Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Just wondering, do the experts in this forum consider these hybrid Vox models to be true tube amps ? Or exactly how are these amps looked at or classified by most of you and do many of you consider them as achieving true tube amp sound with their modeling effects ?
Rich F.

I'm only an expert in my own opinion.

It does have a 'tube', but I wouldn't consider it to be a "tube amp".

Have not heard it in person, and modeling amps, while great, do not 'do it' for me.

IMHO

The Valvetronix is not a true tube amp, having a digital front end. But it's still a great sounding amp. I've got an AD120VT, and I love it.

Define "true tube" amp. The Valvetronix uses 12AX7 tubes configured as power amplifier stages - the definition of tube amplification no?.

Yes, they have a digital front end and pre-amp, the power amp is then the 12AX7 stage (the Little Lanilei "hand wired tube amp" uses 12AX7 as power amp and 12AY7 as preamp, does this qualify as true tube?) so they are not an "all tube" amp.

The AD120 and AD60 Valvetronix use a linear solid state power amp stage to boost the 1watt per channel 12AX7 stage to the final selected power setting. These models also incorporate a feedback circuit for the output stage back to the valves (when the model selected calls for it). I don't think the newer models AD15 through AD100 are quite the same. I understand a few of the flagship features were removed for cost reduction.

Is it an AC30? Nope. Is it a tube amp? By technical definition it is. Does it respond like an "all tube" amp? Nope. Can a non-musician tell it apart from a tube amp? Not that I have found yet (after 4 years).

I own several amps, all tube (2006 AC15CC, 2004 Gerd Weigel custom, 1965 Mustang), hybrid, solid state (Vox DA5 - stunning little beast) and Valvetronix (AD120VTH/AD212). The AD120 rig is my gig amp. Never a stitch of trouble (it goes out at least once per week and runs at least 2 hours per day), always great live tone and has unmatched flexibility. It is as integral to my sound as my Rics. The "all tube" AC15CC and Gerd Weigel are incredible sounding one trick ponies. But they cannot do what my V'x does.

...Dean

I'm going to be able to do a side-by-side comparison in the next week or so with an AC15 and a AD60VT, so I'll report out on the differences/similarities/quality. I'll probably be able to get some sound files loaded as well.

Thanks to everyone for the good input here and very interesting comments. Alisha - I appreciate you reporting your side-by-side test next week. I hope I did not stir up a controversy with the inquiry about what is meant by "true tube" amp.

What prompted my inquiry is in researching these amps, I read this unfavorable "review" about these Valvetronix Amps posted on the Music 123 website by a guy who had a couple of Rickenbacker guitars, and him claiming "it's not a Vox." So I wanted to get other insight from Forumites, who might have some opinions or differing views. This review is repeated here:
QUOTE
18 found helpful, 22 found unhelpful.
It's Not A True Vox
---------------------------
Customer Rating


by Robert Wilson 9/2/2005 6:06:19 PM
Musical Experience: 40 years
Style of music: Rock, Jazz, Blues
Hometown Florida
If you are looking for a very nice sweet soft or good sounding amp....this amp is not for you then. I have a Rickenbacker 360, Rickenbacker 620 and a 1954 re-issue Fender Strat and they all SOUND LIKE _ _ _ _ with this amp. The sound is not there it's gone. If you are just learning to play then yes get this amp but like me this amp is not good for garage playing. This amp cracks, hiss, hums, and when using the noise reduction to lower this hissing the sound drops off and the sound is flat. I called cause this is under warranty and I am sending this amp back and Vox needs to make this amp in England or America it's better to pay for what you get then pay for something that is not a Vox. UNQUOTE

It really sounds like he has never played one, or got one that had issues, or did not have the patience to find his own sound, relying on the factory presets. Admittedly, the factory presets on mine were less than inspiring. But after tweaking and experimenting from scratch, I have some great tones to work with (32 great tones at once).

I find it easier to play consistent false harmonics with the clean tones I use and the "Mesa Rectifier" simulation I have programmed than on the AC15CC, but about the same as my boutique amp.

This amp has no more hiss or noise than the amp/guitar combo you are emulating. In fact, my AC15CC generates more noise with single coils than the AC15 model on the V'x.

I have a Hallowe'en gig this evening in a warehouse. We do this party every year, and the AD120 rig shines. It is the one time I get to use the 120W setting and keep my hearing intact.

Maybe this year someone will get photos!

...Dean

Pics would be great, Dean!

I've got an AD60VT, and I really like it a lot.... I can get a lot of different sounds out of it, but prefer the AC15 and AC30 TB settings for my Rics, and there is a clean Boutique setting that I really like for my 12-string Rics.... I've tweaked three of the presets to sound perfect for the praise-and-worship and Melibee-style folksy-pop music that I mainly do, but once in a while I like to experiment with some of the crunchier options, too!

Pics to come soon Howard! Our other guitar player's wife is a photog and was there with her new Nikkon digital. She took a couple of hundred shots so there should be something interesting there!

The AD120 was stunning again. However, Frank was using his new "Little Lanilei" through a Peavey extension cab. There were many surprised faces there. A couple of Fender boys refused to believe this amazing tone was coming from the Lanilei.

Soon...

...Dean

Melissa, the Boutique Clean tone is based on a Dumble amp. It is one of the best clean amp tones I have ever heard. I use this model in a couple of different configurations as my main guitar sound. It is fabulous with the 12, or the 350, or the Les Paul, or any of the Godins I use.

IMO just this model is worth the price of the amp.

...Dean

Yes, Dean, I agree 100%!!!!

I just used that setting in church today with my 330/12, and it sang like an angel.... That setting in the preset 1.2 (I think they call it "Mr. Clean") is absolutely glorious with a Ric 12-string.

I've just been discovering the Boutique setting on my AD30 and it is a great sound. I also like the Black 2X12 with the mids cranked. I don't go past the AC30 emulation, to the right side where the AD amps have the "heavier" models but I concur with other opinions here - this amp is great and, for my purposes anyway, provides great flexibility and consistent, wonderful tone. It's light and moves well and I have been gigging regularly with it for almost half a year now-no issues. I line it out using the phones jack and go straight into a channel on my PA. I wasn't (and still am not) sure if this causes any problems but through the PA's 12 inch Yamaha speakers, my 360 sounds fantastic.

Pics of Halowe'en are in the (pics of you playin your Ric 2" thread.

...Dean

Hey everyone --- thanks for all of your valued input here. I am really pleased to see that several Forumites have such high opinions of these Vox Valvetronix amps and that the Modeling effects are so good. Sounds like this Boutique Clean sound is a must for those of us who love Ric twelve strings !! This exchange has been very educational and I have a lot more positive vibe now about considering a VT amp. Thanks to all who have shared. Regards
Rich F.