Best Tubes For Vox AC15c1

The VOX AC15 is a premium custom tube amplifier that’s available with either a Celestian G12M Greenback Speaker or a Celestion Alnico Blue Speaker. The amp comes with a preset with three 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 power tubes. This powerful combo allows users to push the amp to its limits while maintaining an authentic British tone. Of course, you can always change out the stock tubes to generate even more customized coloration. Without further ado, here are five of the best tubes for the VOX AC15. There are many different vacuum tubes distributed by well-known music equipment manufacturers. With active operation, the average tubes of the power amplifier serve 1-2 years. Vox AC15c1 has 3x12AX7 preamp and 2xEL84 amp tubes.

Best Choice

Standard Tube Set for Vox AC15C1

standard set of tubes for the classic sound of the legendary Vox

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Best Tubes For Vox on the market

Does your Vox ac15c1 sound worse? we’ve covered different types of tubes to install in preamp and amp. You might want a heavier sound from your amp. in this case, use the non-standard Tubes for VOX ac15c1 and realize the full potential of your guitar playing.

1. Tube set for Vox Ac15c1 – Classic Sound

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This five-piece tube set includes everything you need to retube your VOX AC15. It contains one pair of JJ EL84s and three ECC835s (one of which is for the AC15 phase inverter that is in the V3 position).

Pros

• Comes with everything you need to retube your AC15
• Rugged enough to handle the AC15’s heavy vibrations
• Matched triods for balanced gain

Cons

• Reduces power output of amp by a decibel

2. JJ 12AX7 / ECC83 – Preamp Vacuum Tubes (Three Pack)

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This Preamp and power amp combo set comes with two JJ 12AX7 tubes and three ECC83 tubes. It adds warmth and dimension to the sound coming out of your AC15. On the downside, these set to putt out sooner than later.

Pros

• Well-defined mids and lows
• Suited for a wide range of playing styles
• Provides plenty of headroom

Cons

• Die quickly

3. Electro-Harmonix 12AX7 / ECC83 – Preamp Tubes (Three Pack)

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These Russian-made preamps are perfect replacements for the VOX’s stock 12AX7s. They offer high gains with ultra-noise background noise. In overdrive, you get lots of bright, fizzy distortion. They have uniquely spiralized filaments that help to reduce the amp hum. In our humble option, these tubes a stark improvement over the AC15’s stock offerings.

Pros

• High gain with ultra-low noise
• Spiralized filaments cut down on the hum associated with most AC-powered amps
• Affordable
• Bright, full-bodied harmonics
• Overdrive creates lots of fizzy distortion

Cons

4. JJ EL84 6BQ5 – Pair Tubes for Amp

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This expertly matched pair of JJ EL84 6BQ5 vacuum tubes will add much-needed power and tone to your VOX amp. There excellent replacements for the VOX’s stock EL8s. The sound is bright, warm, and balanced. They were built to handle the harsh vibrations of the VOX.

Pros

• Bright highs and rounding lows
• Can handle a great deal of heat and vibration
• Improves the VOX’s harmonic qualities

Cons

• Some reported inconsistencies between tubes

5. Pair of Sovtek EL84 – Power Vacuum Tube

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The Sovtek EL84 Power Vacuum Tubes are incredibly similar to the VOX’s stock Electro Harmonix EL84s. In fact, there are entire message boards dedicated to figuring out if they are, in fact, identical products. They create super smooth audio with warm, vintage-sounding distortion. This pair is tested using the digital Maxi-Matchers. As such, you can rest assured that they have the same plate currents, transconductances, and shorts. They offer plenty of headroom at high volumes. Plus, they’re incredibly affordable.

Pros

• Limited headroom for warm, vintage distortion
• Comparable to the VOX’s stock power amps

Cons

• Run hot

How to Choose the Best Tubes for the VOX AC15?

Here’s what you need to look for when shopping for VOX AC15 replacement tubes.

Preamp and Power Amp Tubes

The VOX AC15 all-tube setup includes three preamp tubes (including two Tung-Sol 12AX7s and one Chinese 12AX7) and two Electro Harmonix EL84 power tubes. The 12AX7s have a bluesy, classic rock quality. Meanwhile, the EL84s create well-rounded, low-power sound.

If you enjoyed the sound of the original setup, you can replicate it. Just install preamp and power amp tubes with the same qualities as the originals. You can also choose a power tube set based on its signature tone.

There is no doubt that tubes will enhance the harmonics, saturation, and compression of music. As a result, your audio sounds smoother, warmer, and cleaner.

Headroom

Headroom is the level to which you can push a tube before it becomes distorted. Of course, your desire for headroom is going to depend on the sound you are looking to generate. After all, there are plenty of types of music (blues, rock, and grunge included) where post-headroom distortion is highly desirable and incredibly defining.

Matched Power Tubes

Always look for power tubes that come as a matched set. These are tested after manufacturing. They’re guaranteed to have similar draws.

Sound Quality

Tubes add euphonic distortions to audio. The level of warm, fuzzy effects varies greatly between tube offerings. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine what type of sound signature is best. Carvin Audio does an excellent job of breaking down the audio signatures of various tubes.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you were able to help you narrow in on some excellent replacement tubes for your VOX AC15. If you’re looking for a comprehensive replacement set, the Standard Tube Retube Kit for Vox AC15 is an excellent pick. Of course, the JJ 12AX7 / ECC83 Preamp Vacuum Tubes will offer you a little more warmth and harmonics.