FWIW (I own both Orange and Mesa cabs);
Mesa V30s are made out of different materials using different methods than the Chinese ones. When you look at them side by side it’s really obvious. The alloys are different, the Mesa are machined while the Chinese are cast, different glue, etc.
The Chinese ones have a stronger, higher midrange spike. I prefer them with more mid gain amps (80s Marshall’s) where the aggressive spike gives more edge to the distortion. It’s a great match for something darker, like an Orange AD30 or Thunderverb. I hate them with amps that have more top end, like a Rectifier.
The Mesas are darker and smoother sounding without the upper mid spike. I prefer them with high gain amps where they help smooth out the fizz.
The Marshall V30 is even brighter than the generic Celestion V30.
Further, the 16ohm V30s used in the Recto 2x12 have more top and bottom end than the 8ohm V30s used in the Recto 4x12, which roll the top/bottom end off a bit more and present a more rounded midrange. IMO, the 16ohm is good for making a smaller cab sound bigger while the 8ohm produces that tailored midrange that Mesa cabs are known for.
Long story short, not all Vintage 30s are the same.
