JimN wrote:The Vox AC30VR is a solid state amp of only 30 watts output. Low nominal power rating is always problematic with such devices, since no matter what anyone says in their defence, a given (measured) output from a transistor amp is always apparently less than the same measured output from a quality valve amp. This could be for a number of reasons, including cheaper and lower quality components and speakers being fitted, but whatever the reason, there is a justified perception that solid state watts aren't as powerful as valve watts.
I only know two people who've had the AC30VR and both of them were dissatisfied with the lack of power. They'd bought the amps on the assumption that they would be as loud as proper AC30s. But they weren't. My estimate is that a valve AC15 with one 12" speaker would see off the AC30VR. And there is no doubt that a Fender Deluxe Reverb, with its 22 watts power, certainly would.
And really, the solution for manufacturer is quite simple: supply solid state versions of valve amps with a power output that (theoretically, at least) exceeds that of the valve version. For instance, the AC30VR could have been supplied - at little, if any, extra manufacturing cost - with a sixty watt output stage and circuitry to support that. Such an amp would stand a better chance of competing in an environment where the AC30TB is more at home.
Nearly 40 years ago, I bought a USA-made Acoustic Solutions combo with 4x10" speakers, the amp being rated at 40 watts. It was effectively useless in the function band I was playing in especially when trying to compete with organ. Simply not loud enough to compete with the HH amps being used by the others. I PXd that combo for a Peavey Renown rated at 210 watts. The Peavey was certainly loud enough... but then, at that rating, it should have been.
Fender have dealt with the output differential Jim. The Deluxe Reverb is rated at 100w, and the Twin Reverb at 200w.
Len