Vox Pathfinder 10 Vs 15 [Difference & Which is better]

Welcome to our in-depth comparison of the Vox Pathfinder 10 and Vox Pathfinder 15 amplifiers. If you’re a guitarist on the hunt for a compact and affordable amp that delivers fantastic tones, you’ve likely come across these two options. In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between the Vox Pathfinder 10 vs 15, helping you make an informed decision about which one suits your musical needs and preferences best.

From their design and sound characteristics to their tone-shaping capabilities and portability, we’ll leave no stone unturned in this ultimate showdown of Vox’s budget-friendly amp offerings. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first practice amp or an experienced player seeking a versatile and compact solution, read on to discover which Vox Pathfinder amp is the better fit for your musical journey.

Comparison Table:

Overview of Vox Pathfinder 10 –

The Vox Pathfinder 10, the younger member of the Pathfinder series, has been meticulously crafted with a focus on simplicity and easy trans-portability. It boasts a straightforward control panel that offers minimal options, catering perfectly to beginners and musicians who prioritize straightforward operation and user-friendly design.

Key Features –

1. Power Output:

The Pathfinder 10 delivers 10 watts of power, which might seem modest on paper, but it’s surprisingly capable of producing loud and clear tones, making it suitable for practice and small gigs.

2. Speaker Size:

It comes equipped with a 6.5-inch Vox Bulldog speaker. This smaller speaker size contributes to its compact and lightweight design.

3. Controls:

The control panel includes Volume, Gain, Bass, and Treble knobs, Which is allowing for basic tone shaping and customization. The Gain control helps you dial in various degrees of overdrive, while the Bass & Treble knobs let you adjust the EQ to suit your tonal preferences.

Overview of Vox Pathfinder 15 –

Vox Pathfinder 15 is a step up from the Pathfinder 10, offering more power and versatility in a still-compact package. It’s designed to provide a broader tonal range and additional features, making it suitable for both practice and small to medium-sized gigs.

Key Features –

1. Power Output:

The Pathfinder 15 boasts 15 watts of power, delivering more headroom and volume compared to its smaller counterpart. This extra power can be especially useful for playing alongside a drummer or in larger practice spaces.

2. Speaker Size:

It comes with a slightly larger 8-inch Vox Bulldog speaker. The larger speaker size contributes to a fuller and richer sound, enhancing the overall tone.

3. Controls:

In addition to the Volume, Gain, Bass, and Treble controls found on the Pathfinder 10, the Pathfinder 15 features a Clean/Overdrive switch. This switch allows you to toggle between a clean, pristine tone and a gritty, over driven sound, providing greater tonal versatility.

Main Difference Between The Vox Pathfinder 10 Vs 15 Amp –

a) Sound Quality:

The Pathfinder 10 has a reputation for its simplicity and purity of tone. With its 6.5-inch speaker and 10-watt output, it delivers a clean and chimey sound reminiscent of Vox’s iconic AC series amplifiers. When cranked up, the Gain control introduces a pleasant and musical overdrive, which is perfect for classic rock and blues tones. This amplifier excels in delivering sparkling clean tones and is ideal for players who prefer simplicity and vintage-inspired sounds.

The Pathfinder 15, with its additional power and the larger 8-inch speaker, offers a more versatile tonal palette. Its clean channel provides warm and well-rounded tones suitable for various musical styles. The real standout feature, however, is the Overdrive channel, accessed via the Clean/Overdrive switch. This channel produces a dynamic and responsive overdrive, ranging from a subtle crunch to a more saturated distortion. This versatility makes the Pathfinder 15 a better choice for players who want a wider range of sonic options.

b) Tone Sculpting & Speaker Size:

The tonal differences between the Vox Pathfinder 10 and Pathfinder 15 are partly due to their speaker size and the additional features on the Pathfinder 15.

The Pathfinder 10’s tonal sculpting options are relatively limited, with only Bass and Treble controls. While this simplicity can be seen as an advantage for those who prefer a plug-and-play approach, it may be limiting for players who want more precise control over their tone.

The Pathfinder 15 amplifies your tonal possibilities, courtesy of its Clean/Overdrive switch. This innovative switch not only grants access to two distinct channels but also elevates the amplifier’s overall adaptability. The clean channel facilitates intricate tone crafting through the Bass and Treble controls, while the Overdrive channel empowers you to precisely adjust the degree of grit and distortion to suit your preferences.

c) Weight & Portability:

Portability is a crucial factor for many guitarists, especially those who gig frequently or need a practice amp that’s easy to transport.

The Vox Pathfinder 10 is an absolute featherweight, tipping the scales at just 10.6 pounds (4.8 kg). It’s one of the lightest amplifiers in its class, which is making it exceptionally portable. Whether you’re a beginner practicing in your bedroom or a guitarist on the go. The Pathfinder 10 is the perfect companion for easy transport.

While the Pathfinder 15 is slightly heavier at around 16.5 pounds (7.5 kg), it’s still a highly portable amplifier. The added weight comes from the larger speaker and additional features, but it’s not cumbersome by any means. Musicians looking for a balance between portability and enhanced features will find the Pathfinder 15 to be a suitable choice.

Which Is Better Performance?

The choice between the Vox Pathfinder 10 and Pathfinder 15 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose the Vox Pathfinder 10 if:

• You prioritize simplicity and ease of use.
• You prefer a clean and vintage-inspired tone.
• Portability is a top priority, and you want the lightest option.

Choose the Vox Pathfinder 15 if:

• You need more power for playing with a band or in larger spaces.
• Versatility in tone is essential, and you appreciate the flexibility of a Clean/Overdrive switch.
• You don’t mind a slightly heavier amplifier in exchange for enhanced features.

Both amplifiers offer excellent value for their price range and uphold Vox’s reputation for delivering quality sound in a compact package. Whether you go for the simplicity of the Pathfinder 10 or the added features of the Pathfinder 15, you’ll have a reliable and versatile amplifier at your disposal for practice, recording, or small gigs.

So, choose the one that aligns with your musical aspirations, and let your creativity flow through the rich tones of a Vox Pathfinder amplifier.

FAQs –

Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Perry Garner