There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

[ratherdashing]

... which is good because I need one!

Back story:

I have a Mesa Stiletto Ace. I find it likes Vintage 30's best so far, but to be fair I haven't run it through a lot of different speakers (so far just V30's and G12T75's). I've run it through a Rectifier 2x12 and it was very balanced and powerful, but maybe a bit too bassy. I like a good chunky low end, but it has to be well balanced in proportion to the other frequencies. I have found the low end on a Marshall cab is just right, but the Stiletto does not play nice with G12T75's. I've also tried it through an Avatar vintage cab, which is open back with two V30's. It had a great top end and nice mids, but the low-end chunk was not there.



Currently on CL, the following are for sale (there are more, but these are the ones I'd be interested in):

- Genz Benz G-Flex 2x12 w. mystery Genz Benz speakers (two of them)
- Engl 2x12 Pro horizontal w. two V30's
- Avatar 2x12 open back w. V30 and G12H30


I'm leaning towards the Engl, but I'm open to opinions from everyone. Please chime in if you have experience with these cabs or my amp. Thanks.

 

[Jay 77]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

I just ordered an Avatar 2x12, closed back w/v30's and it's heaven. Can't speak for the others though.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

I just ordered an Avatar 2x12, closed back w/v30's and it's heaven. Can't speak for the others though.

Cool. What's your amp?

 

[Jay 77]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

Cool. What's your amp?

Valveking 100 head. The sucker's loud....had the cops come to a party last weekend. It was awesome.

 

[Rowan]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

I love my avatar but I don't know if you'd want an open back. I'd go with the ENGL, they are supposed to some real solid cabs.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

FWIW:
The Genz-benz speakers in the Flex cab are (if I remember correctly) the same as I have in my El Diablo combo... they do sound very good for that amp...

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

Personally, I'm a fan of matching cabs, just because it makes it a nice matching set.
If the head is pure tolex, it makes less of a difference, but if your head has grillcloth, I'd say definitely get the matching cab. Most likely, it's already voiced somewhat to the amp too. Yeah, it'll cost more, but it's your main rig. It may as well be a matching set.

 

[ratherdashing]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

Personally, I'm a fan of matching cabs, just because it makes it a nice matching set.
If the head is pure tolex, it makes less of a difference, but if your head has grillcloth, I'd say definitely get the matching cab. Most likely, it's already voiced somewhat to the amp too. Yeah, it'll cost more, but it's your main rig. It may as well be a matching set.

Good points. FYI, the Stiletto is all tolex with a gold panel.

I'm kind of this mind, but we're talking about $350 difference in price. Besides, the Engl and Genz Benz cabs look pretty sweet.

The Stiletto cabs are basically Marshall-sized as opposed to the Rectifier cabs that are really big.

 

[FamousForSustain]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

If you want the low end chunk along with some of the characteristics of the open back Avatar, The G-Flex would probably be best IF you put in V30's. If you'd rather not bother, go ENGL, but it probably won't beat the Benz for chug.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

The Genz Benz would probably be the one I'd check out first, mostly because it has a big sound, but also because it has it's own signature look. It'll look more customized to the Mesa rig, rather than look like 2 brands pushed together. Either way....for me, I don't like 2 different grill cloths, but that's just a cosmetic issue. It's easier to match it up if the head is pure tolex like yours is.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: There are a lot of 2x12's on Vancouver CL right now

Genz Benz... they are great. I have an earcandy buzzbomb, which is similar. Ported 2x12s have a nice chunk and a sound that spreads better imho. Next would be the ENGL. Avatar makes great stuff, but if you can pick up one of the other two for less than a new avatar that is def. what I would do.