Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Vox guitar amps, this hand-wired amplifier boasts a magical combination of vintage looks and tone.

Make no mistake, the AC15HTVH is no dizzy blonde. Inside that pretty head is a hand-wired masterpiece of tone that can transport you through the golden age of Vox tone. It combines the prized EF86 preamp channel of 1958 with the legendary 1963 Top Boost channel in one masterfully designed amplifier. With its modern tone-shaping control enhancements, you've got one of the finest Vox amplifiers in the company's 50-year history.

The EF86
The magical Vox tone. But what is it that makes EF86 based Vox amplifiers some of the most collectible in the world? Maybe it's the way the amp naturally overdrives, almost breathing with a life of its own. Perhaps it's the transparency of tone that flatters a premium quality guitar, or the way it dynamically responds to the subtlety of your picking. Or maybe it's the raw power of the creamy distortion as you crank the amp all the way up. Whatever it is, there is an undeniable magic about this period of Vox amplification-an age when the most simple of circuits produced some of the most complex and musical of tones. Now in short supply, the EF86 Pentode tube is at the heart of this elusive tone. Fifty years later, the magic returns.

The AC15H Head A detailed look. The 15-watt AC15 hand-wired head features two channels of unmistakable Vox tone. The valve complement is made up of 1 x EF86, 3 x ECC83/12AX7, 2 x EL84, and 1 x EZ81 (rectifier).

Channel 1 is the EF86 Preamp channel, and features two inputs wired in the traditional way providing a 6dB gain difference between them. A two-position Bass Shift switch is included, with position 1 voiced to the original vintage-correct bass response and position 2 voiced to tighten the bass response and reduce any muddiness during high volume use. The three-position Brilliance Switch provides flat response when in the off position. Position 1 is a new position voiced like the early AC30 "Treble" amps, while position 2 is the original brilliance circuit, which acts as a dramatic bass cut. The EF86 Mode switch re-configures the EF86 valve from Pentode mode to Triode mode. Triode mode will give a lower gain tone with higher headroom. Pentode mode is the famed original mode and has a very sweet high gain tone with less headroom.

Channel 2 is the Top Boost Preamp channel. Like Channel 1, this channel includes two inputs wired with a 6dB gain difference between them. The Treble and Bass controls are from the 1963 Top Boost circuit and are extremely interactive. Very minor adjustments of these controls can yield dramatic changes in tone color. And true to Vox form is the Top Cut control, which cuts high from either channel end as it's turned up.

Flexible power
The O/P Switch adds even more flexibility to the AC15. This switch changes the power output valves from Pentode Mode, which is the normal operating mode of the power amplifier, to Triode Mode that halves the power output to 7.5 watts and at the same time offering smoother tonal characteristics.

The finishing touches Great care and research went into the cosmetics for this special amplifier that perfectly blends authentic vintage styling with contemporary attributes. These touches include vintage "TV Front" cabinetry, pre-1960 logo placement, and vintage-inspired cream vinyl covering.

Vox Heritage Collection AC15HTVH 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head Features:

• 15W hand-wired head
• 2 channels: 1958 EF86 channel and 1963 Top Boost channel
• 1 EF86 preamp tube (EF86 channel)
• 3 ECC83/12AX7 preamp tubes (Top Boost channel)
• 2 EL84 power tubes
• 1 EZ81 tube rectifier
• Historic EQ controls with modern enhancements
• 2-position bass shift switch
• 3-position brilliance
• switch
• Switchable power output (pentode/triode)

If you're a Vox player or collector, this amp belongs in your arsenal. Put it in the cart.

Vox Heritage Collection AC15HTVH 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head Specifications:

• Dimensions:
• Height: 22.5cm
• Width: 53 cm
• Depth: 26.5 cm
  
  Weight: 31.52 lbs. (14.3 kg)

Vox Heritage Collection AC15HTVH 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head

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Average of 6 User Ratings

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Best amp for the money!

Posted by The Norm from Detroit-ish on Jan 6, 2010

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Somewhat active

Reviewer's Play Style: I play music

I was able to play this next to some very overpriced supposed "Boutique" amps. This one for my personal taste, just sounded better. I run the head through a cab loaded with two blues, and it sounds great. The best ever for me. I have ran the heck out of this thing for almost a year and it sounds even better. Never had one problem. Bought a NOS ef-86 tube. Everything else is perfect. I Run this thing hard. I have gigged with it. It always performed perfectly.

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Yeah right

Posted by M.J. Yearight from Funky town on Jan 2, 2010

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: etc.,

Reviewer's Play Style: industrial- country western and Alt - folk

I have found this amp to be, probably the best value in the "vintage" category of currently available tube amps. It has the best features of two early AC15 models ,it is point to point wired and it looks gorgeous (unless you only do black). Quality control at VOX in my experience, is tight. I find the electronic products made in Vietnam to be higher quality than those made in China generally, and VOX amps DEFINATELY. If your VOX amps are breaking down (especially the expensive, handwired, flagship models) one after the other, i would say you need to find a new music store.

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One of a kind amp

Posted by devan7815 from GA on Aug 18, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Alternative, Contemporary Christian

This amp is truly one of a kind in terms of what's available today. I can't overstate how much I enjoy all the options on the EF86 channel. I wasn't sure how practicle some of the voicing options were on the EF86 channel but they all have thier place depending on the sound and pickup configuration you're looking for. Either channel takes my Fulltone OCD very well (much to my surprise). A very good amp and pedal combo. The more familiar Top Boost channel offers the very interactive bass and treble tone controls that's unique to this circuit. And remember that you can blend the channels with a jumper or use an AB/Y switch like I do. If something happened to this amp I would have to replace it quickly!

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Back to Basics 101

Posted by TommyRebel from Austin, TX on Aug 6, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Recording Artist

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

I have an expensive hand made amp. The Vox is 1/3 the cost, and has a lot of personality. It has a really fat sound. I would suggest to any one that loves a good & solid rock sound to purchase one of these. This amp allows your guitar to reveal itself in all its glory. It is hard to find a pristine clean sound, but that is OK with me.

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School of Hard Vox

Posted by BackToMyMarshall from Austin, Texas on Jun 12, 2008

Experience w/product: I have used it

Reviewer's Background: Semi-Pro

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock and Pop

I was so excited about this amp, simplicity with features at its best, and I was not disappointed. It sounded fantastic - that beautiful mid-rangy jangly Vox sound. Sounded great with my pedals. However, there was some kind of short regardless of which of the four inputs I used. So I sent it back and got another. The second offering would power-up, tubes glowing, but no sound at all. At least all this happened at home and not at a gig.

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Vox Heritage Collection AC15HTVH 15W Tube Guitar Amp Head

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