HW AC15 vs HW AC30: NAD

[Unicorn Warrior]

So, I'm going to start out and say that despite my initial reservations, I absolutely have fallen in love with vox tone over the last few months. I ended up grabbing the AC-15 HW a few months back and this amp is really great. The simplicity is beautiful and the build quality is really up there with a lot of the boutique amps I've owned or played. The cleans are good and definitely the flavor I want in terms of sound. My only complaint is that I feel I can't keep AC15 clean enough. I want a louder clean chime if you will. Seems as though the best option is to just upgrade for the 30. Only problem is that I've actually never played one and likely won't before trading in the ac15 for the 30 at my local shop.

Anyone with experience with both amps have any input before I take the plunge?

[eigentone]

The AC30 should have almost twice the clean headroom (+6 dB), plus some added dimension/swirl from having multiple speakers. Sadly, there is no extension cab for the combo in the current lineup. I agree getting the AC30 is a good solution. Fortunately for you, the resale on the HWs is strong. I have the AC30 combo; It's very loud -- and possibly my favorite amp in my collection. Sorry, I've not compared the AC15HW. Too bad you are not in New England

[Unicorn Warrior]

The AC30 should have almost twice the clean headroom (+6 dB), plus some added dimension/swirl from having multiple speakers.

The extra swirl is also very attractive. I prefer amps with two speakers. I do dread the extra weight a bit, as the ac15 is likely the heaviest 15 watt amp I've ever seen. But I'll break my back for tone! Lol

[apreswho]

There is an output jack for both external and extension speaker cabinet on the back of the 15, so you can indeed run another speaker with the internal one. I'd imagine you run your amp fairly loud as I play in a there guitar band and at LOUDEST I run it at 7.5 watts with the master off. However I do run it a little dirty, so if loud and clean are your goals, the 30 should be a no brainer, regardless of the number of speakers.

[Arthon]

I have a ac15c2 (two speakers setup). I really like the extra dimension that is added with the second speaker, but it's still a ac15 and it's not clean when I play in a band setting.

If you need more clean headroom and keep the Vox spirit/sound at the same time, the ac30 is a no brainer.

[Larsongs]

I use a Janglebox (Compressor) with my AC15CC1X & get a lot more volume, clean or dirty, more headroom, chime & jangle than just playing straight thru the Amp. It's a great addition.

Loud enough with Bands for most Gigs. Unless I'm playing something really big. Even then I don't like hauling my 90 lb Amps around. I'll Mic the AC15 thru the Board.

[Unicorn Warrior]

There is an output jack for both external and extension speaker cabinet on the back of the 15, so you can indeed run another speaker with the internal one. I'd imagine you run your amp fairly loud as I play in a there guitar band and at LOUDEST I run it at 7.5 watts with the master off. However I do run it a little dirty, so if loud and clean are your goals, the 30 should be a no brainer, regardless of the number of speakers.

Yes, I'm usually playing very loud. Many times I must use my amp volume for my monitor as our band has quite a few vocalists and musicians. Going up loud usually always give me a bit of break up. More than I want most of the time.

I'm also running a exotic compressor which helps, but I'm thinking my only permanent fix is the 30. I looked into getting a dr. Z, but they just don't sound "voxy" enough.

[apreswho]

I looked into getting a dr. Z, but they just don't sound "voxy" enough.

Funny, I landed on my AC15HW after deciding to sell my Dr Z. Granted it was a more fender flavored one, but the vox sound really is my home.

To echo what we've already said, if you need louder and cleaner, go with the 30.

[Unicorn Warrior]

Well, I'm going for it. I'll chime in later. Pun intended

[Unicorn Warrior]

NAD:
Ok, got the AC 30 hw with green backs today. It's basically the clean tone I've dreamed about. Think the dreamy atmospheres of "The Cranberries". I haven't gotten extensive use with it yet but so far I am extremely pleased. The AC15 came close but didn't quite get me there. The extra power and speaker really provide a much more open and focused sound for lack of a better term. Less compressed while still being articulate. The AC 30 HW is also much more sensitive on the EQ side of things than the AC 15 HW. The one thing i've noticed is that although the EQ knobs have a greater effect on the tone, the amp sounds better on more varying parameters than the 15. So far I haven't gotten to crank it really loud. Don't know if I want to. This sucker is louder than I'll ever need. I love it and honestly hope it's my last amp ever. Oh yeah, and it's a beast to carry. However the added handle makes it easy for 2 to carry it. If carrying that way, it's 50% easier to carry than the the AC 15. I find that attenuating this amp to the 15 watt setting still beats out the AC 15 in terms of tone. Probably due to the extra speaker. The AC15 attenuator becomes a bit too compressed at the 7 watt setting (although it still sounds really good).

I truely feel that this is one of the best values going right now. They're hand wired, made very well, simplistic and sound great. They are plug and play amps with no non-sense. Both amps are awesome if in you're looking for something in the vox camp. I could see why some would prefer the increased concentration of the 15. For me though, it's the atmosphere of the 30 watts and dual speakers that wins my heart.

[eigentone]

NAD:
Ok, got the AC 30 hw with green backs today. It's basically the clean tone I've dreamed about. Think the dreamy atmospheres of "The Cranberries". I haven't gotten extensive use with it yet but so far I am extremely pleased. The AC15 came close but didn't quite get me there. The extra power and speaker really provide a much more open and focused sound for lack of a better term. Less compressed while still being articulate. The AC 30 HW is also much more sensitive on the EQ side of things than the AC 15 HW. The one thing i've noticed is that although the EQ knobs have a greater effect on the tone, the amp sounds better on more varying parameters than the 15. So far I haven't gotten to crank it really loud. Don't know if I want to. This sucker is louder than I'll ever need. I love it and honestly hope it's my last amp ever. Oh yeah, and it's a beast to carry. However the added handle makes it easy for 2 to carry it. If carrying that way, it's 50% easier to carry than the the AC 15. I find that attenuating this amp to the 15 watt setting still beats out the AC 15 in terms of tone. Probably due to the extra speaker. The AC15 attenuator becomes a bit too compressed at the 7 watt setting (although it still sounds really good).

I truely feel that this is one of the best values going right now. They're hand wired, made very well, simplistic and sound great. They are plug and play amps with no non-sense. Both amps are awesome if in you're looking for something in the vox camp. I could see why some would prefer the increased concentration of the 15. For me though, it's the atmosphere of the 30 watts and dual speakers that wins my heart.

Welcome to the club :hug:

[Bothand Nether]

Well, I'm going for it. I'll chime in later. Pun intended

Perfect.

fwiw,If You want a little more juice, 7189 power tubes always do the trick for me

[Unicorn Warrior]

Well, I'm going for it. I'll chime in later. Pun intended

Perfect.

fwiw,If You want a little more juice, 7189 power tubes always do the trick for me

By juice, are you meaning over all more power or more break-up?

[thedude99]

A proper AC30 is a special, special thing. Congrats.

[Bothand Nether]

Well, I'm going for it. I'll chime in later. Pun intended

Perfect.

fwiw,If You want a little more juice, 7189 power tubes always do the trick for me

By juice, are you meaning over all more power or more break-up?

More power slightly, & a little more headroom with vintage 7189 tubes imo.
Also tends to be "Ruggedized" -whatever that means.

I like dancing right around the edge of breakup, so it suits my playing to use them.

I often push slightly less with an 12au7 or at7 or 5751 etc. & then use the 7189 or E84L . (not to be confused EL84/6BQ5 )
-& Military tubes for the win, in my experience.

I have no experience with the Russian Military 6n14n-EB, but it also the slightly higher plate voltage as well.
The 7189a is a different pin out, so avoid the ones with the "a".