Vox Clubman 60 - with bonus hiss

[gvurrdon]

For a while I've been using a Vox VX50 GTV for practice as well as some jams and one small gig. It is very easy indeed to transport as well as being sufficiently loud for these scenarios. But, I've never really liked the sound. Particularly when turned right up it's a bit bright and harsh to my ear even with the treble knob all the way down, and all the modelling etc. is of no interest. It would probably suit someone who likes a bit of distortion, though.

So, I thought that the Clubman 60 might make a good substitute, providing the same portability and volume with a better tone. It certainly does sound better, but there's an annoying hiss which my VX50 doesn't have. I have attempted to capture it here, whilst ham-fistedly playing a few chords/notes.

I wonder if this is characteristic of the model or whether it's worth trying to return it in the hope that another one might not hiss so much. Unfortunately, and to my complete lack of surprise, Vox have discontinued it (customer support confirms this) so there aren't going to be many around to buy. I read that Jim Soloway had one and quite liked it, but I'd be surprised if many other people have.

[frabarmus]

I didn't know it was discontinued! I own one and quite like it (although I like my Politone Megabrute and my DV Mark Little Jazz better and my tube Yamaha T100C amp best!). Anyway, mine does not hiss.

[gvurrdon]

Thanks for the reply. If you've got one that doesn't hiss, and my VX50 doesn't either, perhaps this is a defective unit.

[gvurrdon]

Despite the hiss I like the tone, and I've managed to reduce the issue a little with some adjustment of the volume.
So, I'll keep this and attempt to sell the VX50.
I wonder if Vox will do much more in the way of these Nutube amps; apparently the small heads are popular though I'm not sure anything else is.

[gvurrdon]

The hiss got worse so I've given in and returned it under warranty. With luck a non-hissing one will come back to me eventually.
Meanwhile, back onto the VX50 GTV which, though not sounding anywhere near as nice, is loud and doesn't hiss.