New Vox AC15! I've got some questions

[Iván]

Heeeeyyy what's up??

It's been a long, long time since I check up on this marvelous forum! I really missed you guys

Pardon me for my absence. But I really really trust your opinions and your experience, so I showed up to ask you one thing.

I've recently bought a new amplifier. A Vox AC15C1. It sound reaaaally really good. I love it. However, when I cranck it up, it becomes reaaally REALLY hot. I mean, it transfers the heat to the zone of the knobs and the on/off and standby switches. Furthermore, it emits a strange smell (I don't think it's something burnt), but it becomes more obvious when it's crancked up also.

Do you know if it's normal? I got it brand new right out of the box.

Thank you for your knowledge,

Bye!

 

[eS.G.]

My little VOX AC4 does the same thing......perhaps it is normal.
Welcome back stay and play a bit.

 

[frankd]

I would change out all the tubes and see how that goes.

 

[lineboat]

Crack that little back cover open and see if that helps. Not a good vent system on those. Mine gets hot too, but never smells. Vent it a little and see what happens.

 

[Iván]

Maybe it smells because it's brand new. I've made a research about this issue and in other forums people mention the 'smell of valves' or 'electronic smell'. It's summer now in Argentina, and the ambient temperature is high. I think that has something to do with the heat transfered to the knobs.

 

[syscokid]

It's natural for tube amps to run hotter as you turn it up more. Just like a car engine. Watch the power tubes, and check for RED-PLATING. The trannies should get warm, maybe even a bit hot... but they shouldn't be too hot to touch.

 

[SG_Island]

My AC15C1's panel gets slightly hot, also - after it's been on a while. Most tube amps do that to some extent, I believe.

 

[dcwave]

Ac15s and heat.. bah... AC30s - now thats another story; you could keep your coffee warm by placing it on top of the vents!

 

[gball]

Sounds normal for a Vox to me. And I have had new tubes smell for a while - I am pretty sure its just the paint cooking off a little.

 

[83 Blazer]

Yeah the control panel on mine gets hot when you run it for a while. There's not much ventilation as it is more or less a closed back (the opening is pretty small). With little effective ventilation and hot air rising, the metal control panel will get reasonably hot. I've had mine since 2010 and it hasn't melted into the ground yet, though I'm sure all that concentrated heat isn't the most ideal situation.

 

[SG John]

When I had an AC-30 custom built, I had larger vents installed on the top of the amp, and a large opening with a screen on the back panel. This help pull some air through. However, I can still cook a steak on that amp. It's just the nature of the beast.

 

[ScottMarlowe]

My Classic 30 does the same thing. The control panel gets very hot. My Classic 50s, what with having fans, stay pretty cool.

 

[CATMANDUE]

Don't they come with some kind of vent hole? My AC4TV has one. AC15Cs are awesome amps.

 

[CATMANDUE]

My Classic 30 does the same thing. The control panel gets very hot. My Classic 50s, what with having fans, stay pretty cool.

Classic 30s are my favorite Peavey amps. How do you like yours?

 

[eS.G.]

Maybe it smells because it's brand new. I've made a research about this issue and in other forums people mention the 'smell of valves' or 'electronic smell'. It's summer now in Argentina, and the ambient temperature is high. I think that has something to do with the heat transfered to the knobs.

I swapped out the stock tube in my AC4 yesterday and noticed a strange new odor emanating from the vent hole ......possibly oils or something burning off the new tube? played for over an hour----no issues....seems good to go.
I can say the Class A Tube amps do get warmer than the combo or hybrids .....multiple tubes vs 1 preamp tube I guess.

 

[ScottMarlowe]

Classic 30s are my favorite Peavey amps. How do you like yours?

It's a great amp, but it's getting a new speaker and tubes this weekend, and probably a master volume.

Classic 30s are my second favorite Peavey Amps right now, and I'm hoping a new speaker, tubes and a master volume will let it tie my favorites (Classic 50s) or possibly, by dint of being lighter, it might even win out over the C50s.

 

[Iván]

Guy thank you all it's been a relief to read your opinions, now I'm almost sure that it's quite normal. Again, thank you all

 

[ScottMarlowe]

Guy thank you all it's been a relief to read your opinions, now I'm almost sure that it's quite normal. Again, thank you all

WE may not be normal, but your tube amp getting hot is completely normal.

 

[lineboat]

My Classic 30 does the same thing. The control panel gets very hot. My Classic 50s, what with having fans, stay pretty cool.

Now that's an SOB that cooks! I had one that caught on fire! It was put out instantly, and we initially thought it was wiring, but I have always thought it just got too hot. So hot it turned the chrome black.