Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

[loudriver23]

Of course I can't leave well enough alone, so here is my question.
I have a mesa Mark IV Combo (STD Not Widebody) It currently has the EV Blackshadow speaker in it. It sounds okay, but I've never been all googlie about EV speakers for guitar.
I'm interested in any and all recommendations for a replacement 12" Speaker.
Thanks guys,
Loudriver

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

Not 100% certain of the model number, but an Altec Lansing 12 is what Carlos likes alot. Maybe a Altec 417 8C or something like that?

 

[mrid]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

When I had mine (head version), I used it with a 2x12 loaded with one G12H-30 and one V30. I used the low power setting as well. You might want to check out Eminence for a V30 clone with better power handling.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

british flavor V30 or eminence governor

I think the eminence black powder would sound really nice in that amp too.

 

[loudriver23]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

I looked at the eminence site and noticed most of the speakers are rated at 75 Wrms. The mark IV is rated at 85, they do have a few rated at 120W.
Will a 75 watt speaker do okay by itself in my amp, or should I look for a 120W to be safe?
Loudriver

 

[Metalman_666]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

120w is probably your best bet man

 

[twoheadedboy]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

That depends on what volumes you are using the amp at. If you seldom push it past halfway on the master, you should be fine with a 75 or 85 watt speaker. It's really only running the amp full out into a speaker of approximately the same wattage that would ruin it.

 

[Xeromus]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

That depends on what volumes you are using the amp at. If you seldom push it past halfway on the master, you should be fine with a 75 or 85 watt speaker. It's really only running the amp full out into a speaker of approximately the same wattage that would ruin it.

correct. Based on some of the responses here I realize some of you guys don't understand speaker wattages. You don't have to match the watt rating on the speaker to the wattage on your amp. Lower watt speakers will "break" up sooner than higher wattage ones though. And lower wattage speakers you run the risk of destroying if you crank up your amp. Higher watt speakers can handle more output though.

 

[loudriver23]

Re: Best Speaker for Mesa Mark IV Combo

Would it be safe to say, that a higher watt rated speaker would provide more clean headroom? Or is that just an amp characteristic?
I do rarely push my amp, and based on the volume of the Mark IV I probably never will. I do like the cleans of the Mark IV but would love a speaker with a tighter bottom end, especially on the two higher gain channels.
I'm kind of intrigued by the Eminence speakers, any prefs between the Patriot or the Redcoat series?
Thanks,
Loudriver