AD100VT vs. VT20+

[signal]

I currently own a VT20+, I am a guitar newb, and got this amp on Craiglist for $115.00 and it works perfect. I also just saw where I can get a AD100VT used, but very clean for 199.00. It even comes with the footswitch. Assuming it checks out ok ( I have yet to listen to it ),do you all think I should buy it and then just sell my VT20+ for $100 or so? Or do you think its a step down?

It seems like some of the presets are updated on the VT20+, but the AD100VT is 100W, and so that's a lot more power, and just curious on what you all thought of this? I just thought this might be a good deal and I should jump on it, but if that's really not that great of price or difference in amp then I may just pass.

Brian

[Voxman]

The AD100VT is a good amp, loud, good tone, & with FX loop and extn cab out (albeit this cuts out the internal speaker) and it's a 2x12" combo so it has a big sound that will make the VT20+ with it's little 8" speaker, pale by comparison. More than just volume, it's the clarity, punch, and 'big' sound (even at similar volume levels) that you get from a 2x12 speakers in a bigger cab. In fact, there are those that still prefer the tones from the ADxxVT series, but as always this is all down to personal taste. It's worth being aware that for some folk, an upgraded amp is not necessarily a better amp - and the VT+ range have had a lot of reports relating to noise and fizzy sounds (see the official vox discussion forum on the Vox website).

Adding an EQ and or BBE Sonic Stomp in the FX loop of an AD100VT really raises the tonal quality up a step too (I have both in the loop of my AD120VTX)- something you can't do with any of the VT+ series as none of these have FX loops (or extn speaker outs) - so definitely worth doing this if you get the amp. Headphone volume is louder than the VT+ series too. The power attenuator is at the rear of the amp, not on top as per the VT+ - no real biggie although on top is perhaps easier to get to. Mine's at the rear and it's fine.

Downsides are that the effects don't include a global reverb (as in the later vT & VT+), and FX options are more limited - plus you don't get the new 'pedal' section of the VT+ series. There are only 11 amp models as opposed to 33 in the VT+, but as some of the models are not available in the VT+ (eg there's a nice Plexi model not available in the VT+), again this comes down to how many amp models you really need, & the models you like. In some ways 'less is more' in that sometimes too much choice can be distracting and you could argue that really knowing your way around 11 models might actually reap better benefits tonally than muddling your way through 33 amp models. It's all a case of perspective & experience. I have 16 amp models in my AD120VTX which is all I need, but it does have a pedal section too which for me is invaluable.

One big disadvantage, particularly if you gig (& thus making it more akin to a 'regular 2-channel amp) , is that you can only save 2 patches (sort of '3', if you count manual mode ie set it and leave it - many folk use this series of amp just like that) in the AD100VT as opposed to 8 in the later VT and VT+ models. Although you can change between these with the footswitch, you don't get as much floor control as you can with the VFS5 (which is not compatible with the AD100VT). You should also consider the AD100VT's weight & size as compared to the VT20+ - it's a lot bigger & heavier (see the spec in the product manual for details).

One thing I'm puzzled by is your reference to 'new' because this is an old series Valvetronix that was discontinued many years ago. I was aware that there are still 'new old stock' of the VT100 (the series just before the VT+ range - global reverb, 22 amp models, no pedal section, FX loop & extn cab out in 2x12" 100w version) but I'm surprised to hear of 'new old stock' AD100VT's still being around. So, you might just want to double check if you've got the right amp model designation (they can be a bit confusing) or if it really is 'bona-fide' new and comes with a 12 month Vox warranty.

Rich

[signal]

Rich,

Thanks for all the info! I didn't mention "new" in my post, I just re-read it, both amps were used.

I can get the AD100VT "used" but in great shape, with foot switch, for like $199, didn't know if that was an "ok" deal or a "damn buy this now!" type deal, lol

Brian

[cosmicrepairdude]

Aside from the differences in features, I think the main consideration is, what do you plan to use it for?
You say you're a "newb" so I assume you're not playing any big gigs any time soon.
I've gigged with a VT20+ in a small club with a folky band and in a fairly big dining hall with a klezmer orchestra and was heard easily and it sounded great. I've played with a VT30 in a small club with a loud blues band and that was loud enough and it sounded great. I have a 50 watt Peavey Valveking that is loud enough for playing with a rock band in a larger space (restaurant, barn, etc,) and sounds fabulous on the clean channel.
The Peavey is the first of my current amps that I bought, and great as it sounds, I quickly realized I did not want to be dragging it around to friends' houses to jam. So now I only take whatever size amp will do the job both to save space and my back.

If your VT20+ works perfectly, then you needn't worry about noise issues. If they crop up at some point, they are almost always user fixable.
The effects on the VT+ series are much better sounding and more useful than those on the AD series. The 33 amp models are overkill but really you'll probably just find a few that you like the sound of and want to come back to, so the number is irrelevant.
I can't imagine why you would need to deal with an amp as large, heavy and powerful as the AD100VT. In order to play at bedroom level, you'll have to turn the power level down quite a bit which will ruin the tone. These amps sound much better when the PL and Master Volume are turned up pretty high and the volume control often doesn't work so well in the first quarter turn. IMHO, this is a serious gigging amp, not a house amp or a learning to play amp. If you can't resist the deal and want to save it for when you'll really need it, then buy it. But don't get rid of the VT20+.

[signal]

Thanks for all the great information, much appreciated.

[Voxman]

Rich,

Thanks for all the info! I didn't mention "new" in my post, I just re-read it, both amps were used.

Brian

My bad Brian, I tricked myself into reading something that wasn't there!

CRD makes some very good points. I completely agree that the AD100VT is a gigging amp & is overkill for bedroom use. However, I partly disagree re. the attenuator. At VERY low volumes, the power attenuator does 'suck' tone and the amp is best when 'opened up'. However, I use my AD120VTX at 2x15w setting at home & it still sounds great, so provided you have the AD100VT opened up a bit, say 1/4 power, you'll get great tone at home.

The VT20+ is a smashing little amp - perfect for home & small club use. But I personally find the 8" speaker too limiting. I much preferred the 10" speaker in the VT40+ and VT30 that I had on loan, because they gave a fuller tone that had a nice 'vintagy' feel. In fact, my all-valve 'Class A' Laney VC30-210 has 2x10" Jensen C10Q16 speakers that sound great and deliver a wonderful more toppy 'vintage' vibe that you can't get from 12" speakers. But at the end of the day this is all down to personal taste and, exactly as CRD rightly says, what you want to use the amp for.

I already commented on the weight & size of the AD100VT, which is actually heavier by about 5lbs than my AD120VTX. And whilst my VC30-210 weighs in at 13lbs less, it's still not exactly light. Which is why I recently bought myself an all-valve Class A/B Laney Cub 1x12" combo which is a delightful, compact and (relatively) light all-valve combo (although it's heavier now that I've upgraded the stock Celestion Rocket 50 speaker with a Celestion Vintage 30 that really makes this little amp 'rock' with even better tone ... and it significantly boosts the volume levels too.

So, similar to CRD, I have different amps for different things - including a little Vox Mini 3 that sounds surprisingly good (& quite loud too) for a very small 3w amp with a 5" speaker. I also have a Marshall Mk 1 8080 1x12" combo which IMHO is the best sounding 'Valvestate' Marshall ever made & was its No.1 best seller in its day. Still going strong after all these years, & a stalwart reliable back-up amp!

[Duffy]

As far as the price being great on the AD100vt I don't know. It sounds like a decent deal but I would contact him and offer him cash, immediately, in the amount of 150, and see if he accepts it.

This seems like a foregone recommendation though, since you originally posted the thread last September.

I guess the obvious question is: What did you decide to do? Did you get the AD100vt?

I think it would have been a great addition to your rig.