I've seen lots of reviews on the VT40+, and in some of them, they make note of the lack of a bottom-end. Since it comes with a 10" speaker, that's understandable. It also reflects some of my thoughts on the VT40+. Surprisingly, I've seen the same statement made on the VT80+. To me, those folks must be smoking something! LOL The bottom-end on the VT80+ is SUBSTANTIALLY improved when compared to the VT40+. For those wondering if the VT+ series can hold its own against other amps, the VT80+ definitely can!!
The VT80+ isn't much larger than the VT40+, but the increased size makes a huge difference. For instance, for me, I found the VT40+ to be too low to use comfortably as a floor amp...at the time, I had no immediate means of raising it off the floor. Well, now I do. Unfortunately, I find that the added height of the VT80+ (when raised off the floor) makes it just as uncomfortable to me as having the VT40+ on the floor. The solution: put the VT80+ on the floor! I know, it sounds ridiculous, but it works for me. As I said, those added inches seem to be just perfect for me.
I also noted that I will need to play with the Power Level knob to locate all the "sweet spots." I've already found one of them...at 8:55 - 9:00, the amp sounds a little muddy. Even with the volumes up. But nudge it to 9:00 - 9:05, and suddenly the mids and highs open up. This is no joke: even my wife noticed the difference when I showed that to her, and she's not a musician.
And if you're new to these amps, remember this: turn the VALUE and DEPTH knobs! I turned to a Green-Clean amp, added the Acoustic effect dialed-in at about 12:00, set the Modulation/Delay to Multi-Chorus at 10-11:00, and finished with some Spring Reverb. LOVE this tone for some folk-like songs. Too many times we get focused on presets, and figure something like, "well, that's how they programmed it, so that must be the best option." Don't count on that. If you find a sound lacking, adjust the settings for what you're using: you'll be grateful that you did.
Finally, I think you'll find that this amp allows for a much smoother move from cleans to distortion when you use your guitar's volume knob. If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch this short video of Brian May (Queen) talking about the Vox AC30: Brian May on Vox AC30s. Compared to the Peavey Vypyr 75, the VT80+ is definitely superior in this aspect.
I'm sure I'll have more to add as I work through the speaker break-in period. I'll be sure to add anything significant.
- Rich
