VOX AD-VT series

gt76 · Post by **gt76** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 10:34 am

I'm considering the purchase of a AD30VT but it appears that some you are having problems with at least a few similiar models already.
Anyone that owns 'em care to share their thoughts?
Just how hard is it to access that tube if need be?

stubby · Post by **stubby** » Fri Feb 03, 2006 7:02 pm

I'm interested in your take on these too. I've played a couple but never with a Rick and I wanted to go all tube but these amps do sound nice (from what I've heard) and offer a lot of versatility. Some reviews on the web suggest that they're not all that durable though-prone to problems. Any insights?

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 5:11 am

I bought an AD30VT for a spare and found that I love the sound of the little guy. I have had zero problems of any kind. Have not tried to get at the tube--haven't had to.

My daughter has it now in her room, playing her mini Strat through it.

Lots of bang for the buck.

gt76 · Post by **gt76** » Sat Feb 04, 2006 8:54 am

Went to the local GC last night to take another look. I still really like alot of the sounds that little VOX makes but the longevity issues I hear about still concern me. Hoping several of you will comment.

I also took a look at an Epiphone valve JR. Not nearly as versatile, (one volume knob.) but the one sound it makes is pretty darn good and it's over $100 cheaper. At some point you could swap out the stock tubes and upgrade the speaker for less than $100.

Either way, this will be for playing around the house and the most it would ever be asked to do would be to keep up with a mid 70's Champ and a B50R.

At this price point (cheap), I'm sure there are gems and junk in many brands and models. Any input appreciated.

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 1:53 am

My AD60VT is a piece of ****. It distorts if you push it. I replaced the tube but it still does it. I'll probably get it fixed and shell out another $100 for that.

jingle_jangle · Post by **jingle_jangle** » Tue Feb 07, 2006 5:03 am

Chris, there are two factors working here which should be considered before you paint anything with The Brown Brush.

The first is: did you buy the 60, thinking it would NOT distort? One of its design features was that little 12AX7 preamp stage to give it a supposed warmish "tube" tone and smooth "tube" breakup. So, is normal breakup to someone else, excessive to you? It's supposed to distort when you push it.

Second is the possibility that the "breakup" is so excessive that the amp is defective. In this case, if you bought it new and its still under warranty, get it to a service center and have them deal with it.

If you bought it used, did you try it out before purchasing? Did it break up then?

Is the breakup a recent development? If it is, then it's a failed part or two. We could then possibly fault VOX for putting out a product which does not last, but do you know the amp's history before it came to you? It might have been seriously and continually pushed beyond its design parameters.

Sorry for being so rational so early in the AM, but "piece of ****" is just so scathing...

325_fan · Post by **325_fan** » Wed Feb 08, 2006 2:06 am

There may not be a problem at all, but I like my AC30CC1 much better. I've turned the piece of **** into a bedroom practice amp. You simply cannot push the volume or it breaks up with a distorted farting sound. I bought the 60 watter thinking that it would perform the way I think amplifiers should perform.

popmerchant · Post by **popmerchant** » Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:33 am

I have the AD120VT Combo. I recently had an issue with it cutting on me in the middle of a song, but it looks like I can keep that from happening by keeping the phones and effect loop jacks in the back of the amp nice and clean. Apparently, those jacks can get some oxidation in them, and fool the amp into thinking that they are in use, so it cuts the sound to the speakers. But it's nothing that a little amp care can't keep from happening.

Also, I don't know if the AD30VT even has all those jacks in the back, so it may not be something for you to worry about.

Other than that, the amp has been great! I get many compliments on its sound. I mainly play my Ric 620 through it, and I think it sounds awesome.

My friend has an AD30VT, and he loves it. He uses it for some home recording, and just playing around the house. When I heard it, I was amazed at its sound. Thought there would be a major difference between that and the 120 that I have, but that little 30 really does sound awesome!

I say, "Get it!!"