Its an upgrade if u plan to switch to the VOX AD15vt or 30. They offer alot of sounds, amp models, effects, but u will probably find 2 or 3 settings which u would really like, and work up from there.
If u have enough, go for the 30vt. It'll last you. Plus it takes pedals pretty well.. Also the larger speaker size....mmmm....
I own the AD30VT and have pedals. I like the sound that comes from the Vox. The tube preamp does give it a certain warmth, nothing close pure tube amps thou. It's probably one of the best practise amps in terms of tone in its price range. I bought the amp to remove the need to hook up a pedalboard for practise... and it has been serving me well.. Got the effects I need all in the amp and has a good volume for a small gig. Personally, I like the lower gain models in the amp. Their natrual sounding and have a healhy dose of crunch, for classic rock like those Bon Jovi numbers. The Higher gain models tend to be a little muddy thou and the reverb is too digital sounding. But either than that, you cant ask more from this amp.
I find that the only drawback of the amp is that there are lots of knobs. Think about it, besides setting your EQ, you gotta choose what amp sound u wana simulate and what effects, and tweak them. Tweaking the effect parameters is pretty frustrating because u have to hold down a button and turn the knob for one setting and do the same for another...yadda..yaddayadda....But once u get it down, all is well... For the amp part..there is GAIN, Volume, EQs and MASTER volume. It takes a while to get use to as each of the amp has its different characters and one setting for an amp may not work for another.
O and...my amps i have changed over 4 years...MG15CDR -> Roland Cube 15 -> Vox AD30VT...
I have not tried the amp with humbuckers yet but i think it should'nt be a problem
