So what's the real difference between an AC10 and an AC15?

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Badside
Posts: 90
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 12:40 pm
Location: Montreal, Canada

So what's the real difference between an AC10 and an AC15?

Post by Badside »

I've heard a bunch of amazing demos of the AC10 (the vintage style one, not the new ones) recently, while the AC15 always sounds a bit shrill and light to my ears.

I've been curious to understand what exactly sets an AC10 apart from an AC15. Based on the name, you would assume one is 10W and the other 15W, but both have the same pair of cathode biased EL84 (which is always advertised as either 15 or 18W depending on the manufacturer).

So is the AC10 really down on power, or is it just sold as such because it's a simplified version of the amp selling for cheaper?

Is it running on less voltage?

I did notice triode-connected tubes on at least one schematic I've come across (AC10 SRT). THere's a lot of versions of what is known as an AC10 so it's hard to come up with a simple clear answer.

Generally, the demos I've heard made the AC10 come off as warmer sounding. I've seen some schematics that had stuff like massive grid stoppers on the input (220k). So perhaps the AC10 is just generally voiced differently? (Less "Top Boost-y"?)
Amplifiers built:
Marshall 2204 head with some mods
Low-power 2204 (cathode biased 6V6s)
Single-knob dual-6K6GT amps using a Wattkins uPCB
AC30 clone with Plexified preamp section
AX84 Firefly
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Mr. dB
Posts: 261
Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2006 6:58 pm
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas

Re: So what's the real difference between an AC10 and an AC15?

Post by Mr. dB »

[IMG:1400:987]http://i64.tinypic.com/2dl6t1d.jpg[/img]

[IMG:1024:795]http://i67.tinypic.com/2h49g13.jpg[/img]

In short, there are small differences in the power amp stage, but the preamp in the AC10 is massively simplified compared to the AC15, particular the vib/trem circuit.

Just for jollies, here's the AC10 SRT and the 710 too:

[img:954:743]http://i1295.photobucket.com/albums/b62 ... n5ubuv.jpg[/img]

[img]http:1600:1200]http://www.etcetera-music.eu/public/ins ... matics.JPG[/img]
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