'ad' chrome series vs. '+' series (objective opinions)

[zzw]

Hi
I'm new here and considering one of these valvetronix amps based on the great reviews. however i am reading mixed reviews concerning quality both build and tonal which is making the choice harder. Could anyone give me strictly objective opinions on whether i should go for an ad30vt or a vt40+?
Volume is not an issue since i do not gig and probably will be using headphones most of the time. Effects aren't really an issue either because i will mostly use reverb and tremolo and clean tones.
I do like to experiment though.

So how is the tonal quality of the chrome series compared with the new series?
What about the build quality. Mainly the electronics.
Can I isolate the tremolo (play without reverb) on either models?
Does the reverb give me that wet slap back like a real spring reverb? (critical)

These are the main concerns, everything else would be left to discovery!

thanks for your input.

[Col Mustard]

Welcome to the Forum... I like my VT-30. Those are discontinued now, and I got mine for a very good price. You may be able to also. The AD series came before the VT series "chromies..." and I think they are discontinued also. You might find a used one, still good. The "Plus' series is current, but I know nothing about them.

All these amps have some quality issues based on the fact that they are made to be affordable. If you are willing to perform one of Retrobob's mods, that will solve this issue for you. There is a lot of thread on these boards on the subject. Much of it is understandable, even for technobabble... you can educate yourself before plunking down cash. Mine works fine and sounds great and I do gig with it. I have installed Retrobob's Loop Mod, and find it quite useful as well as a solution to the quality problems. Here's a link to a photobucket gallery of the VT-30 and mods and how I use it.
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/ae19 ... 20project/

We all have our favorite aspects of these modeling amps. Me, I prefer the cleaner sounds, I think my VT-30 does this very well. My experience is that the effects can be isolated by some of the knob settings, but I don't use Tremolo so I haven't tried to play it by itself. You can download the manual and read about how to do it and to save it once you have the sound the way you want it.
I believe it's easy enough.

On the VT-30, the Reverb has its own control, so you can turn it up or down or off in any of the other settings. You'll find that handy, if I read your question right. Someone else who is running the VT-40+ may tell you more about that amp. Good luck. I'm glad I bought mine.

[cosmicrepairdude]

Ditto, for the most part. If you can find a VT30, I think that's the way to go, all things considered.
The + models are more flexible, but the VT's have the best balance of qualities, IMO, especially if you already have some effects pedals. If you like combining effects and you have no pedals or intention of getting any, then the + series would be best.

[zzw]

thanks for the input guys. Will be checking the used market.

[Voxman]

I really liked the loan VT30 I had - hated the chrome grill but to my ears it had the edge over the VT+ both tonally & even in volume compared to the VT40+ - but the lack of pedal options limited its versatility. I really liked the pedal options in the VT40+ - way more versatile (plus it has 33 amp models v 22 in the VT) & I much prefer the cloth grill & white knobs.

Although I didn't experience it, some folk found a short volume jump when switching between certain amp models in the VT. The VT+ doesn't appear to suffer from this, but some have reported a 'snare-drum' sound for a split second in the VT+ on certain amp models when palm muting for example. Theere have been some reports of excessive noise in the VT+ too. I had the snare drum effect (very slight) but no noise - in fact my loan VT40+ was one of the quietest Valvetronix I've ever played.

So, as with most things in life, nothing's perfect & there's always pro's & cons - not to mention differences in user experience.

If I was buying one, I think I'd probably go VT+ on balance simply because of the extra pedals. But that's just based on my needs/preferences.

Rich

[Morty123]

Will a VT30 match a drum kit volume wise? I've been thinking about a VT80+ as I know that will be loud enough but the 30 would be much cheaper

[cosmicrepairdude]

Yes it will, depending on the size of the venue. I've used mine in a band with drums in small to medium sized clubs with no problem.
In a larger hall or club I use a 50 watt tube amp but that's a room size issue not a drum issue.

[zzw]

thanks for the input guys. Since I don't gig I went ahead and got a VT15. Very impressed so far!