8ohm vs 16/15ohm G12-65s - sound difference?

[Bardagh]

Ok it’s been well established that there is a notable difference in sound between 8ohm and 16ohm V30’s - not talking about the difference in sound from the impedance setting you are running on your amp, but the difference in how the speaker is made for the different impedance causing a difference in sound.

I’ve never seen anyone talk about whether there is a notable difference in sound between the G1265’s. Of course there should be a difference but it may not be as noticeable as with the V30, or even if it is, it could be just as good etc. I have a 2x12 I was thinking about using the 8ohm G1265 reissues in but it seems mostly I’ve seen people use the 16 (aka 15) ohm ones, if they mention it at all.

 

[VESmedic]

In general, the 16 ohm speaker is going to be brighter, bigger low end, and more scooped. While an 8 ohm speaker is going to be rolled off on the highs and lows and more midrangey compared to its 16 ohm counterpart. Regardless of the speaker , this is what I’ve found to be true personally.


I often like 16 ohm speakers for heavy rhythms, and 8’s for leads. Not that of course, either speaker couldn’t do either or anything, but it just seems to be what I gravitate towards if I’m paying attention.

 

[ZEN Amps]

Noticed the same for all speakers, which makes sense. A small tweak of you amp settings though makes a bigger difference to my ear than the impedance change, so I wouldn't be too concerned - just get what you need for the cab.

 

[Racerxrated]

In general, the 16 ohm speaker is going to be brighter, bigger low end, and more scooped. While an 8 ohm speaker is going to be rolled off on the highs and lows and more midrangey compared to its 16 ohm counterpart. Regardless of the speaker , this is what I’ve found to be true personally.


I often like 16 ohm speakers for heavy rhythms, and 8’s for leads. Not that of course, either speaker couldn’t do either or anything, but it just seems to be what I gravitate towards if I’m paying attention.

This. I've had 4 16 ohm 65 cabs; and 1 8 ohm. The 8 ohm was slightly darker/thicker sounding. Mids were the same between both cabs. All 1777 lead cones.

 

[Bardagh]

That’s all pretty much what I’ve experienced having used a bunch of different Vintage 30’s over the years in various cabs. I definitely wouldn’t say that a tweaking of the knobs on an amp necessarily negates the differences either. This is a fundamental thing at the very end of your chain. Not that you couldn’t use either/or and be fine, but it’s more than just “one is brighter so turn down your treble and they sound the same.”

My only experience with g1265’s was a pair of early 80’s 15ohm ones I used to have until they both started falling apart physically and musically. I liked them while they lasted but maybe I could say they sounded a little hollow. Maybe I’d actually prefer the 8ohm ones then.

This 2x12 has one of those switch plates already wired for mono or stereo operation with two 8ohm speakers, so unless I want to rip that out and just wire it up straight mono I need to stick with 8’s.

 

[Brandonrz]

In general, the 16 ohm speaker is going to be brighter, bigger low end, and more scooped. While an 8 ohm speaker is going to be rolled off on the highs and lows and more midrangey compared to its 16 ohm counterpart. Regardless of the speaker , this is what I’ve found to be true personally.


I often like 16 ohm speakers for heavy rhythms, and 8’s for leads. Not that of course, either speaker couldn’t do either or anything, but it just seems to be what I gravitate towards if I’m paying attention.

This is my experience too. Exactly why I prefer my v30s as 8 ohms. Just love that sound.