The Vox AC30 and AC15 are available with a choice of different speaker options
The AC30TB comes with Vox branded Celestion built G12M speaker (Greenbacks) and The AC30TBX is fitted with a pair of Celestion built Blue Alnico speakers. The tonal variation can easily be heard when comparing two amplifiers fitted with these different speaker types. With the Greenbacks giving an edgy biting tone and the Blues a warm deeper sound with incredibly defined distortion from an overdriven valve amp, our best advice is to get down to your Vox dealer where you can make your own comparisons and choose the speaker type that suits your ears.
The AC15TBR is fitted with a USA made Vox standard "bulldog" Speaker while the AC15TBRX has one of the same Celestion built Blue Alnico speakers use in the AC30TBX.
The "Blue" Alnico Speaker
In 1959, Vox discovered that Celestion speakers gave superior result over other speakers they tested with there amplifiers. Further tests were made with the G12 in AC30s, but at the time there was a need for a speaker that would give a better response for bass instruments. So Celestion made a special model speaker for Vox with a cone that had a tougher outer edge that gave an excellent response in both the lead and bass frequencies. With a rounder shaped magnet cover, this speaker was painted with a blue cellulose and soon became know in the industry as the Vox "blue" speaker. For many, even today, it is regarded as the ultimate guitar speaker.
However, quality comes at a price, and the key ingredient for this superior sound comes from an expensive metal alloy called Alnico. Used to make the speaker's permanent magnet, alnico gets its name from the elements used to make it - ALuminum, NIckel and CObalt.
Although these speakers were phased out in the late 1960's in favor of the cheaper ceramic magnet designed speakers, they remained part of the Vox heritage and to many, a Vox amp is incomplete with any other speaker. So in the early 1990's Celestion's production line started to remake this classic speaker and now its tone can be enjoyed by a whole new generation of Vox owners
"Blue" AlNiCo Speaker
The "GREENBACK" celestion G12M
The Celestion G12M is not unlike the "Blue" in that it has some heritage behind it. A popular speaker since the 1970's, it has a warm sound with just the right amount of top end "bite".
SPECIFICATIONS
"Greenback" Celestion G12M
Power Handling 25W
Impedance 8 Ohm
Sensitivity (1W @ 1m) 97dB
Resonant Frequency 75Hz
Frequency Response 75Hz - 5kHz
Magnet Weight 35oz
"Blue" AlNiCo
Diameter 12 inch.
Power Handling 15W.
Impedance 8 Ohm, Sensitivity (1W @ 1m) 100dB.
Resonant Frequency 75Hz.
Frequency Response 75Hz - 5kHz.
Magnet Alnico.
Vox Standard
"BULLDOG" speakers
for the AC15TBR
This USA made speaker has been specially chosen to be the standard unit fitted to the AC15TBR.