I'm looking at selling my Marshall DSL401 and Digitech GNX3000 to get a more 'all-in-one' solution and am having trouble deciding on what to get. Most modelling amps just don't go far enough for me but I've narrowed it down to either a Peavey Vypyr or Vox VT. The problem I have is that both have strengths and weaknesses.

PEAVEY VYPYR
The main problem with this amp seems to be reliability as there are quite a few reported problems with them. That said, the amp models sound very good, it has plenty amp models that do everything from clean to high gain Metal well and you can use a number of effects at the same time. On top of this, I can connect it to the computer for updates and recording and have a foot controller that does pretty much everything. There's a lot to be said for this amp.

VOX VT
The valve-like quality of Vox's amp models is undeniable and the only reason I've been put off them in the past (ADVT and Tonelab) is that they just haven't been very convincing on high gain models. The other potential issue is that the most likely model for me would be the 50w version but for an amp that is supposed to be a giging amp, the lack of an effects loop is a major oversight. By itself I'm not sure the VT50 without additional effects options will do enough. The other concern in the floor controller. Compared to the Sanpera II offered by Peavey, the optional footcontroller by Vox is feeble. I notice that there is a better one made but it's not available on the VT range!! Why would that be?

I want to like the Vox VT as I know how good the amp modelling can be, especially if the high gain models have improved and I admit that some of my concerns may be due to my lack of knowledge of the product so I thought I'd come here and ask those who know more about it than me. It may help to describe exactly what I'm after and then you can advise me if the VT can do it and which model it would be.

1) Amp models that range from Blues to high gain Metal. They don't need to sound like the original amps as long as they are very good quality and are valve-like in sound.

2) I need an amp that is good at both bedroom and small gig volumes

3) I often need to run Chorus, Delay and Reverb at the same time as well as be able to add a Wah effect for solos when desired. Compression is also sometimes used and occassionally a Flanger or Phaser. I also use Reverb and if the amp models can't cope with high gain very well, I'd also need to add additional distortion. This is why I was thinking the effects loop would be needed. In fairness, I don't see an effects loop specified on the Vypyr either but I have read a lot of comments about people using effects very successfully with them.

4) For practical purposes I'd like to be able to control as much as possible from a footcontroller, as the Vypyr seems to offer. Is there a way of getting the Vox VT to do this?

5) Headphone sockets and input for mp3 and computer would be nice.

As often seems to be the case, I suspect that the amp I need is a cross between the Vypyr and the VT as neither appears to be exactly what I'm after but I guess life is made of compromises. I'd be grateful if someone could tell me if the VT range could somehow meet my needs or at least come close or am I barking up the wrong tree and the Vypyr would be better for me. Basically, based on what I'm after, what can the Vox do and what can't it do?

Thanks for your help.

Thanks for the feedback, it was very interesting. I don't doubt your honesty at all, though you won't be surprised that Peavey are telling me they're every bit as good as you're saying Vox are, lol :) Only to be expected I guess. Anyway, I'm going to try a Vypyr on Monday hopefully. I'd love to try the Vox VT series too but according to the website there doesn't appear to be a Vox dealer in Lincolnshire!!!

I suspect that the 50w VT will have an effects loop in time as it's such a crazy thing to miss out and I would even guess that the VT range will ultimately get a better foot controller as there's no point in having an amp with more amp models and effects than the rest of the Valvetronix range and the worst foot controller. Unfortunately that doesn't help me now. I've searched the internet for the AD60VTX but can't find one available so that seems unlikely too. Vox have a fantastic product but as always it seems to fall short of what I need. When I first tried the Valvetronix range I loved it but it simply couldn't do the high gain models I wanted. I equally loved the Tonelab LE but still got the GNX as it could do so much more with amp models that weren't quite as good in Marshall JCM800 territory but slaughtered it in high gain and versatility. That said, I still really want to like the Vox best so I'll do my best to find a dealer a reasonable distance away and see what it's like for myself. You never know, it could be soo good I could forgive it its shortcomings and then there's always the reliability issues on the Vypyr anyway.

It sounds like I was right and neither amp is absolutely ideal

I just returned a Vypyr 15 yesterday because of some reliability issues. Initially I thought it sounded great, but I noticed how the speaker would fart out at any thing above about 3 on the master volume, and there was some noticeable digital noise on certain settings. I had intended to get the Vypyr 30, thinking that the twelve inch speaker and the ability to download updates may solve some of the problems.
Fortunately, Joe at Guitar Center showed me the VT15. It is a world of difference in sound quality! The VT15 has much better tone and feels much more responsive.
I would advise trying both and letting your ears decide. As for me, I'm glad I didn't get another Vypyr.

Hola,tengo un AD50VT y una Boss ME-20.Necesito preset VOX que me permita usar la Boss Me-20 effects de la mejor manera posible.Gracias

Podrian decirme en idioma español como setear el auto wha en mi Vox Valvetronix AD50VT?