1960's AC30 -- 2010 Vox AC30HW2X

Original 1960's AC30 on the left, 2010 AC30 on the right.
Both amps in Top-Boost channel.
Unfortunately, I left the 2010 AC30 on half-power (15 watts) during the test.
It would sound even beefier if I had it on 30W.
Also, camera is off-axis to the 1960's AC30, which means the 2010 AC30 is perceived as being brighter. Though the 2010 was a little clearer sounding in the room, the two sounded remarkably close in person... all of which doesn't transcend the video. Nonetheless, the tone rings thru no matter what, even in this video which was originally done so I could go home and have a listen for MYSELF only!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• AC30
• handwired
• Top-Boost

[jcshirke]

And the '60s chassis is in a replica cab? NCM perhaps? Original speakers, presumably?

[cubba65]

@jcshirke I believe the amp was in it's original cab, with original Blues in it. I also believe the cab was recovered (obviously this wasn't my amp, but I'm friends with the guy who owned it).

[olalator]

which is better on YOUR opinion?

[cubba65]

@olalator Gigging regularly or out on tour? The 2010. Collecting or studio? The 1960's. Tonally, they both give up the goods and as such, would equally serve live and studio applications. I just don't know if I would want to tour with a vintage amp that's worth a bundle.

[philotze]

Are they on low volume? Turn the volume up louder!

[cubba65]

@philotze They were making a good amt. of volume in the room. If either amp gets turned up, they will overdrive more. The intent was to hear them as I would use them at a gig, pedals and all.

[clayphish]

This is kind of a hilarious comparison. I honestly don't know how anyone can tell what is better since the camera (microphone) is in a totally different position when going between A/B. The only way anyone would be able to tell which one was better is if there were 2 mics set up in identical positions in front of the amps when you switched between them.

[trevinor3]

1960 amp sounds badass, 2010 not bad but close!

[TinManSixtySix]

Two amazing amps, a cool pedalboard, nice playing... but -- you said it yourself -- the camcorder's mic is off axis to the amps, so I don't think anybody around here is able to fully appreciate any of those babes' sonic properties. I'm sorry for all these guys saying one's better than the other and this and that. I'd really like to listen to those two amps mic'd decently though!

[Putaspellonyou]

position of the camera and its mic greatly changes the sound here...just thought i'd mention it.

[cubba65]

@samjad1 It was right out of the box. Once the Blues break in and the components get juice running through them for a while, the amp will get warmer and punchier.

[cubba65]

@jcshirke Both amps were set where I'd normally and practically set them for my own live sounds: a bit of break-up, but with room to further over-driven by pedals. If I want glassy clean, a turn of the volume knob will achieve that. TBIAC pedal was off until the time you see me turn it on. Thanks.

[jcshirke]

Do you recall where you had the volume set for the '60s amp? It's breaking up quite a bit, so it had to be pretty loud. Did you have the TBIAC pedal off when the video started? Both amps sound great--a little different, of course, but great in their own way. Thanks.

[arva300178]

The 1960 sounds fantastic, I have to say (being a vintage fanatic and such)

BUT let's not forget the newer one isn't broken in yet and I'm sure the handwired (2010) will give you a run for your money once enough soul and passion is put in it :)