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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: Speaker comparisons  (Read 7486 times)

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Offline davidwpack

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Speaker comparisons
« on: July 15, 2019, 03:31:30 pm »
Ey! If there were a speaker that you really liked the sound of but wanted a higher quality version of it, what should I look at? Just try to match all the numbers as closely as possible? Or.... asked another way, does anyone know of something comparable to a Jenson Jet C12/50 FA except better? I feel like this question is very, very stupid but I've gotten speakers in the past that weren't quite what I expected. Thanks!

Offline shooter

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2019, 04:10:48 pm »
I "shopped" for mine by playing 1 amp through 10-12 other ppls cabs.  took the "best 2 speakers", for me, and filled the holes in my 2 X12.  Never looked back
Went Class C for efficiency

Offline davidwpack

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2019, 05:11:45 pm »
Most people I know have combos so I can't sample them in a closed back. I don't mind the Jenson Jet. I really like the way it sounds. I was just curious if there was any room for improvement.

Offline 1blueheron

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2019, 03:11:35 pm »
Ey! If there were a speaker that you really liked the sound of but wanted a higher quality version of it, what should I look at? Just try to match all the numbers as closely as possible? Or.... asked another way, does anyone know of something comparable to a Jenson Jet C12/50 FA except better? I feel like this question is very, very stupid but I've gotten speakers in the past that weren't quite what I expected. Thanks!

You need to clarify what you mean by "higher quality" version.  If you know the model #of the speaker you like, you may be able to get a spec sheet from the manufacturer.  A freq. response graph will be shown of the speakers output, typically measured in an an-echoic chamber at 1 meter using 1 watt of power.  From this test they also derive the speakers efficiency rating.  You are looking for a speaker with the same frequency response if you want it to sound the same.  If you want it to be louder, then go for a more efficient speaker (ie 92db SPL @1w/1m is more efficient/louder than 90db SPL @1w/1m).

If you want it to handle more power, you would typically look for a speaker with a larger or more powerful magnet structure or a larger voice coil. 

What features are you looking for specifically?  Cast basket, specific cone material, higher power handling, etc.

your Jensen speaker spec sheet can be found here https://www.jensentone.com/specification-sheet/7

Look at the graph and listen to the sound clips.  Then compare with other Jensen speakers and see if anything matches.  If not you can check out Weber, Eminence, Celestion, etc. by comparing the freq. response sheets.

Make sure the suspension is designed for the same application.   Should get you close.

Offline Ed_Chambley

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2019, 12:03:49 pm »
Sounds like they compare and desire it to compare with a G12M.  Literature speaks of "green" compliant which "somehow" has something beneficial.  Other than that, I can tell you what I know about speakers.  If you want something to hold together and only hear tube or pedal overdrive, the EV12L will accomplish this with little compression.  JBL Ceramics very similar, but have slightly higher resonance.


Great Cleans.  I really like Altec 417, but are no longer made.  You can still get them.  These are alnico, meaning they will compress, but not easily.  They are 93db and will tame a 100 watt has like a Super lead, and now you know what I have with my Super Lead Marshall.  I like certain tones made famous and this is the Randy Rhodes tone and Carlos Santana.  Not the best, but nothing is.  What are you trying to get.


I have an AC15 Head, Built here of course.  It needs a high efficiency speaker that is not full range.  I prefer a Celestion blue here.  Sometimes Beatle sounding, sometimes Tom Petty, but always familiar.


Fender Super Reverb, I have 3.  I believe 2 Weber Ceramic bottom 10F125, no dope and 2 Weber 10A125 in the top with light dope sound like a super should.  All opinion of course.


Then there is the Vintage 30 Celestial, and you have heard this speaker a lot.  Full sound compared to a Greenback.  Very common to see this speaker in a 2 x 12 running to the cleaner side.  I have cab with them, but I have never known anyone to use them for a long time.  Seems players get tired of them easily. 


Then the old JBL Alnico JBL D120 with the F designation generally means aluminum dust cap.  They are available without aluminum.  It will make them a little brighter, but it really can be great as well.  I like both, but this is my type of speaker.  I sort of lean to the Altec 417 with single coils and JBL with Humbuckers.  They do not perform well together!


What is you tone?





Offline davidwpack

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #5 on: August 25, 2019, 07:49:22 am »
Ended up getting a Celestion Redback and a Weber Black Shuck. They're still breaking in but already sound phenomenal. Very clean with a lot of low and highs. Not too mid-y at all. I think I've always had a problem with the way I hear a lot of mids. If there's a lot it usually has a propensity to sound like garbage to me. I think I'll probably stick with high powered speakers as these both sound very pleasant to me. I recommend.

Offline Ed_Chambley

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #6 on: August 26, 2019, 08:37:05 am »
Ended up getting a Celestion Redback and a Weber Black Shuck. They're still breaking in but already sound phenomenal. Very clean with a lot of low and highs. Not too mid-y at all. I think I've always had a problem with the way I hear a lot of mids. If there's a lot it usually has a propensity to sound like garbage to me. I think I'll probably stick with high powered speakers as these both sound very pleasant to me. I recommend.
The Redback I am very familiar with and has a SPL of 100, but I couldn't find the SPL for the Weber.  Did you?

Offline davidwpack

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Re: Speaker comparisons
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2019, 08:01:59 am »
No, I didn't but it seems to be louder than my other speaker cabs after getting it broke in some. I have turned down quite a bit with a it.

 


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