AC15 to me was the best overall. AC10 was the most versatile and best price/performance ratio. MSB just looks cool which can be an important factor for those who want to have an amp in the living room. But I didn't like the distortion very well.
Got a Pathfinder 15 in 1998, when they were first introduced. They hadn't added reverb yet. They were then produced for the next 13 years during which I kept thinking, "I should pick another one up, but with reverb". Saw them going used for as low as $50. But being the "you snooze, you lose" type, I didn't. Now they're hard to find and cost 3 times more than they did when they were new.
I just got a brand new Pathfinder 10. Unbelievably great sounding with a semi decent guitar and for the price, it’s absolutely bonkers at €120. There’s a reason why they’re still producing them since the year 2000. It’s all analog, it’s mega ballsy, full of character, warmth, sounds just like a tube Vox & takes pedals beautifully. Why didn’t I buy one years ago? Answer, I thought it just looked like a very cheap toy in the shop before. This time, I took the attitude, try any amp or guitar once, even if you think it won’t be any good. Thanks for the great video!
@@simonbeckford I got the Pathfinder 15 in '98, first year of production. Got a Pathfinder 10 in 2000 for a great deal at $55. Check out the RUclips videos of the LED mod on the Pathfinder 10. I finally did it to my 10 a few years ago and it really changed it. Acts like a smaller wattage tube amp. Really increased the headroom on the boost channel.
Had planned on selling my Pathfinder 15R to put towards a Supro Delta King. Plugged into the Vox today for what I thought would be the last time and thought, why would I want to unload this sweet sounding amp. It’s crazy that Vox stopped making them.
The new/reissue supros are poorly built, if you want the genuine supro sound, look for one of the other brands valco built amps for, like gretsch or airline...in terms of electronics and build quality, they're just a rebranded supro but for less money because Jimmy Page didn't use them...but yea, a newer supro isn't worth getting rid of even a pathfinder for in my opinion
I have a Vox AC30cc2x, Vox Valvetronix AD60 and a Vox Mini Super Beetle. I love my AC30 and AD 60, but my most used amp in my home studio is the Super Beetle.
I have an AC15C1 and Superbeetle. I wanted a good stage mp but a good low volume practice amp. There was no hard decision for me between the AC15 and AC10. The solid state aspect and the tremolo got the Superbeetle got it over the line over the AC10. And I completely fell in love with it's looks. An AC4 is on my wishlist though (Purely for it's simplicity and tones). Like you, I just love the Vox amps. Great video comparison. Thanks for the share.
The ac15 and the pathfinder 15r are the ones worth buying, the others are a waste of time. Take my word for it, or don't. But I already spent the money so you won't have to.
Thanks for posting the mini super beetle. Did you change out the speaker to a four ohm 50 W? Any sound difference? I bought one to back up a solo singer for small gigs and I'm hoping it's gonna do the job without pedals, etc.. Thanks again for your answering in advance.
I think that you should not use a cabinet with the combos. Most people are not going to use a cabinet therefore they are going to want to hear what the combo sound like by itself. Unaffected by an external cabinet.
@@TheToneLounge I read that when you clipoff the two LEDs it corrects the compression of the sound overdriven... there's a bunch of videos about this on youtube but the sound of the videos sound terrible for me.
Ac15 forever! Classic Vox chime, two channels and much better build quality than AC10, MSB, AC4 and Pathfinder. I’ve had all but AC15 and Pathfinder is my keepers. Pathfinder 15R insanely good grab and go amp that sounds equally great at low home volume and at high volume with a drummer.
I use a TC Electronic Wiretap. This way, I can record the signal coming from the guitar directly, and then rerecord with each amps individually, using the Wiretap. In editing, I take care of making sure each re-recording is lined up and matching.
I am confused, everyone talks about how bright the AC15 is, but it has a treble knob and a tone cut. You can’t dial a combination of those two controls to get a good tone?
The Pathfinder came with an 8" speaker, unless you got yourself a custom model. 😎 edit (after hearing the shootout:) Mister, you are the voxxyest voxxer who ever did Vox!
The AC15 was, is and will be a very respectable amp with tons of history, great reliability and even greater versatility. So i think comparison is a little unfair. The only thing that troubles me a little is that there is no gain knob so you either need a pedal which takes very good or an attenuator. To my ears is a clear winner, even if high end sometimes might not be what you sought for. Secondly i must say that i consider the pathfinder 15 one of the best small solid state amps out there. As it is. Not with another cabin. It would be interesting to see the tonal differences with the AC15. But it's never too late, is it?
I still have the Pathfinder so I can do more content with it. The issue with any comparison is that people will remark on what made the comparison unfair, or invalid. My approach is by no means perfect or scientific. I do it for fun and also to give people an idea of the differences/similarities between 2 different pieces of gear. Using a similar cab/speaker reduces all the variables like cab size and speaker type. Comparing them stock would get people to point out how unfair of a comparison it is. I hope that you got something out of the video. Cheers ☺
@@TheToneLounge Right!!! So let's establish a topic what the staple of vox amps is (for me probably the AC30) and then let's see what comes close or diverges from that sound. Just an idea... Thanks again
@@TheToneLounge I was wondering if there was any redeeming feature. To this day I always wonder if a mic stuck right up to the grille cloth really captures the essence of an amplifier correctly?
@voxpathfinder15r the mic can only put out what you put in. In this scenario, I wanted to love that Origin 5, but it's a bad amp. At least to me it is.
@@TheToneLounge I have looked at schematics of the origin 20 & 50. And they don’t resemble anything Marshall that I can tell. Be it fewer gain stages, and tube stages delegated to the effects loop - or plate driven tonestack. None of it has Marshall dna to it. The tube 15 other than that dual gang pot adjusting the gain on two consecutive gain stages simultaneously, is an actual Marshall jcm800 preamp.
I remember you telling me that a while back. So, the circuit is just a shrunken down JCM 800. That's cool. I just don't get why the amp is so dark sounding.
That's unfortunate. What pedals are you using with it? I remember liking the sound of the MSB on it's own, but found that pedals were not that great. As for monitoring issues, you would need some kind of way to plug the MSB through to another device with speaker emulation. Something like a Two Notes Captor X, or Mesa CabClone.
⚡ 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼𝘀:
🔴 VFP series: ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1kfdYcyp8bvHttqkPinQ2Wt
🔴 AC15 series: ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT
AC15 to me was the best overall. AC10 was the most versatile and best price/performance ratio. MSB just looks cool which can be an important factor for those who want to have an amp in the living room. But I didn't like the distortion very well.
Got a Pathfinder 15 in 1998, when they were first introduced. They hadn't added reverb yet. They were then produced for the next 13 years during which I kept thinking, "I should pick another one up, but with reverb". Saw them going used for as low as $50. But being the "you snooze, you lose" type, I didn't. Now they're hard to find and cost 3 times more than they did when they were new.
It took me years to find my Pathfinder 15. I bought it for 20 euros last year. It's a phenomenal little amp.
Just picked up a Pathfinder 15R locally for $150! Been looking for a while. Patience, keep looking.
I just got a brand new Pathfinder 10. Unbelievably great sounding with a semi decent guitar and for the price, it’s absolutely bonkers at €120. There’s a reason why they’re still producing them since the year 2000. It’s all analog, it’s mega ballsy, full of character, warmth, sounds just like a tube Vox & takes pedals beautifully. Why didn’t I buy one years ago? Answer, I thought it just looked like a very cheap toy in the shop before. This time, I took the attitude, try any amp or guitar once, even if you think it won’t be any good. Thanks for the great video!
@@simonbeckford I got the Pathfinder 15 in '98, first year of production. Got a Pathfinder 10 in 2000 for a great deal at $55. Check out the RUclips videos of the LED mod on the Pathfinder 10. I finally did it to my 10 a few years ago and it really changed it. Acts like a smaller wattage tube amp. Really increased the headroom on the boost channel.
Had planned on selling my Pathfinder 15R to put towards a Supro Delta King. Plugged into the Vox today for what I thought would be the last time and thought, why would I want to unload this sweet sounding amp. It’s crazy that Vox stopped making them.
Keep that amp! You'll regret selling it. :)
The new/reissue supros are poorly built, if you want the genuine supro sound, look for one of the other brands valco built amps for, like gretsch or airline...in terms of electronics and build quality, they're just a rebranded supro but for less money because Jimmy Page didn't use them...but yea, a newer supro isn't worth getting rid of even a pathfinder for in my opinion
You showed me how to love my AC15C2 now.Very grateful.😊
I'm very happy to hear that. It's a very misunderstood amp.
I have a Vox AC30cc2x, Vox Valvetronix AD60 and a Vox Mini Super Beetle. I love my AC30 and AD 60, but my most used amp in my home studio is the Super Beetle.
The MSB is a great little amp.
I have an AC15C1 and Superbeetle. I wanted a good stage mp but a good low volume practice amp. There was no hard decision for me between the AC15 and AC10. The solid state aspect and the tremolo got the Superbeetle got it over the line over the AC10. And I completely fell in love with it's looks. An AC4 is on my wishlist though (Purely for it's simplicity and tones). Like you, I just love the Vox amps. Great video comparison. Thanks for the share.
Thanks Travor. I've owned a few Vox amps, and they all do what you expect from a Vox. Some do it better. Those MSB are fun amps for sure.
The ac15 and the pathfinder 15r are the ones worth buying, the others are a waste of time. Take my word for it, or don't. But I already spent the money so you won't have to.
It's all relative. Some people much prefer other amps, like the AC4 or AC10. It's all a matter of what sounds good to you as a player.
Thanks for posting the mini super beetle. Did you change out the speaker to a four ohm 50 W? Any sound difference? I bought one to back up a solo singer for small gigs and I'm hoping it's gonna do the job without pedals, etc.. Thanks again for your answering in advance.
I think that you should not use a cabinet with the combos. Most people are not going to use a cabinet therefore they are going to want to hear what the combo sound like by itself. Unaffected by an external cabinet.
I love my Pathfinder 15R. What do you think about the LED mod? Did you clip off the LEDs on yours?
I wasn't aware of that mod. What is it suppose to do?
@@TheToneLounge I read that when you clipoff the two LEDs it corrects the compression of the sound overdriven... there's a bunch of videos about this on youtube but the sound of the videos sound terrible for me.
Ac15 forever! Classic Vox chime, two channels and much better build quality than AC10, MSB, AC4 and Pathfinder. I’ve had all but AC15 and Pathfinder is my keepers. Pathfinder 15R insanely good grab and go amp that sounds equally great at low home volume and at high volume with a drummer.
The Pathfinder is a surprisingly good amp. I wonder why Vox stopped making them.
@@TheToneLoungeStrange. Maybe it cannibalised the more expensive models. The worlds best small amp 🤗
Not sure you can call it a "slight" obsession. No worries though, we're here cause we're similarly obsessed.
Awesome! I'm not the only one. :)
Have you got any vids or tips for getting the best out of the PF15? Sounds great in your vids but I can't get mine to sound as good..
Right here:
ruclips.net/p/PLeAo3au6SN1mEE4I1YYC2GtP7Y9sZ4VKT&si=pbvhkYUxtYlXC5n6
I have other tube amps, so I guess I’m not lacking there but I own a MSB and it’s my most played amp
That MSB is a fun amp. Plus, it's pretty flexible with cab choices.
How do you compare amps when the song changes between amps?
I use a TC Electronic Wiretap. This way, I can record the signal coming from the guitar directly, and then rerecord with each amps individually, using the Wiretap. In editing, I take care of making sure each re-recording is lined up and matching.
Almost sold my ac15. So bright with my US Strat.
Only play it through the normal channel right now.
I am confused, everyone talks about how bright the AC15 is, but it has a treble knob and a tone cut. You can’t dial a combination of those two controls to get a good tone?
Have you seen my Tone Hacks videos? If not, I highly recommend that you do. I share a lot of tips on how to get the best from your amp. Cheers
If you are playing at volume..it shouldn’t sound bright. If bedroom levels..chop the bright cap out. Thank me later.
I wish they would make a 10HW
I wonder why they never did that.
The Pathfinder came with an 8" speaker, unless you got yourself a custom model. 😎
edit (after hearing the shootout:) Mister, you are the voxxyest voxxer who ever did Vox!
You are correct, thank for the clarification! I'm just a Vox nerd, like the rest of you ;)
The AC15 was, is and will be a very respectable amp with tons of history, great reliability and even greater versatility. So i think comparison is a little unfair. The only thing that troubles me a little is that there is no gain knob so you either need a pedal which takes very good or an attenuator. To my ears is a clear winner, even if high end sometimes might not be what you sought for. Secondly i must say that i consider the pathfinder 15 one of the best small solid state amps out there. As it is. Not with another cabin. It would be interesting to see the tonal differences with the AC15. But it's never too late, is it?
I still have the Pathfinder so I can do more content with it. The issue with any comparison is that people will remark on what made the comparison unfair, or invalid. My approach is by no means perfect or scientific. I do it for fun and also to give people an idea of the differences/similarities between 2 different pieces of gear. Using a similar cab/speaker reduces all the variables like cab size and speaker type. Comparing them stock would get people to point out how unfair of a comparison it is. I hope that you got something out of the video. Cheers ☺
@@TheToneLounge Right!!! So let's establish a topic what the staple of vox amps is (for me probably the AC30) and then let's see what comes close or diverges from that sound. Just an idea... Thanks again
@@nikman5300If you use an ac30 for comparison, the gear snobs will chime in that nothing comes close
@@jasondorsey7110 the coveted ac30 ... by the way does it work well with attenuator? never tried one
@@nikman5300 I've never used an attenuator...I've taken tubes out of amps to lower their power, but those sort of amps tend to be loud anyway
AC10c1
It's a great amp.
How did the origin 5 come across in the room compared to the AC4?
As bad as it did in the videos. 😕
@@TheToneLounge I was wondering if there was any redeeming feature. To this day I always wonder if a mic stuck right up to the grille cloth really captures the essence of an amplifier correctly?
@voxpathfinder15r the mic can only put out what you put in. In this scenario, I wanted to love that Origin 5, but it's a bad amp. At least to me it is.
@@TheToneLounge I have looked at schematics of the origin 20 & 50. And they don’t resemble anything Marshall that I can tell. Be it fewer gain stages, and tube stages delegated to the effects loop - or plate driven tonestack. None of it has Marshall dna to it. The tube 15 other than that dual gang pot adjusting the gain on two consecutive gain stages simultaneously, is an actual Marshall jcm800 preamp.
I remember you telling me that a while back. So, the circuit is just a shrunken down JCM 800. That's cool. I just don't get why the amp is so dark sounding.
I have to practice through headphones of my super beetle. Sounds horrible horrible hissy sound pedals don’t work worth a damn on it.
That's unfortunate. What pedals are you using with it? I remember liking the sound of the MSB on it's own, but found that pedals were not that great. As for monitoring issues, you would need some kind of way to plug the MSB through to another device with speaker emulation. Something like a Two Notes Captor X, or Mesa CabClone.