Quote:
Originally Posted by bozz_2006
Would you say the AC4C1-BL, at the point where it's breathing, sounds preferable to the AC15C1 at the point where it's starting to think about breathing?
I mean, 15 watts for my purpose really is overkill. I know that. The question is, does the AC4 in its "target range" equal and/or surpass what the AC15 offers in less than it's target range?
If so, fantastic. I'll get one. And $400 for an AC15C1 isn't really prohibitive, so I can budget for that in the future. But this will be my only amp for a while; I want it to sound good. I know I really want the 15, but I want it with the tubes burnin', which I don't think I will achieve most of the time.
Perhaps an AC4 pushed to breaking actually fits me better for the time being. I played a Blues Jr for a long time today. And you're right about volume/tone. It did sound nice, but it had to be LOUD to sound very good. If I could get very good out of the AC4 at less than LOUD, it's probably the one for me right now. If not, then it's likely the 15.
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Unfortunately, your question can only be answered by you because they're your ears. To me, the AC4C1 sounds pretty darn good when it's pushed. Mine is 100% stock right now and I plan on upgrading tubes and either going with a 10" Greenback speaker or also getting the V112NT 12" cab as an extension to give me more flexibility in playing to a larger room. So there are options in sweetening up the tone even more than the stock configuration.
I would add that many of us buy tube amps that are too powerful on the first go-around. I know I did. I have a 40w Fender Hot Rod Deluxe that hasn't had the dust cover off it in months. I've never gotten the volume pot above 3 because it's just that loud. It was (and is)
waaaay too much amp for my purposes, but I didn't realize that 6 years ago. So maybe there's some merit to buying small and then upgrading later.
Personally, it sounds like the AC15 is what you
really want and I think you can make the AC15 work. But the AC4C1 is also a low-risk purchase. It's a very versatile little amp that would easy to sell if you got it and a year later decided on the AC15.
Which reminds me, you do know Guitar Center has a 30-day return policy, right? If they have both in stock, why not buy one and take 29 days to decide which you like?