Differences between 2 Vox Amps

[jimk]

I've noticed that the Vox AC30 has come in two different models (at least); the AC30CC1 and the AC30CC2. Besides there being a 14 pound difference in weight, what other differences were (are?) there. I suppose the CC1 is no longer in production. Inquiring minds and all that...

JimK

[blueflamerick]

1 speaker (cc1) vs. 2 speakers (cc2).

[jimk]

OK. That explains the weight difference. Thanks.

JimK

[brammy]

I hope this will open a discussion about all the new VOX amps. I have an old AC15. One thing I'm pretty sure of is that the speakers you want to have are the Blue Alnico.
(and YES, I COULD see a rockabilly band doing One After 909!)

[whojamfan]

I have a Vox AC30CC2, and love it. I couldn't justify spending about 600 more dollars in getting one with the blues in it. I would say I would have bought it if I was in a Beatles tribute band,but quite frankly, am scared to death of blowing a 15 watt speaker as I have a heavy attack, and like to crank the amp. I've blown speakers in amps before, and didn't feel like chancing it with the ultra expensive blues.

Try out the "Plexi Palace Vintage Amps Bulletin Board" website. They have many sections including Vox, Marshall, Hiwatt, Orange, Fender, and others, as well as some related topics. Many players and amp builders/techs run and/or frequent these posts and offer incredible information and answer questions as well. There is also a boatload of info on how to sevice and mod the new amps to sound just like the old ones. They also talk about all years and models. Well worth a look, and a great place to get almost any question answered.

[brammy]

http://www.vintageamps.com/plexiboard/index.php
Yup, good site. I noticed this little tidbit of advice:

Do not use the Standby switch on an AC30TB/TBX or CC. It is not needed, and can damage the rectifier tube due to inrush current and a voltage spike that over time will cause the tube to fail.

[whojamfan]

Yeah, replaced that rectifier tube with a Weber Copper Cap. Cheaper than the tube and does absolutely nothing to change the sound, unlike the the old Fender solid state replacement plugs that change the sound and character of the amp. Purists can cry all they want, but it makes absolutely no change in sound, and makes the amp drastically more reliable. They don't make rectifier tubes as robust as they used to, so they blow a lot easier, especially when slammed by current when using the standby switch.

[Nickcha]

I have a Vox AC30CC2, and love it. I couldn't justify spending about 600 more dollars in getting one with the blues in it. I would say I would have bought it if I was in a Beatles tribute band,but quite frankly, am scared to death of blowing a 15 watt speaker as I have a heavy attack, and like to crank the amp. I've blown speakers in amps before, and didn't feel like chancing it with the ultra expensive blues.

Try out the "Plexi Palace Vintage Amps Bulletin Board" website. They have many sections including Vox, Marshall, Hiwatt, Orange, Fender, and others, as well as some related topics. Many players and amp builders/techs run and/or frequent these posts and offer incredible information and answer questions as well. There is also a boatload of info on how to sevice and mod the new amps to sound just like the old ones. They also talk about all years and models. Well worth a look, and a great place to get almost any question answered.

I'm one of the moderators on the Plexi Palace Vintage Amps Bulletin Board. And thanks for the mention, I too think that the PP is a terrific site - been there for nearly 10 yrs. and they have consistently provided a lot of good info. I'm particularly involved with the VOX amps forum, having owned many original JMI AC30s. I have to agree that the AC30s and 15s (I also own one of those terrific new Heritage AC15 heads) sound best with Alnicos. However, if you don't want to spring for a Celestion Alnico I could recommend the Eminence Red Fang. It's double the wattage capacity at 30 watts so you're safe pumping the power through them. They behave very similarly to the original Blue Alnicos, with a tad smoother top end perhaps. I loaded my '65 Marshall 412 with them and love the sound. I don't think you'd be disappointed, and they go for around $169 new in most places - and cheaper if you keep your eyes open for deals.

[whojamfan]

Welcome to the forum Nick, and yeah, the PP is a great site. At the moment I'm happy with the wharfdales it came with, but may at some point change them. I have considered the Red Fangs, Webers, and the ones Guitar Speaker Warehouse sell. I see they all cost about 50 bucks less than the blues, so if I change them out, I'll probably just go with the blues. But for now, the stock ones work just fine. See you on the forum, both I guess now

[Nickcha]

Thanks for the welcome, Mike. Like some many other speakers, The Wharfdales work in some spots better than others. We've moved them around between AC30CC, HW, Korg and even an original AC50. They seemed to like it in the CCs but not as much in the others.

[soundmasterg]

I've played AC30's with lots of different speakers, and for me, the best way to play them is with the Celestion Blues. The speakers may be rated at 15 watts, but they can take it, trust me. The AC30 as amps go is easier on the speakers than many other amp designs. I've got a 1993 Korg reissue AC30 that I've had since new. I often play loud with pedals, etc., and the speakers are still holding up fine after 15 years of use.

Greg