There are a lot of pluses to the new Vox Amplification Valvetronix amplifier line, which has been named appropriately as the Valvetronix VT+ Series. Amplifiers in the new series -- the VT20+, the VT40+, the VT80+, and the VT120+ -- combine tube-powered Valve Reactor tone and advanced modeling with more effects, more presets, and more power.

Four models are available in the Valvetronix VT+ Series: the VT20+ ($280 MSRP), which has a single 8-inch Vox speaker and 30W power output; the VT40+ has a single 10-inch Vox speaker and 60W power; the VT80+ has a single 12-inch Vox speaker and 120W power; and the VT120+ has dual 12-inch Vox speakers and 150W power. Pricing for the VT40+, VT80+ and VT120+ will be announced at a later time.

Valvetronix VT+ Series amp models offer a new Power Level control. Lowering the Power Level provides full gain tone at modest listening volumes, according to Vox, while turning the Power Level control up into the shaded area of the knob will summon up reserve power (up to an extra 40W) -- a useful tool for cutting through the mix.

Like the company's other Valvetronix models, the VT+ Series amps incorporate the Vox Valve Reactor circuit, which places a 12AX7 vacuum tube in the power stage for true tube-amp tone. The preamp / modeling stage includes 33 amplifier models, from Vox classics to popular ones and exotic boutique amps. Each of the 33 models features three variations (Basic, with Effects, and Song) for a total of 99 ready-to-use presets.

The Valvetronix VT+ lineup:

• VT20+: 30W maximum, single 8-inch Vox speaker
• VT40+: 60W maximum, single 10-inch Vox speaker
• VT80+: 120W maximum, single 12-inch Vox speaker
• VT120+: 150W maximum, dual 12-inch Vox speakers

Onboard each amp are 25 effects divided into Pedal, Modulation / Delay, and Reverb categories, in addition to Noise Reduction. Vox notes that multiple categories can be used at once to create richer complex sounds, and the effects can be edited quickly and adjusted directly from the amplifier panel.

The Headphone / Lineout jack features Vox emulated speaker response, which allows for full amp / speaker sound when listening through headphones or recording directly. A stereo line input is also provided for connecting MP3 players, CD players, and so forth for jamming along to your choice of music. The optional VFS5 footswitch allows for hands-free control of effect and reverb on / off, as well as control of tap-tempo timing, and so forth.

Vox will begin shipping the new Valvetronix VT+ Series of amps in Fall, 2010. For more information, please visit voxamps.com.