Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

The V'x headphone output has it's own "power amp" circuit, while the "line out" on the AD60 & AD120 are true line level outputs (like a tape deck). The headphone outs on V'x amps do not have a speaker compensation circuit. Some headphone outputs can be pretty powerful and can overload board line level inputs. The AD60 and AD120 headphone outs will do this. I'm not sure about the chromes.

How relevant is the compensation circuit? Depends what you like. I prefer the tone from the line outs rather than headphone outs, but that's me.

...Dean

Mark: To help you make up your mind on which Valvetronix and to go for a "test drive" and listen to dozens and dozens of the Models of amps that can be reproduced --- I highly recommend that you check out and listen to the many settings on that Valvetronix.net link that Kris posted here before:

http://www.valvetronix.net/

It is really an awesome site and so helpful for enjoying the many features of these great Vox amps !! Cordially - Rich F.

Thanks!

The guy with the even trade for an AD60 backed out. But it's too late for me...I WANTS it. Sometimes the look is more compelling than the deal.

If it's no longer a straight trade Mark, you may want to try for the AD120VTX combo (or head and cab). The tone is exceptional and considerably different than the AD60. You can still control the power (2x1W, 2x15W, 2x30W, and my favorite deafening warehouse demolisher - 2x60W) well enough not to bug the neighbours. Same features as the AD60 with the exception of the chorus and rotary mod effects, which are true stereo.

Some info on the 120VTX: the speakers are internally left and right stereo channels. You cannot change this. So if you want to run a rig with separate left and right cabs (like one on each side of the stage) you cannot do this with the VTX combo. You can do this with the AD12VTH head and two cabs.

I use the head with 2 AD212 cabs, one on either side of the drummer. Because the VTX series and AD212's are closed back cabs, they are very directional and running 2 cabs spreads the guitar sound out across the stage nicely... among other things, like a TON of tone.

The additional advantage to the head/cab rig is the portability. It is easier to carry a head, and a light weight cab like the AD212, instead of the monolithic VTX combo. This is a great feature for musicians no longer in their 20's and 30's (like me!).

...Dean

Too much for me as I don't gig anymore, I just record at home. The Vibro Champ is excellent for recording, but it's a one-trick pony. Chances are I won't find another local deal like the one I nearly had for the AD60, so I just might cave in and get the AD50, and I'm sure it will do well for me...but I would always wish I had the retro look. I've been itching to record "She Said She Said" or "And Your Bird Can Sing" just to try to nail the guitar tone, and a Vibro Champ just isn't going to pull that one off.

But thanks again!

Mark -- here are a couple of Beatles "settings" from that Valvetronix.net site for the Chrome faced models --- Day Tripper, Get Back and one called Shadows - Early Beatles Rhythm tone

Regards - Rich F.

http://www.valvetronix.net/valvetronix/60s/day-triper/details_189.html

http://www.valvetronix.net/valvetronix/beatles/get-back/details_227.html

http://www.valvetronix.net/valvetronix/60s/shadows-early-beatles-rhythm-tone/details_411.html

Nice!!

Mark (Lyle): not sure if you are still shopping around for a trade. I just saw this ad on Craig's List in L.A. of somebody wanting to trade their AD120 for a Fender Tube amp combo unit... http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/msg/293927270.html

Regards -- Rich F.

Jeez Rich, I'm slow. Been busy opening a new restaurant and didn't see this. Thanks for the tip!

There were two ads for an AD50vt last month in my locality for less than 300, and I missed both boats. But since I haven't had a chance to pick up a guitar lately, much less plug one into a proper amp, I guess it's all for the best.

But thanks! -Lyle (Mark) (Lyle?) (whichever)

Okay, tonight I pick up an AD50vt for $225, cha-ching.

Mark - Great !!! Sounds like a pretty good price. I hope you enjoy the adventures of learning all the tone settings on these Valvetronix amps. Don't forget the previous mentioned forums/sites which some excellent coaching on specific song or specific band-sound settings that others have submitted. Regards - Rich F.

What a ripping great amp!

Not a scratch on it, but I guess it would be a tough amp to scratch, wouldn't it? It's built like an old Willys Jeep, only shiny. Apparently unlimited tones. The Celestion 70/80 sounds better than I expected (although I may flirt with the possibility of getting a Blue Dog in it one day). Best of all, the modeling has warmth and depth...most "modeling" I hear has a certain thinness that lets you know it really is just a pale imitation. Not so with this one.

And that "Day Tripper" tone pretty well nails it! That was fun.

Thanks for all the advice, especially from you Rich.

That's what this great Forum is all about - learning and sharing with fellow-Rick enthusiasts. I only ventured into getting one of these great Valvetronix amps myself from exchanging views with others here.... and learning from RRF members here about the Vox forums, etc. etc.

Glad the hear that your amp is in great shape !
Cheers -- Rich F.