Looking to make some changes - any speaker guys here?

[Wayniac3]

I have a bunch of cabs where I like to mix & match, depending on which amp I am using & what level of heaviness I want that day.
I know I need to purge some cabs. But I want to tweak what I have before I move anything.

My style: 80's metal, to hard rock (think primarily John Norum, Doug Aldrich (Lion, Burning Rain, Live DIO & solo days - not his flubby Whitesnake sound) , Vivian Campbell, Lynch)).

The amps: ENGL 100 watt artist, Fireball 25, Ironball, Marshall 2555SL. And I have a Peavey 5150 combo that I typically do not use an extension cab with. Sold my 5150II because I had too much overlap.

The cabs: Marshall slant 4x12 with (4) 65 watt celestions from the 80's, Marshall straight 4x12 with 75 watt vented celestions, Marshall straight 4x12 with a mix of 65 watts and G12-80's.
Mesa 4x12 & 2x12 metal grill cabs. Not EV Speakers
2 Genz benz with stock speaker
ENGL 4x12 with v 30
Mesa horizontal recto with v 30s'.
2 CAE 2x12 - one with Celestion V30, one with Warehouse veterans.
CAE 1x12 with a wizard 8 ohm.
Early Fender EVH 4x12 with the stock speakers

I have 3 80's 65 watt celestions (15 ohm), an old EV (that may end up un the sealed portion of the boogie 2x12 metal grill cab), & a Lynchback sitting around - was thinking of swapping some speakers.
Initial thoughts are making one of the CAE 2x12 into 65 watters, and the Lynchback into the 1x12.
Or do you think the third 65 watt speaks should go into the 1x12?

Thanks for any input.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

As far as the 1x12 I loved my Earcandy 1x12 that was loaded with a Wizard. It's a great hard rock and metal speaker, which also can help a 1x12 and small amp punch above it's weight class due to it's high sensitivity. And it's definitely one of the Emi speakers that sits closer to Celestions in tone. They kinda remind me of a V30 mixed with a Fane Medusa. Lots of upper midrange on tap, but not as fatiguing on the ears as some V30's can get. They handle low tunings really well too.

Otoh I love vintage G12-65's. They're amazing speakers, and definitely one of my favorite Celestions ever. If you are trying to bring the volume of the 1x12 down some so you can bring the amp up into it's sweet spot at reasonable volumes it should be a solid option. That said my only experience with vintage G12-65's are in 4x12's, so couldn't tell you how they sound in a 1x12 format.

And yeah, you definitely need to pop that EVM12L into the ported lower bout of the 2x12. I had an EVM12L loaded Boogie Halfback for decades, and highly recommend searching out another to put in the top, and seal the top bout too. With a cranked high gain tone they are absolutely epic sounding. Incredible punch, and definition like no Celestion can offer.

 

[Anje]

What are you trying to change/improve? What are you not happy with today, given all the cabs & speakers you already have?
Given the main references you shared, I'd think you already have great cabs & speaker configs available.
If you're not happy with your tone/feel, I'd more into into trying new amps? Even though the 2555SL should be more than ok to me to get the 80's sounds you listed.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

Fwiw you mention wanting to avoid "flub" in one post, and really I could not think of a better speaker to fit that than the EV.

Also, while I am not a big 5150 fan, I can say I never heard my buddies 6505+ sound better than he would bring it over, and plug into my EVM12L loaded halfback cab. It sounded way better to me then his Sheffield loaded 4x12.

It also paired really well with my old KMD XV100SD which was essentially a two channel JCM800 variant with 4 6550 tubes, so very much in the '80s Marshall tone range.

 

[Wayniac3]

What are you trying to change/improve? What are you not happy with today, given all the cabs & speakers you already have?
Given the main references you shared, I'd think you already have great cabs & speaker configs available.
If you're not happy with your tone/feel, I'd more into into trying new amps? Even though the 2555SL should be more than ok to me to get the 80's sounds you listed.

Just variety, and consolidate & get rid of some cabs. Problem is my ear and what I want out of the cabinet changes quite a bit. I no longer play out,. I need Madison Square bedroom levels -so it is ridiculous overkill having all this gear.
Wondering if the CAE 2x12 will sweeten up a bit with the 65's, and if I'll get a better tone out of the 1x12 by ditching the Warehouse veteran.

 

[ChurchHill]

About the only thing I can add is try it and see what you like the best. That and put that EV in that halfback. I've got a MB metal grille 4x12 with 2 EVMs and 2 C90s and it's one of if not the best cab I've ever heard, especially for the sounds you're going for. The Celestion G12-65 is possibly my favorite speaker. And I agree, variety is a good thing, but only when it inspires. Try everything out, decide what you like best, and just play.

 

[Uzi Nein Millimetah]

The original Mesa Mark Metal Grill Cabs:

• EVM12Ls in sealed bottom
• C90s or most any 75 to 100 watt Celestions of the era in the open top

DONE.

 

[mentoneman]

About the only thing I can add is try it and see what you like the best. That and put that EV in that halfback. I've got a MB metal grille 4x12 with 2 EVMs and 2 C90s and it's one of if not the best cab I've ever heard, especially for the sounds you're going for. The Celestion G12-65 is possibly my favorite speaker. And I agree, variety is a good thing, but only when it inspires. Try everything out, decide what you like best, and just play.