Vox AC100 CPH

4.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Page last updated Apr 11, 2026

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Price

Average Price: $904

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Vox AC100 CPH is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your sonic potential with the Vox AC100 CPH, a powerhouse of tonal versatility that encapsulates the essence of classic rock and modern innovation. Designed for guitarists who crave both the legendary chime of the VOX AC30 and the high-gain prowess suited for today's demanding soundscapes, this 100-watt EL34-powered amplifier head delivers a dynamic range of sounds from vintage warmth to searing leads.

The AC100 CPH features two independent, foot-switchable channels for ultimate flexibility. Channel 1 is your gateway to the iconic VOX sound with an interactive, passive EQ and the renowned Tone Cut control for sculpting those shimmering high frequencies. Channel 2, on the other hand, brings the heat with its specially-voiced EQ that spans classic rock and blues all the way to metal, featuring a Bright Switch for enhanced high-mids and a Fat Switch to enrich your midrange tones.

For the modern player, this amp doesn’t just stop at unbeatable tone. A foot-switchable spring reverb adds lush ambiance to either channel, while a versatile FX Loop and DI outputs ensure seamless integration into any setup. Whether you're hitting the stage or the studio, the Vox AC100 CPH is equipped to handle it all.

Key Features:

100 Watts RMS with selectable 8 or 16 ohm load
4 x 12AX7/ECC83 and 4 x EL34B tube configuration
Two independent, foot-switchable channels
Tone shaping controls including Bright and Fat Switches
Foot-switchable Spring Reverb and versatile FX Loop
Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4" DI outputs with speaker emulation

Product specs

Brand	Vox
Model	AC100CPH Classic Plus 2-Channel 100-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	2007 - 2009
Made In	China
Categories	Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Direct Output	Direct Output
Effects Loop	Effects Loop
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	100
Power Tube Type	EL34
Reverb	Spring Reverb

FAQs

What type of tubes does the Vox AC100 CPH use?: The Vox AC100 CPH utilizes EL34 power tubes, which are known for their robust tone and are often associated with classic British amplifier sounds.
How many channels does the Vox AC100 CPH have, and what are their characteristics?: The Vox AC100 CPH features two channels: a classic Vox channel for traditional chime and warmth, and a modern high-gain channel for more aggressive tones.
Is the Vox AC100 CPH suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its 100-watt output, the Vox AC100 CPH is powerful enough for live performances, providing ample headroom and volume for gigging musicians.
Does the Vox AC100 CPH include built-in effects?: The Vox AC100 CPH comes with built-in effects, including a spring reverb, allowing for added depth and ambiance in your sound.
What are the connectivity options for the Vox AC100 CPH?: The Vox AC100 CPH includes an effects loop and a direct output, offering versatile connectivity for integrating external effects and direct recording.

Videos

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Vox AC100CPH Fix-Up and Test

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Reviews

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PROS

Delivers classic Vox tones and unique high gain sounds
Versatile, covering tones from The Beatles to old school metal
Enhanced tone shaping with heavily modified AC30 preamp
Power amp section derived from second-gen fixed bias Vox AC100
Performs excellently with the right speakers (e.g., Weber Ceramic Blue Dog)

CONS

Misleading marketing as a modern high gain amp
Picky about speaker pairings for optimal sound quality
Poor performance with certain overdrive pedals (e.g., Tube Screamer)
Inconsistent quality; may not work upon arrival
Limited appeal for those seeking a modern high gain fire-breather

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Vox AC100 CPH.

Features and functionality

0 0

The amp includes two separate reverb dials, allowing for customization on each channel.
Source
0 0

Lack of multiple inputs means it can't jump like an AC30, but experimentation with EQ and gain allows access to desired tones.
Source

Comparisons

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The sound character is reported to be closer to Orange amps rather than the classic Vox AC30.
Source

User experience

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Owners highlight the desire for an FX loop, which influenced their decision to purchase this model.
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The amp is confirmed to be as heavy as it appears, implying portability considerations.
Source
0 0

After repairs, the amp is comparable to $2500+ models, providing excellent value for a $400-$500 investment plus repair costs.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

A user acquired the amp at a perceived bargain from a previous owner who barely used it.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Inline fuse feeding the main power tubes was over-rated and not per Vox's schematic, leading to potential failures.
Source
0 0

Missing shrink wrap insulator on the main wire to the first power tube caused voltage issues.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Factory biasing issues were common; proper biasing at 76-77 mA is recommended for optimal performance.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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Replacing stock unbranded Chinese tubes with specified Vox tubes can enhance tonal quality.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

With repairs, the amp delivers AC30 tones, Plexi-like tube sag, and Marshally sounds with a trebly twist.
Source

Critic Reviews

Vox Classic Plus AC100CPH Head review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A powerhouse for stage and studio, the Vox AC100 CPH delivers a stunning range of tones and ample power, making it a formidable choice for professionals and pub rockers alike. Its reverb circuit is a standout, providing depth for everything from ambient to surf sounds. However, the 100-watt output may be overkill for many, and some players might find the overdrive a bit too aggressive for their taste. Overall, if you're ready to handle its power, this amp offers a rich palette for any guitarist looking to push their sound.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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daryl_skinner

629

about 5 years ago

An otherwise good amp ruined by poor marketing, and absurd choice of speakers.

Let me get few stuffs clear about this amp. This amp was marketed rather poorly. Vox marketed it as a modern high gain amp, even its extended control layout and features are similar to a modern two channel amp but that's where all the modernity ends. If you're looking for an alternative to a Marshall DSL100HR, or JVM210H, or a Peavey 5150 then sorry to disappoint you, but this amp isn't meant for you. It's high gain by Vox standards, but it's by no means a modern high gain fire breather. It's more or less a vintage high gain amp.

It's an odd amp among legions of hot-rodded Marshall, and Fender based amps. Its preamp section is basically a VOX AC30 preamp that has been heavily modified for extended tone shaping and higher gain, and its power amp section is derived from the second generation fixed bias Vox AC100.

This amp is picky when it comes to speakers. So far I've had excellent results through Weber Ceramic Blue Dog, and pretty great results through the Celestion Heritage G12M Greenback speakers. Too bad Vox marketed it with the Wharfedale GSH-1230 speakers which are based on Celestion G12H30 speakers. Like every other Vox amp this amp too sounds okay through G12H30 style speakers when clean, but absolutely terrible through them when overdriven. Its performance is pretty lackluster through the Vintage 30 too.

When paired with right speakers it does the nice old-school Vox tones, as well as a unique high gain hot-rodded take on the classic Vox tone with aplomb, however with wrong speakers it either sounds rather lackluster or downright terrible. Same is true when it's about using various kinds of boost pedals with it. Overdriven Vox amps sound rather poor when boosted by a Tube Screamer, unfortunately that trait is true for this amp too.

For this amp either stick to using transparent overdrives like Timmy as boost, or if you want the best performance opt for a modernized treble booster that has a gain cut knob and a controlled voicing like the Naga Viper. It's a good amp provided you know what you're getting into. The best thing about this amp is that it not only sounds great but it also has its own unique tone that you won't hear from any other amp.

With the right set-up it does classic rock, arena rock, old school Black Sabbath style metal, and old school NWOBHM like a boss. If your musical style is similar to those then you would astonished by the tone of this amp. It can go from The Beatles style guitar tones to aggressive Riot style guitar tones without breaking a sweat. This amp is like the souls of multiple Vox amps stuffed in one single amp. The only catch is that you need to pair it up with the right speakers.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Metal Hard rock Speed metal