Gearank High Notes
- 2019.09: Equal Highest Rated Guitar Combo Tube Amp between $300 and $500
Tied With:- Ibanez TSA15
Marshall DSL1CR
Marshall DSL5CR - Ibanez TSA15
Gearank Recommendation
The AC10C1 first appeared on our recommended list for Tube Amps for Guitar Under $500 when we published the first edition in May 2017 where it remained until it was out-ranked by other amps in September 2020.
Then in July 2021 it had high enough ratings to go back on that list until it was removed in September 2021 due to its price having increased above the $500 limit for that list.
It was also on our recommended list for Guitar Amps Under $500 from when we published the first edition in March 2018 until June 2021.
Overview
The Vox AC10C1 is a 10W tube amp that’s designed to be a portable grab-and-go alternative to the company’s popular AC15 and AC30 models. It essentially houses the same Vox flavor tones in a streamlined and compact configuration.
It has none of the bells and whistles found in other amps, but it does come with all the essentials, including two 12AX7 preamp tubes and two EL84 tubes, along with the company’s popular Top Boost circuit.
It also features a 10″ Celestion VX10 speaker that’s housed in a closed back cabinet, both of which are meant to complement the amp’s voicing.
All of these features add up to give you the same clean punchy tones that Vox is popular for, with just the 2-band EQ and built-in reverb for a bit of tone personalization.
If you’re looking for a clean and chimey amp (and the occasional crunch) for the bedroom or the studio, the AC10C1 is a great choice.
Specifications
- Power Rating: 10W
- Preamp Tubes: 2 × 12AX7
- Poweramp Tubes: 2 × EL84
- Speaker: 1 x 10-inch Celestion VX10
- Input: 1/4″
- Output: 1/4″ External Speaker
- Cabinet: Close Back
- Controls: Power Switch, Gain, Bass, Treble, Reverb, Volume
- Weight: 27.12 lbs
Demos


