Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

C

Christmas.tree

New member
So my Marshal DSL100H just arrived the other day and I'm still in need of a good cab.
I can only spend about $300, and I've heard the matched MX212 is not very good.
The cab would be used for small-medium size gigs and band practice.
Any ideas?
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

I would shoot with a used avatar with vintage 30's. they have a ongoing sale with an all black avatar cab brand new with vintage 30s for $400 I think. Is it possible to save another $100?

I used to have a TSL, don't cheap out too much on the speakers, they make or break the amp.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Carvin
brand new $279
Open/close back convertible
Built like a tank



*(Sent from my durned phone!)*
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

I like a lot of Carvins stuff. I was looking at that Carvin cab when I bought my 2x12. I think it was $299 when I was looking. I didn't see any speaker options besides V30's or GT12's but I never did call them. I wasn't interested in V30's or GT12's for that cab. The V30's are an additional cost and bring it closer to $400.
I got a pretty good deal on an Avatar 2X12 with the convertible back option and their 12" Alnico + a G12H30. A good bit below the listed website price (but closer to $400 than $300). That cab is loud and a much different flavor than my 4x12's which was what I was looking for. Give Dave at Avatar a call. At least see what he can do for you.

I've never used one but Seismic Audios smaller cabs are supposed to be decent. They are 1/2 ply but the 2X12's are $139 shipped. You could come in under $300 with that cab and some WGS speakers or used Celestions. I'd probably come up with another $100 or buy used if I knew what I was looking for.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Christmas.tree said:
So my Marshal DSL100H just arrived the other day and I'm still in need of a good cab.
I can only spend about $300, and I've heard the matched MX212 is not very good.
The cab would be used for small-medium size gigs and band practice.
Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Not good in what aspect? I am using one with my DSL100H right now and it sounds fine. For the price it is a great bang for your buck cab. I also have a JCM 900 cab but bought this cab for the sames reason as you, rehearsals and smaller venues.

CGwQXr4UYAAL8JY.jpg:large
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Another vote for the Carvin 2x12 with their "British 12s" (I'm guessing it's Carvin's take on the Celestion - Union Jack on the magnet). Clear and articulate at higher volumes, even with a 100w head. I used mine with a Fender RocPro 1000 head (100w) and had no trouble being heard.

With my JCM800 head, it rattles the lights in the ceiling (as well as the fluid in my eyes, making it impossible to tweak the amp when there's sound coming out of it because I can't see anything :lol: )
Only trouble is I can't get those scooped Puppets tones with a TripleRec head, there's just too much mids to scoop out.

The cab I have is an older one, from their discontinued MTS line (at least, last I looked) but I think it was replaced by/renamed for the X100B resurrection.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

I don't know where you live, but I see great deals everyday on my local Craigslist.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Speaking of local cabs - there's a diezel 2 x 12 on CL here for $475. Too much for a v30 cab imo but definitely better deal than new!
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

DankStar said:
Speaking of local cabs - there's a diezel 2 x 12 on CL here for $475. Too much for a v30 cab imo but definitely better deal than new!
Click to expand...

That is a good deal for a Diezel. I've never played one. In fact, I may have never even seen one. Always wondered what could make a 2x12 with V30's cost over a grand. Even with a proprietary cabinet design, and the best plywood there is nothing that makes a wooden box that size worth anywhere near $1000 +. I was in the wrong business. I should have set up shop to build boutique cabinets!
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

If you're looking for a good 2x12 cabinet, look for a Jet City 2x12. They are getting hard to find, but I think they are the best sounding cabinets for the money. I lay my on its side so I can reach the amp head easier. Plus some models have an XLR output, so you won't have to mic up the cabinet. Last feature is the cabinet is convertable. It can be completely closed back or be turned into an open back cabinet. Bought mine used for $200.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Jet City JCA24S. I love mine. It's solid wood, not MDF or particle board, and the speakers are by Eminence.

I couldn't find a new one for sale right now but here's a used one.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Jet-City-Amplification-Used-Jet-City-Amplification-2000s-JCA24S-Soldano-2X12-Black-Guitar-Cabinet-110974347-i4223094.gc?country=us&currency=usd&isfullsite=1&source=4WWRWXGP&gclid=CLnH__GoisYCFdgGgQodZ4wAAw&kwid=productads-plaid^129731015082-sku^110974347@ADL1U@ADL4GC-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^66736785762
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Demanic said:
View attachment 64379
For $299 loaded with Celestion Lead 80's http://www.gregsproaudio.com/products/g212st-bc-cl80-guitar-speaker-cabinet-w-celestion-classic-80-speakers
Click to expand...

That's a good deal. But it reminds me of an MTX car audio subwoofer box from the 1980's. :D Functional but fugly.
But if just getting the job done is all that matters and the Classic Lead 80's fit the bill, it should work great. The Celestions alone, new, are what? 150 bucks each? Yep, a real good deal. Even if the cab was a total piece of ship, you only paid full retail for the speakers.
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

View attachment 64384
Excuse the photo if it's flipped, my tablet doesn't like taking pictures for some reason? Anyway, the Ibanez TS30 2X12 is flipping amazing for the price! $300 new with free shipping, 2 Celestion Seventy/80's for a total pwr. rating of 160W, & it's not made out of tone sucking fiber board! It's a real Birch cabinet! Mine is very well made & actually quite light for its size! I'm not crazy about the color, the whole white thing, but I still would have paid twice as much for the same cab! It sounds unbelievable & you can definitely put the screws to it & it holds up just fine!!! I'm probably going to replace the speakers with Creambacks some time soon, just because I like them & they are a little bit more appropriate for the head I'm useing with it, but the stock Seventy/80's sound great right out of the box! Nice & crisp, & they'll do clean stuff & dirty stuff equally well!!! Last I knew Sweetwater still had some for the same price & with free shipping, dealing with them is always nice because you can return anything you don't like with no questions asked???
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Securb said:
Not good in what aspect? I am using one with my DSL100H right now and it sounds fine. For the price it is a great bang for your buck cab. I also have a JCM 900 cab but bought this cab for the sames reason as you, rehearsals and smaller venues.

CGwQXr4UYAAL8JY.jpg:large
Click to expand...


I have the vertical slant version of this cab too and think after comparing to other more expensive cabs, that the bad rep of MDF with 70/80's is exaggerated for sound or the reviewers have aversions to eq's (not going to say anything about construction or durability). I have to tone down treble a little, but the way my amp and guitars are setup, they have an abundance of mids already and the cab sounds decent. Its not gonna sound like a cab with $200 speakers but then it only cost $279 and suits me well. Also works just fine for lower volumes and thats where I'm usually playing these days. It never leaves the house either, so don't care if it has survivability hauling around to clubs because I don't do that anymore and haven't in over a decade.

I do plan an upgrade on speakers someday to some G12 century's with neodymium and see if I can shave off ten pounds and still have a good sound. I do have to ocassionally move it to vacuum and such. I'm not into lifting any heavy stuff after several back injuries. It's already a conservative 50 lbs, so if I can bring it to 40 lbs, I'll be pleased as punch. I like the vertical slant for projecting into my face sitting in front or standing in front and doing my living room rocker thing.

:)
 
Re: Best 2x12 cabinet for around $300?

Wormhelmet said:
I have the vertical slant version of this cab too and think after comparing to other more expensive cabs, that the bad rep of MDF with 70/80's is exaggerated for sound or the reviewers have aversions to eq's (not going to say anything about construction or durability). I have to tone down treble a little, but the way my amp and guitars are setup, they have an abundance of mids already and the cab sounds decent. Its not gonna sound like a cab with $200 speakers but then it only cost $279 and suits me well.
:)
Click to expand...


I totally agree with you. I lent this cab to a total tone freak friend last weekend for a gig and he was blown away by it. I wouldn't call this guy a cork sniffer but he has an amazing ear. He is getting ready to buy one because he is sick of dragging his 4x12 around. I don't get the deal about MDF. In a blind test I doubt there are too many people that can tell the difference between MDF, pine and birch. The Celestion Seventy 80 speakers are more than serviceable. I couldn't see dropping another $500 for the high end Marshall.
 
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