Samamp VAC 23

The Samamp VAC 23 is a boutiquey tube guitar combo amplifier. The amp consists of a 12" Jenson speaker, a 12AT7 driver, 12AX7 preamp, and 6V6 tubes as well. You can change the amount of wattage you'd like to output with the amp, ranging from just 3 watts up to 23 watts, hence the VAC 23 title. You might not think this to be much, but it can get louder than you think.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Samamp VAC 23 is fairly simple, but the collection of controls given should be enough to give you all the sounds you will need. It's got EQ control with treble and bass controls as well as separate volume and master controls. It also allows you to set the wattage desired, with five fixed settings - 3 watts, 5 watts, 11 watts, 18 watts, and 23 watts. No manual should be necessary, although I have not seen it for myself.

SOUNDS

The tone of the Samamp VAC 23 is nothing short of amazing. It's got an outstanding clean sound that is absolutely perfect for recording. Don't let the size fool you, this can be loud enough and in the studio it's really the perfect amp. I don't own a VAC 23 myself and just recorded with a studio musician who had it and brought it in. Of course his playing was the biggest factor in the amp sounding great, but the amp brings out the best in your sound with a super tight tone.

OVERALL OPINION

The Samamp VAC 23 is little known, but it's a great little amp. I love it in the studio as to me it doesn't get much better. You can get some nice tube overdrive if you crank it a bit, but the clean sound is definitely the best part of this amp - perfect for jazz or laid back rock. Not too expensive for the sound, but still a pro's amp!