I hope you guys don't mind these 'versus' threads. I'm about to order a new cab 2x12 from Zilla cabs for my Matamp 1224. I've spoken to Paul at length (great guy, extremely helpful) and after describing to him the tone I'm after (not too harsh, smooth) he's recommended me the Creambacks. On the flipside, Matamp recommended the G12T-100s to me which is their stock speaker for their cabs. I have tried V30s but am not ultra keen on them, and have also tried the G12T-100s and have found them more to my liking.
However, I used a Fender HRD with Century Vintage speakers when recording our album earlier this year and was blown away by how much better they sounded compared to the stock speakers in my HRD - which are Celestion G12P-80s I believe. The Century Vintage speakers are, apparently, remarkably light (being Neodymium magnets), but are considerably more expensive. In the long run, portability is not the biggest obstacle but it's always nice when things aren't back-breakingly heavy right? Is it worth the extra money?
I wondered if you wise folks could weigh in on this. It's hopelessly difficult trying to compare these things. Speakers is not an area that I know much about so any light shone upon this conundrum would be gratefully received.
Comments
Given the higher power handling it's probable that the Creamback is tighter in the bass than the Greenback - in which case it should be a very good speaker.
The Century Vintage is clearer in the high end, but without the harshness of something like a V30.
Just to complicate the issue, another alternative might be the reissue G12-65. I've currently got one in a 1 x12 which I like. Again, it doesn't have the harshness of the V30, and it just seems to be a well balanced speaker. After going through a G12H 30, Greenback, Century Vintage, V30 and G12T-75 in that cab I seem to have settled on the G12-65.
Having said that, you definitely won't go wrong with a Creamback, and the guys at Zilla would know their stuff. There are speaker shootouts on Youtube. They are not perfect. You have the usual caveats about sound quality, but they do give a good idea of the different flavours. The ones I saw didn't have some of the more recent offerings like the Creamback though.
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I'd go for the G12T-100 or Creamback, depending on budget.
I also use the G12T-100 as a stock speaker. Having heard them up against other speakers when I was working at Matamp, I haven't found anything else yet that has the right combination of neutrality without being bland, power rating and price. I've A/B'd them with other speakers in identical cabs and the same amp, and find them like a very slightly less middy Greenback.
It's an excellent base for any amp, and allows the colour of an amp to dominate the sound, rather than having too much of it's own voice. However, it won't add much to a bland amp.
I've not had much experience with the Creamback, but bear in mind there are 2 versions, M and H magnet. Knowing Celestion, I'd agree with @ICBM and be happy to buy either one knowing pretty much what it will sound like.
If you want a Neo speaker, I recommend the Jensen Neo 12-100. While it won't set the world on fire, it's a good sounding speaker with no flaws, light as a feather and quite cheap. I'd be happy to have a pair of those in my 2x12, and my back would thank me!
V30s are a marmite speaker, I like them mixed with something else to stop them dominating the tone. I use a V30 with an oldish Fane Blue, in isolation neither are amazing but together they're great.
Not a fan of century vintages.
Both cream backs are nice, the V-type ain't bad either. Alnico Gold with a Creamback would be nice.
There's no negative feedback in that amp, as with most of the Matamps so speakers will render different results to what you're used to. You'll hear more of the speaker character.