Would I want a VOX AC100CPH?

[MadAsAHatter]

Came across a listing at a decent price for a a VOX AC100CPH; the ones produced for a few years around 2007, not a vintage Beetle's one. I've never owned a VOX amp and I'm always up for something out of the ordinary. Don't really know much about them and there's only basic info out there. The handful of reviews lean positive, but are mostly mixed. It also seems like it may be one of those amps that were misunderstood when it came out and didn't catch on. Makes me think it might be like Vox's version of a Marshall Vintage Modern in that aspect.

Expected uses would be light breakup to classic/heavy rock and possibly try running bass through it (with a bass cab) to see how that sounds. Anyone have first hand experience? Thoughts on how it sounds & feels? Is it worth something taking a shot on, or would it be a waste of money?

 

[rsm]

Other than the name, it's nothing like vintage Vox AC-100 or AC-50 amps. Channel 2 even does high-gain for the time period it was made.

If you want Vox classic sounds, I'd go with a modern (80s+) AC-30 or AC-15...or go vintage.

 

[VonBonfire]

Other than the name, it's nothing like vintage Vox AC-100 or AC-50 amps. Channel 2 even does high-gain for the time period it was made.

If you want Vox classic sounds, I'd go with a modern (80s+) AC-30 or AC-15...or go vintage.

Even the little AC10 is a decent sounding amp if you need something lightweight and low watt for small room gigs, rehearsals, or around the house. Obviously not much of a chugga chugga amp though, lol.

 

[rsm]

Even the little AC10 is a decent sounding amp if you need something lightweight and low watt for small room gigs, rehearsals, or around the house. Obviously not much of a chugga chugga amp though, lol.

I had a few Vox amps, had the Heritage AC-30 2x12 combo with blues, a Heritage AC15TV with a single blue, and an AC4TV with a 10" IITC. The Heritage had the EF86 channel and a Top Boost channel, and power switch to cut the output in half I still have my original, US made JangleBox compressor that gave my Rics even more jangle and chime.

yes, the SC4TV I had was a good Vox sounding amp at lower volumes.

 

[rsm]

uploaded 2 days ago....good timing

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Other than the name, it's nothing like vintage Vox AC-100 or AC-50 amps. Channel 2 even does high-gain for the time period it was made.

If you want Vox classic sounds, I'd go with a modern (80s+) AC-30 or AC-15...or go vintage.

I'm not necessarily "looking" for any specific sound. Came across the AC100CHP while window shopping and thought it seemed interesting. Description said Channel 1 was in the realm of an AC30 and Channel 2 hit hard rock territory. The one decent clip of it I found didn't really sound like an AC, but still had a bit of a VOX chime. Just seemed like it would be in that familiar but different area. I have a weird soft spot for things like that/ Sometimes it's a good thing and others it sound like ass. Wanting to get a couple opinions on which of those camps it sits in.

Even the little AC10 is a decent sounding amp if you need something lightweight and low watt for small room gigs, rehearsals, or around the house. Obviously not much of a chugga chugga amp though, lol.

Um... Do I look like I wear tan pants, frequent TGP, and want a light weight grab-n-go combo? 10 watts is more than enough for everything, amiright?

Seriously though, like I said I'm not looking for anything in particular. This one just seemed interesting in an oddball sort of way. Just trying to figure out if it's worth a few hundred bucks to take a chance or if it'll be a waste of money no matter which way it's sliced.

 

[VonBonfire]

Um... Do I look like I wear tan pants, frequent TGP, and want a light weight grab-n-go combo? 10 watts is more than enough for everything, amiright?

Full tan pants disclosure: if it makes you feel any better I used an AC4 for a radio show spot last year since it was a better alternative than playing an acoustic.

Hey at least I didn't use it at the half wattage and quarter watt settings....

No idea how that particular vox you are looking at stacks up. It's priced in a way that does not seem to imply much desirability but I can't imagine many metal guys saying "getchurself a good vox and go chugga chugga". Might be worth a gamble, might not. Having a good tech to give you an opinion on a particular model can be helpful.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Full tan pants disclosure: if it makes you feel any better I used an AC4 for a radio show spot last year since it was a better alternative than playing an acoustic.

Hey at least I didn't use it at the half wattage and quarter watt settings....

I don't mind low watt amps. They do have their place and uses. But the mindset they can cover anything you want and a 110 combo can keep up with a drummer is just asinine.

For anything low watt I personally like true Class A that uses a big boy tube (EL34, 6L6, KT66, etc.) The JTM inspired Class A I built gets to a respectable volume through a 412, but no way I'd bring it to a full band jam session. Well maybe I would if I were playing with an acoustic bassist and limp wristed drummer.

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Nevermind about the VOX amp. I impulse bought something more interesting; that gutted & rebuilt Jet City amp that's in the classifieds.

 

[DanTravis62]

Nevermind about the VOX amp. I impulse bought something more interesting; that gutted & rebuilt Jet City amp that's in the classifieds.

Dude you HAVE to record some clips of that thing, I'm really interested

 

[MadAsAHatter]

Dude you HAVE to record some clips of that thing, I'm really interested

Even if it's a quick cell phone recording I'll make a clip or two for you.
I cleaned up my gear area the other weekend where I can get to my stuff now. So I might actually be able to do some semi-proper clips with a mic.

 

[DanTravis62]

Even if it's a quick cell phone recording I'll make a clip or two for you.
I cleaned up my gear area the other weekend where I can get to my stuff now. So I might actually be able to do some semi-proper clips with a mic.

My main gigging amp for my punk thing is an engl artist, which is a pcb version of an aldrich mod (with some other stuff going on)

so that modded jet city head has a lot that i'm really into

 

[Rackman]

Other than the name, it's nothing like vintage Vox AC-100 or AC-50 amps. Channel 2 even does high-gain for the time period it was made.

If you want Vox classic sounds, I'd go with a modern (80s+) AC-30 or AC-15...or go vintage.

For the classic bigger Vox sound I'd do a Dr. Z Z-80.

 

[Devin]

I've honestly always been a bit curious to try that Vox head but I've never even seen one in person

They definitely were not popular lol