AD120VT Review

The AD120VT 120watt stereo combo brings together classic VOX tone with the versatility of a preamp section utilizing Korg's REMS (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System). It offers all of the amazing sounds and features for which Valvetronix has been critically acclaimed, and includes the Valve Reactor power amp section that recreates classic tube power amp response.

Features:	10
Sound:	10
Reliability:	8.5
Impression:	10
Overall rating:	9.6
Users rating:	8.7
Comments:	25

Featured review by: unregistered, on december 28, 2005

Price paid: $ 488

Purchased from: Guitar Center

Features: This has got to be the most versatile amp I've ever seen. There are so many different effects. It offers you 16 different amp types, 5 different must-have modulation effects, 3 different types of delay with tap setting, 3 different types of echo, and 10 different "drives." If you do that math, thats like 7200 different possible effects! It can store up to 32 different settings in the easy-to-use banks. Each of these banks is preset with many artist influenced settings and others as well. I have an ESP F-250 guitar that I run through this and I can get just about any sound I want out of it. I'll even run my acoustic through it with my Dean Markley pickup. I can play Master of Puppets on it and sound just like the recording. This amp is also built to fit other needs. On the back there is an output jack and also a knob that allows you to change how much output power you want from the amp alone, so you don't always have to use both speakers and all 120 watts. It has a high and a low input (I'm guessing the same as active/passive inputs). I dont really have a need for these, except for when my friends come over with their guitars and wanna play on it, too. It handles two guitars just fine. One of the most useful things on this amp is the built in tuner. I am utterly enthralled with the features of this amp. It should be ranked higher than 10. // 10

Sound: My guitar has two EMG humbuckers on it but I don't think they make much of a difference. The amp can adapt to what I want. I play a little bit of everything (except country) and this amp will give me the sounds I want and more! You can get very clean sounds (they get a little distorted at really high volumes though, but that might be my guitar) and then instantly switch to massive distortion. The best thing about it is how you can get tones out of it that sound just like famous artists. I do renditions of "Sweet Child O' Mine," "Master Of Puppets," "Johnny B. Goode," "Sweet Home Alabama" and a bunch of other famous songs when I'm on the phone and my friends think I'm listening to a cd until I make a mistake. But this amp is not just to get sweet sounding tones out of. It is loud. My neighbors can hear me when I crank up the volume, and I dont live in a tight neighborhood. Theres at least 40 feet between my house and my neighbor's. Once again, I should give this amp more than a 10. // 10

Reliability & Durability: I bought this amp used, but it was and still is in perfect condition. Haven't had a single problem with it yet. I've hit it against the wall while moving it, but it hasnt effected it at all. I don't gig, but if I did, this would be the only amp I'd use. Overall this is a very reliable amp. And obviously durable too. // 10

Impression: As I said I bought this used. Best deal of my life! $488 for an amp that I could see selling for over 2000? I don't think I'd really "lose" it, but if it was ever stolen I'd find the guy/girl who did it and beat the everloving snot out of them. This amp is a must have for guitarist into many styles of music because it will fit everyone of them perfectly. I can't think of a thing I don't like about it. The only thing I'd ever replace this with would be a bigger version. I almost paid more for a Vox AD100VT which has a fraction of the greatness of this amp. I am so glad I didnt. But I was lucky enough to find a used one. The sale price on a new one of these is like $1200. The only thing that I'd add to this would be a babe-magnet so that hot girls would come wandering into my basement and fall head-over-heels for my guitaring greatness. Not really a musical feature, but who wouldnt want one of those? Well, that's about all I've got. If you're not considering one of these, at least try it out and get a taste of the heavenly tone. For the third time, it deserves more than a 10. I'd rank it at about 20 on a 1-10 scale. // 10

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: H_ngm_n, on january 23, 2008

Features: The amp was made in 2003, still seem solid and very nice looking. Amazing versatility, some of the best technology out there by far. Has all the ins and outs you'd expect from a high end amp, two inputs, external cabs, headphones, effects loop, and lots of and lots of effects. // 10

Sound: I play with an Epiphone Les Paul with the standard hummies in it. I play Indie rock/metal and the amp does a great job for both. The Indie tone more so than metal, but even the metal sounds great when I crank this baby up. There is a little hum with high gain, but nothing ridiculous at all. I have literally imitated 20 famous guitar tones flawlessly. This amp is really incredible. The clean channel stays clean even at high volumes, it is really gorgeous too, as glassy as you could ever want. The distortion is a tad lacking, but I feel that a nice pedal will quickly change that opinion. The on-board distortion is just slightly lack-luster. Still sounds very nice. // 10

Reliability & Durability: Here is the flaw. The amp has give me problems with cutting out at random. I'll play fine for an hour and then it cuts out. Sometimes for 30 seconds, sometimes for 3 minutes. I read online that the tubes could be loose, or the head phone jack could be dirty, making the amp think headphones were plugged in, so I checked both, and no problems so far. Still, that worries me a good bit. But I really think I could go sleigh riding with this thing, it is so heavy and solid. It almost ripped my poor arm off. But it's so sturdy I would take it anwhere with the cover on. // 7

Impression: Very good match for any blues/indie guitarist. Been playing for two years, and I own Line 6 Spider 3, Marshall MG half-stack, and a Fender Studio 85. This amp, takes the good features of all those amps, makes them even better, and puts them in one loud godly sounding combo, I really love this amp. The only complaints I have are the cutting out issue, and the distortion lacking. I think that both problems are an easy fix, I tip to the music shop to get the amp checked out, and a nice distortion pedal. Great solid amp for intermediate players, or even advanced players on a budget. // 10

Comments

[a-fmaster15]

awesome amp, just bought a new one along with a sg standard and they rock. there are so many effects. best amp i have ever played on

[ArcherTheVMan]

how did you nearly pay more for an ad100vt? someone must ave bin ripping you off good thats not half as good as the ad120vt.

[ArcherTheVMan]

oh right *blind*

[ArcherTheVMan]

its one mother ****ing amazing amp.

[tanglewood rock]

i waz looking at da 100vt but now!!!

[Kendall]

Many amps have tons of effects, few have tons of effects that actually sound good. I'm very proud to own my AD120VT and don't see myself parting with it anytime soon.

[aeirom1]

It looks incredible I gotta try this one out

[CorkHunter]

how on earth did u get one for 488!!!!! lucky..

[Kendall]

I can understand getting one for $488. I only paid $500 for mine.

[peveyz]

Hehe, mine was $699 still good price. I love it though.

[DaPixelDude]

I live in Mexico City. I am looking for one of this amps. I found the AD60VT version at one of the most serious music stores for more than 1,300 USD!!!!! I can´t believe how much they increase the prices and I can only imagine the price for the AD120VT!!!! F*** them!!!

[DaPixelDude]

Which amp would you choose between a VOX AD120VT and a Line 6 Flextone III XL? Does anyone have experience choosing between these two?

[TMV315]

Does anyone know where to buy this online? I can't seem to find it anywhere, has this been discontinued or something?

[powerslave69]

DaPixelDude wrote:

Which amp would you choose between a VOX AD120VT and a Line 6 Flextone III XL? Does anyone have experience choosing between these two?

the vox MOST DEFIENTLY

[Side Effect]

I'm really thinking about buying one of these. I found a used one with a VC-12 foot pedal included for 475 used but I'm skeptical because of all the problems I've read about cutting out. Besides, that this amp sounds really good.

No one here except the first reviewer had the problem of cutting out?

[rick.hl]

i've just bought this amp and i am already in love with it, but could anyone here tell me where i can get the user manual in .pdf, it's no longer on vox website thanks!

[jduke]

I've had the same probleme with cuting out on this amp. But after plugging it into a power bar that controles the power going to the amp i have'nt had any problemes with cutting out.

[jduke]

i dont understand how people get good distortion out of this amp. I have tried everything possible from distortion pedals to tweeking as much as i can. But its always lacking way too much base and punch.

[FransTh]

rick.hl wrote:

i've just bought this amp and i am already in love with it, but could anyone here tell me where i can get the user manual in .pdf, it's no longer on vox website thanks!

[FransTh]

jduke wrote:

I've had the same probleme with cuting out on this amp. But after plugging it into a power bar that controles the power going to the amp i have'nt had any problemes with cutting out.

[FransTh]

rick.hl wrote:

i've just bought this amp and i am already in love with it, but could anyone here tell me where i can get the user manual in .pdf, it's no longer on vox website thanks!

Sorry about two previous comments. Didn't know how to handle it.

The manual is still to find on the VOX website under Support > Product manuals.

[FransTh]

Does anyone know about the existance of a forum where people share AD120VT settings. I can imaging that someone has managed a great setting for a tune or band in general. I am interested in tunes of the Shadows.
It is a pity that this Amp has no PC connection like the Tonelabs LE. So the settings have to be described according to the "Programmer's Cheat Sheet" in the manual.

[warrenguitar]

I love this amp, valves are really awesome and its just great quality! This will probably be my next amp...

[Jackp]

Hey FransTh, I just got one also-- check out Valvetronix.net The moderator Voxman is very helpful, has manuals on site, patches, and be sure to read the FAQ section. Have fun, Jack

[klecknerb]

I picked mine up used but in immaculate condition for just under $500... with the footswitch board and a flight case! It's a phenomenal amp and I love the option of adding another 2x12 cab to tap into the full 120watts for stage use. Any price you can pick this amp up for is worth it.