for my strat. So that means at the min I only have to take $3400 worth of equipment with me not $12,000. Or I could take out the LP which is worth $4800Cad with tax and my AC10 which is worth $900 CAD for a total value of what I'm carrying being $5700. Still cheaper than carting my FAS that's worth $12,000.
Worst case I take out the AC10 and both guitars I'm carting, $900 CAD for the AC10 and $4800 for the Gibson LP, and $2500 for the USA strat which is a total of $8300 CAD. Still cheaper than carting my FAS worth 12k.
The thing is the FAS has multi effects and amp sims built in. For me to compare the ac10 with both guitars to it I would have to add a full on-slaught pedalboard. Pedalboards are worth a good $5k-10k for loaded ones. So in essence at the very least both the tube amp, guitars, and pedals cost just as much if not more than the FAS AX8, Redsound Elis 8 FRFR speakers, and two guitars.
I am at a crossroads. Do I keep the FAS , two guitars and Speakers and forget about an AC10, or Buy the AC10 keep my two guitars and ditch the FAS? Or keep both the FAS , two guitars, and Redsound Elis 8 FRFR speakers and add an AC10 to my collection in addition to everything I've got?
Seemed like a lot of equipment. Maybe too much to own... But I feel greedy!
Mooooohahahahahahahha!
I went and changed the bias on my amp. There is a earlier post about doing this. I changed R8, increased it to 150 ohms. (really 148 ohms). What does it sound like? Not much difference. Some of the edge is gone. I like it.
May not be for everyone. Is it easy to do? Yes, but you must be careful removing the factory part so as not to damage the board. I used a temp controlled soldering station and lots of flux. A big tip is needed. Replacement part is easy. This mod will reduce the bias slightly to the colder side. Should make the tubes last longer.
May not be for everyone. Is it easy to do? Yes, but you must be careful removing the factory part so as not to damage the board. I used a temp controlled soldering station and lots of flux. A big tip is needed. Replacement part is easy. This mod will reduce the bias slightly to the colder side. Should make the tubes last longer.
Chicago Slim
Tele-Afflicted
I joined the AC10 club last week, with a Tan-on-Tan model. I'm replacing my NexTone Stage, that I used as a bedroom amp. My goal is to reduce the wear and tear on my nicer Bad Cat and Tone King amps. So far, I'm very happy with the AC10. I've had a lot of bad experiences with the Vox modelers. I liked the sound, but none of them have held up to the kind of use that I put on amps.
Since I tend to pick up a guitar and play for short periods of time (15 to 20 minutes), I try to reduce the number of times that I power cycle my tubes each day. I have a Quilter Super Block UK, 25 watts, that models a vintage Marshal, Vox Normal and Top Boost amps.
In order to use the AC10 for both a tube amp and speaker cabinet, I disconnected the internal speaker and attached a long speaker cable that I plug into the back of the AC10. This way I can also use the speaker with my Quilter SB UK. As the AC10 is new, I've only been using it lately.
Since I tend to pick up a guitar and play for short periods of time (15 to 20 minutes), I try to reduce the number of times that I power cycle my tubes each day. I have a Quilter Super Block UK, 25 watts, that models a vintage Marshal, Vox Normal and Top Boost amps.
In order to use the AC10 for both a tube amp and speaker cabinet, I disconnected the internal speaker and attached a long speaker cable that I plug into the back of the AC10. This way I can also use the speaker with my Quilter SB UK. As the AC10 is new, I've only been using it lately.
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JIMMY JAZZMAN
Friend of Leo's
I have one in cream. Doesn't have tremolo like the AC15. Mine is a little dark, with a Telecaster with Seymore Duncan
Quarter Pounders in the bridge and neck. Like most, I enjoy the weight reduction as to the AC15 and it is truly,
a grab and go amp (27 lbs.) Great bedroom amp, small venue or even medium venue miced up. It likes my
Epiphone 339 (stock) and all my Les Pauls. I'll read what the rest of you say about what tubes to use, then make
my decision on which to switch.
Quarter Pounders in the bridge and neck. Like most, I enjoy the weight reduction as to the AC15 and it is truly,
a grab and go amp (27 lbs.) Great bedroom amp, small venue or even medium venue miced up. It likes my
Epiphone 339 (stock) and all my Les Pauls. I'll read what the rest of you say about what tubes to use, then make
my decision on which to switch.
Chicago Slim
Tele-Afflicted
As for EL84 power tubes, I'm running military grade Sovtek EL84M's in my Bad Cat Cougar 15. They give me more headroom and durability (longer life). They have become expensive and hard to find.
I'm thinking of ordering TAD EL84-STR EL84's for my AC10.
I'm thinking of ordering TAD EL84-STR EL84's for my AC10.
KingKongStanley
Tele-Meister
Just looking at 70 plus pages, I'd say this
Vox AC-10 is a pretty popular Tube Amp.
*** As a side note I saw someone playing
a new ( to me) Origin 20 with of all things
an ancient box-style Treble Booster sitting
on the top corner, and I gotta say it maybe
The Best Beano Tone in the History of Beano. She was playing an Epiphone LP Junior single cut sunburst.
72 hours later and I'm impressed.
Nuthin' too fancy either but SOLID.
Vox AC-10 is a pretty popular Tube Amp.
*** As a side note I saw someone playing
a new ( to me) Origin 20 with of all things
an ancient box-style Treble Booster sitting
on the top corner, and I gotta say it maybe
The Best Beano Tone in the History of Beano. She was playing an Epiphone LP Junior single cut sunburst.
72 hours later and I'm impressed.
Nuthin' too fancy either but SOLID.
Loving my new Creamback AC10!
By way of context I used old Fenders for years since high school. Then when I started gigging a lot after college, I got the best amp I've ever owned; a Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr. built by Mike Zait himself in the early 2000's. That thing was bulletproof. It survived drops, smoke and beer for years. (all while still sounding amazing!)
After I stopped bar gigging I sadly sold that rig. (It was a head and a 2x12 ported cab, so it was a bit much.) I ended up buying an AC15C1 limited edition creamback because I wanted a combo. But, as good as it sounded, it was just too damn heavy!
So, I traded that in on this little AC10 limited ed. creamback and I love it. Perfect sound for home use and recording. (or stage w/ mic) Also, amazingly full sound for a 10" speaker. I would recommend the creamback if you're going to get one of these little gems. (plus, it weighs half of what my AC15 weighed so I actually enjoy it much more!)
By way of context I used old Fenders for years since high school. Then when I started gigging a lot after college, I got the best amp I've ever owned; a Dr. Z Maz 18 Jr. built by Mike Zait himself in the early 2000's. That thing was bulletproof. It survived drops, smoke and beer for years. (all while still sounding amazing!)
After I stopped bar gigging I sadly sold that rig. (It was a head and a 2x12 ported cab, so it was a bit much.) I ended up buying an AC15C1 limited edition creamback because I wanted a combo. But, as good as it sounded, it was just too damn heavy!
So, I traded that in on this little AC10 limited ed. creamback and I love it. Perfect sound for home use and recording. (or stage w/ mic) Also, amazingly full sound for a 10" speaker. I would recommend the creamback if you're going to get one of these little gems. (plus, it weighs half of what my AC15 weighed so I actually enjoy it much more!)
A little frivolous fun with my new AC10. I've always changed out colors of certain knobs of my amps when I used to play out live in dark bars. I would put red for the gain knob (logical to me; it sort of heats up the sound at lower levels).
And I would usually make the main volume knob cream. This made it easy for me to glance at my amp and make quick adjustments. (the gain and volume haven't been next to each other on my various amps
)
Just for fun on this one, I did the verb in a sort of seafoam green; cuz that color reminds me of surfy reverb!
And I would usually make the main volume knob cream. This made it easy for me to glance at my amp and make quick adjustments. (the gain and volume haven't been next to each other on my various amps
)Just for fun on this one, I did the verb in a sort of seafoam green; cuz that color reminds me of surfy reverb!
zeke54
Tele-Afflicted
I've had my Ac10 for about 3 years , I had put it away because I was playing a different amp . I haven't been in a band for about 10 years so this is just at-home jamming . Anyway I got it out a few months ago to give it another try , when I got it I switched out the speaker and tubes but it still wasn't giving me what I wanted , tone wise . This time I plugged it into a 2x10 cab I had and it came alive , playing with a Timmy pedal and/or my Dude . Super clear and yet gainy like I like it . As a side note , I also bought an Origin 20 awhile back , run it through a 1x12 cab , variety of pedals like the Dude and lately a gold Archer , sometimes my Friedman BE-OD ( now that's gain ) . Two very differently voiced amps , gonna try a Y cord and run through both !
I remembered this post from '21 . Try this setting -without attenuator. This is the setting I use with my Strat playing clean at home ..not loud
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since this started, things have changed. No more Russian tubes-other than old stock. The amp remains unchanged. Try this setting for low volume playing. This is what I use with my Strat. Still clean at that point. Turn the gain higher and it distorts. An amp that takes getting used to. Clean, it's just right for fans of the Ventures or British 60s instrumental group The Shadows...Starting an Owners Club for a new Vox product that is a "reissue" in name only - the AC10C1. Some quick background: Vox actually made an AC10 from 1959 to 1967. It was more of a square "TV"-style cabinet with a 10" speaker, though it was also offered in a 2x10" "Twin".
Here is a photo of the new AC10C1, which was announced around early April 2015:
Here's a shot of the top, with controls for gain, bass, treble, reverb, and volume:
image removed
And here's a shot of the back, noting the 16-ohm extension speaker jack, but no effects loop:
I just received mine and it had no quality issues out of the box (thus far). But the amp is Chinese manufactured, it's a new product, and there's some pictures floating around of the internals of the amp that are a little suspect. Not because anything is "wrong" with it necessarily, but the tubes and circuit boards are arranged in an "unorthodox" manner to say the least. Things are pretty tight in there with respect to replacing the speaker, also, but the "compactness" of the amp is part of its appeal - it weighs 27 pounds compared to the AC15's 47 pounds.
I think the amp sounds great, but I'm more interested in what other people have to say. I also welcome prospective buyers with any questions they want to ask before they make the purchase - I always appreciate that opportunity when I'm shopping.
Anybody got one? Or looking at one?
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Ljislink24
Tele-Holic
Got here by mistake ! I needed a small amp my custom built 40W 2-10's is just to much for where I'm at these days. I was walking out of GC with a Orange 35RT & saw a brand new AC10 on clearance for 320 bucks. I set down the O 35Rt and played em both back to back.... I left with the AC10 ! An unreal sounding amp even at retail of 649 bucks well worth the money. I never played a VOX my fav's have been Fenders. The custom built I have is based off the old tweed bassman circut and sounds fantastic. I think tone wise this little VOX will stack up against my boutique amp that cost 3 times as much as a new VOX. Super impressed with the VOX. I had no idea on what made AC10 tick I just plugged it in and was blown away did't know if it was tube or SS & didn't care it just sounded great and I wasn't leaving without it. Did a google search this morning on the AC10n and turns out I got the one with the cream back speaker in it.
for clean sounds make sure the gain control is well below the master-or experiment. Aside from that , there are no ideal settings..I've never liked any! what this amp needed was a midrange control ...I think they need to start again. Look out for the handwired version in May/june
what it has to do with is that some small amps are made to sound loud or 'hot rodded' at the factory. This is because one of the first things people ask is 'how loud is it' and can it be gigged ? Whereas 5 to 10 watts should not be too loud that you cant play it at home..if you want something loud you buy a bigger amp...
