Do you need the best tubes for Vox A15C1? We have a piece of advice about that.
The VOX AC15C1, a top-quality, custom-built vintage amp, comes with two preset EL84 power tubes and three 12AX7 preamp tubes. An immensely powerful and versatile guitar amp, the Vox AC15C1 enables your instrument to reproduce classic tones with good distortion and sustain, thanks to the judicious blend of power tubes. However, if you want to experiment with a broader tonal spectrum and boost the Vox AC15 C1âs performance, you can always replace the OEM tubes with premium aftermarket tubes.
This review walks you through the best six tubes for Vox AC15C1 thatâll enable you to give off a more hard-hitting sound. The 12AX7 and EL84 tubes explored below go a long way in letting you accomplish superior overall tone at lower volumes and minimal hum.
So we need three preamp 12AX7 tubes and two EL84 tubes. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the six best sets:
Best Tubes For Vox A15C1 – Comparison Table
| Image | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Tung-Sol Reissue 12AX7/ECC83 Tubes (Top Pick for Preamp Tubes) | Check Price |
 | Tung-Sol Reissue EL84 Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
 | JJ ECC83s/12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
 | JJ EL84/6BQ5 Power Vacuum Tubes (Top Pick for Power Tubes) | Check Price |
 | Mullard 12AX7/ECC83 Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
 | Mullard EL84 Vacuum Tubes | Check Price |
1. Tung-Sol Reissue 12AX7/ECC83 Tubes (Editorâs Choice for Preamp Tubes)
If youâre looking to upgrade to a more dynamic set of 12AX7 tubes by replacing the stock units, the Tung-Sol Reissue 12AX7/ECC83 Tubes. This set of three
new gain-matched 12AX7 preamp tubes is a Russian-made refurbished version of the vintage NOS Tung-Sol 12AX7 valves. Once you replace the OEM 12AX7s in the Vox AC15C1 with these Tung-Sol Reissue tubes, you can expect a warm and rich tone.
These Tung-Sol 12AX7/ECC83 tubes will help boost your bass’s tone as effectively as any other quality power tube. This reissue 12AX7 tube guarantees outstanding sustain with a high-gain, vibrant 3D sound and ultra-low microphonics. This reissue tube simulates the drive and gain of JJ Electronics 12AX7 and the clean tone of a Mullard.
Both the high-end and low-end are clear, and mids are smooth without any shrillness or roughness.
Features
- Equivalent to ECC83/7025 configuration
- Low microphonics
- High-gain with dynamic 3D-sound
- 9-pin, dual-triode tubes in each tube
Pros
- It helps in amplifying the signal from your instrument
- The tone has a smooth overdrive with chime-style clarity
- Suitable for Hi-fi applications as well as for amp upgrading and re-tubing
Cons
- Can die out sooner than later
2. Tung-Sol Reissue EL84 Vacuum Tubes
The Brand New Reissue EL84 Plate Current Matched Vacuum Tube Pair from Tung-Sol adds plenty of heft to your EL84 amp. These precision-designed and robustly engineered tubes serve as the perfect replacement for the stock EL84 power tubes in your Vox AC-30 or AC15C1 type amp. The EL84 was the go-to power tube for EL84/6BQ5 guitar amps manufactured by Harmony and Gibson.
The conservative design and solid construction of this Tung-Sol Reissue EL84 vacuum tube pair render them ideal for use in Vox amps. Additionally, the power tubeâs tonal and linearity attributes make it perfect for stock EL84 tubes in hi-fi amps produced by Harmon-Kardon, Scott, and Fisher.
Features
- Brand new matched pair EL84 vacuum power tubes
- Diameter: 0.87â
- Height: 2.75â
- Rugged construction
Pros
- Tubes with high gain enable you to achieve classic tone and linearity in 3D sound
- Versatile EL84 tube type ideal for Vox AC15C1
- Compatible with almost all Hi-fi amps
Cons
- Youâll be able to feel the tone cracking on the edges when you increase the volume.
3. JJ ECC83s/12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tubes
The JJECC83s/12AX7 Preamp Vacuum Tubes can seamlessly replace the original 12AX7 preamp tubes in the VoxAC15C1 amp for several practical reasons. These JJ12AX7 tubes make the amp belt out bright, colorful and well-balanced tone typified by flat highs, rich mids, and focused lows. When you push them hard in overdrive, you get distinct and sharp mids and lows robust and smooth.
These JJ ECC83/12AX7 preamp vacuum tubes work well for almost all playing styles and music genres and are also recommended for hi-fi gear and studio amps. The ECC83/12AX7 vacuum tubes from JJ, like all other 12AX7 preamp tube models, have a characteristic amplification factor of 100. Therefore, most Hi-fi guitar amps have high-gain 12AX7s under their hoods as these tend to function for years.
Features
- Preamp tube type: 12AX7
- Dimensions: 10 x 3 x 3 (cm)
- Completely balanced tubes ideal for use in both vintage and modern guitar amps
Pros
- Clear distortion
- Excellent harmonic range
- Suitable for nearly all music genres
- Good sustain and well-balanced tone
Cons
- Susceptible to becoming dysfunctional
4. JJ EL84/6BQ5 Power Vacuum Tubes (Editor’s Choice for Power Tubes)
The JJ EL84/6BQ5 power vacuum tubes strike a near-perfect balance tone and sustain. No wonder youâre able to achieve crystal clear highs, robust lows, and nuanced mids. Mullard pioneered the development of the EL84 power tubes and, with time, found favor with VOX amplifiers manufacturer.
When you install these JJ EL84 power vacuum tubes in your Vox AC15C1 amp, you can expect the amp to reveal sparkling chords and the classic Vox ding. You bet youâll be rewarded with a vicious overdriven sound when you turn up the amp volume knob. Apart from VOX, many other amplifier brands and models come equipped with EL84 power tubes, eventually rendering the amps versatile.
Features
- Tube type: EL84 power tube, burned in
- Dimensions: 10 x 4 x 4 (cm)
- Replaces any stock 6BQ5 or EL84 tube
Pros
- Classic British crispiness with a sweet tone
- Suitable for heavy metal and hard rock, especially when soloing single-note
- Well-rounded lows and colorful highs
Cons
- The tubes may not be entirely matched or harmonized
- Not quite durable
5. Mullard 12AX7/ECC83 Vacuum Tubes
The 12AX7/ECC83 vacuum tubes by Mullard guarantee a broad and dynamic soundstage with outstanding detailing. Although the plate is broader than average, microphonics is minimal owing to the tubeâs innovative design. The tone is luxuriant and smooth with a distinct chiming attribute and does not get piercing or causes ear fatigue.
Features
- Matched trio of 12AX7/ECC83 vacuum preamp tubes
- Russian made
- Large base plate
- 10% matching for better high gain and conductance
Pros
- Minimal microphonics, low noise, and whisper-quiet
- It helps reproduce the entire gamut of tonal subtleties
- Plenty of high and bottom end with just the right pitch
Cons
- The fine print on the tubes is somewhat indistinct.
6. Mullard EL84 Vacuum Tubes
The Mullard EL84/6BQ5 power tube pair is a recreated and overhauled version of the original EL84 tube developed in the UK. The two power tubes will add to your EL84-driven ampâs performance, hugely exemplified by punchy bass and plush mids. Bassists will pick up the heavy yet creamier notes typified by warmth in the bass and lower mids.
Features
- Tube type: EL84 vacuum tube
- Made in Russia
- Gold plated grids
- Carbonized screens
- Black plates
- Reissue version of the original
Pros
- Forms the basis of premium guitar amps
- Smooth and soft harmonic overdrive
- Excellent tone
- Clear and balanced sound
Cons
- Overdrive a tad too jerky and not quite defined
- Not quite suitable for guitar with single-coils
What Bassists Need to Know About the Vox AC15C1 Amp?
Thomas Walter Jennings of Dartford, Kent, England, introduced the Vox amplifiers to guitarists and bassists in 1957. Bassists instantly identify with Jennings by its VOX AC30 guitar amp popularized by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, U2, and Dire Straits. The VOX AC15C1 witnessed a commercial launch for the first time in 1958 and became the best-selling amplifier in 2016.
Korg, a Japanese electronics company, took over the Vox brand in 1992. Thousands of bassists swear by the AC15C1 Custom Series that has been available for the past six decades. Delivering an incredible tonal array, the Vox AC15C1 can easily compete with any world-class guitar amp in terms of versatility.
Designed in 1958 by Dick Denney, the Vox AC15C1 was crafted exclusively as a guitar amp, keeping in mind the instrumentâs frequency range. The current production AC15C1 includes a 15W Single12â Celestion G12M Greenback Speaker, three 12AX7 preamp tubes, and two EL84 power tubes. The amp comes with both âTop Boostâ and âNormalâ channels delivering 15W of pure vintage tone.
The custom-built AC15C1 also comes with traditional Vox tremolo and electrically operated foot switch spring reverb for adding to the already imposing soundscape. The top boost channel features a responsive EQ with bass and treble and a âTone Cutâ knob for lowering or boosting the higher frequencies based on your setting.
Bassists all over the world make good use of the Vox AC15C1 for playing almost all music styles.
Conclusion: Best Tubes For Vox A15C1
This âbest tubes for Vox AC15C1â review explored 12AX7 preamp and EL84 power tubes of Tung-Sol, JJ Electronics, and Mullard. Tung-Sol tubes are more affordable than JJ Electronics or Mullard tubes but are as versatile as the latter.
As we have already mentioned in our article about the best tubes for Fender Blues Junior, the best combination, in this case, is three 12AX7 preamp tubes from Tung-Sol and two EL84 power tubes from JJ. It might seem counterintuitive to use tubes from different manufacturers instead of five ones from the same one, but how things work the best, in our opinion.