AC15HW1 1x12" 15-watt Handwired Tube Combo Amp Review

Superb Amp

After using our Church's backline Chinese made AC15 I moved onto a Fender 65 Super Reverb reissue (absolutely loved it, it's sound is second to nothing I've played but I sold due to size) and then to the AC15HW. The HW is head and shoulders better than the Chinese one in sound, versatility, etc. but where I think it really takes the cake and trumps the Chinese made one is the ability… read more to jumper the 2 channels together (normal and Top Boost). This really opens the amp up and makes it much more versatile. I run my guitar input into the Normal channel and then jump the high input of the TopBoost channel into the low input of the normal and dial in the volume at about 30% of what I set the Normal channel to. To me this really opens the amp up where others (except for the 6TB AC30s) just can't get. The top boost channel by itself sounds good but doesn't play well with pedals and the normal channel by itself is just a little sterile sounding. By jumping the TopBoost channel in and running the treble up just past 2 o'clock with volume on 30% of whatever I'm running the Normal at just opens and makes it so dynamic and 3D sounding. These are special amps and Vox has been needing this product very badly since they quite making the Korg era (made in England models).

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Definitely a step up from the C1 version

I have the AC15C1 and it's a surprisingly great amp all by itself. I'm kind of shocked how much of a step up from the C1 this is. The power options, hot mode on the top boost channel, and the high and low inputs give a variety of tonal options to get that edge of breakup sound at any volume. The master volume is also surprisingly good, but it's also good that it can be hard bypassed.… read more Clean headroom for days if you want it. Normal channel is great for single coils or bright guitars. Either channel takes overdrive and distortion pedals really well, so don't believe those who say an AC isn't a good pedal platform. I've been chasing this tone for Praise & Worship music for a long time, but it's got so much more than just that. For a real treat, running it in stereo with my C1 is just massive.

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Unbelievably Good!

I had my eye on these amps since they were released a few years back. I kept mulling over whether or not it was worth spending the money for the hand wired version of this amp or not. I tried the non hand wired AC amps at a local store, and still wasn't settled on buying a VOX. Finally pulled the trigger after trying the AC4 hand wired and falling in love. I feel like VOX really… read more hit it out of the park with this one. Very well built with quality workmanship you'd expect from a high end amp. I'm blown away with the tone, the versatility, and how absolutely great this thing takes my pedal boards. This thing can go from mellow to total chime goodness without being harsh. The 2 channels make this thing even more versatile, while the master volume and the half power switch make it possible to dial in the sweet spot at lower volumes. At about 50lbs, this thing is definitely more substantial than carrying my Princeton Reverb's to gigs....but The larger cabinet makes for great, big sound. super highly recommended. Thank you to my Sweetwater sales engineer Jason Koons for helping make my dream gear a reality!

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Great!

This amp has blown my mind away!!

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Absolutely Perfect.

I bought this amp a few weeks back. It's unreal. I've played my strat and tele thru it a ton and I'm in awe. I shouldn't even need to explain how amazing and iconic the sound is, as that should be obvious with a handwired Vox. The features you get at this price point are what did it for me. I can plug into the normal channel with the master volume bypassed and it's just flat-out… read more blissful simplicity. One knob. Boom. I can EASILY dial in bedroom-level top boost chime by switching it to 7.5 watt mode, plugging into the cool channel on the top boost section and dialing it in with the master volume. It's crazy versatile. And it's "the" sound that everyone else can only imitate. I haven't tried the other version with the alnico blue speakers, but at this point I'm not even remotely tempted to change a thing! Try it. Buy it. Ask for Ben Porter at Sweetwater. He's the best. Terrific. Yuuuuge. Believe me ;-)

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