I'm in the market for a small 1x10 valve combo that doesn't go far north of £100 used. The Laney LC15, VC15 and Cub 10 all fit the bill, just can't figure the difference between the LC and VC models. Why did they have two 15w, EL84, 10" combos with reverb in the market at the same time? Were they voiced differently? Was one of a higher quality?
The Cub is favourable as it runs on a 6V6's but unfortunately lacks reverb, but no biggie as a pedal can see to that. If anyone could share some wisdom or opinions on these three models of amp that would be much appreciated.
Comments
The LC15 is poorly-built and has a tendency to heat-related problems on the main PCB. They are voiced differently as well, but the quality difference is much more important.
The Cub 10 is a much more basic amp.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
So now we've ruled out the LC15 is the Cub 10 a comparable option to the VC15? As good, just different? It seems pretty well liked.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I have a VC30-210 (stock) and a Cub 12R (Upgraded with Vintage 30 and a full set of JJ tubes). However, the 1x10s have limited stage projection and can be a bit too toppy with less bottom end. Depends on the tones you need and style of music you play, of course. But even with the VC30-210 I use a matching Laney GS12VE 1x12 extn cab to add bottom end when I need it and for wider projection. But as a portable amp solution the VC15 should fit the bill nicely.
For my needs, as I had the VC30-210, I went Cub 12R (EL84s) rather than the VC15, or 6V6 Cub 10, as I play mainly classic rock and blues. I also wanted a 1x12, reverb, full EQ, and 8/16ohm extn cab out options, which the Cub 10 doesnt have but the VC15 does (apart from the 1x12 of course).
The best I can say about the LC15 is that it sounds ok! I struggled with the clean sounds but it has more gain than the VC15.
No first-hand experience of the Cub.