Same as Celstion Gold - but cheaper?

[tubesornothing]

I love the Celestion Gold speaker - a lot.  So do the guys around here.  But the darn thing is just too expensive.  Has anyone come across a replacement for this speaker, that sounds the same but is  cheaper?


thanks
ToN

[FYL]

Emi Red Coat Red Fang (was a steal at it's previous price, now costs only a little bit less than a Celestion Gold), Weber Blue Dog ($195).

I've heard good things about the Warehouse Speakers BlackHawk but never tried or even seen one.

[markvalluzzi]

The Weber Silver Bell.  It's built right here in the USA !

[HotBluePlates]

I think I've listened to sound clips of the Celestion Gold, and nothing sounds exactly like it. The Celestion Blue, Weber Blue Dog and Weber Silver Bell are all close but slightly different. Don't know about the Red Fang.

EDIT: Couple of good shootouts, here and here.

Only downside is the metal tones, but that probably does give you a good idea of the overall frequency response of each speaker. Doesn't tell you want will sound best with your amp though...

[jojokeo]

I had the 12" gold and ended up selling it. I tried it in a couple of different amps including a Mesa Boogie Mark IV and it sounded horrible in that amp. I had to put the original back in that one. I think since I rarely use amps more than 20 or so watts that I just didn't push the cone enough to get the true sound and performance out of it. It didn't at all seem very chimey like the Blue does and it didn't do heavy overdrive very well that I could tell either. Maybe it wasn't broken in enough too? Who knows? I do however have the gold 10" and that one is right there w/ the blue but it's not chimey like the blue either. But paired with my Dumblewatt amp it's a higher gain monster plus does the 18watt tone beautifully too.
I'm just throwing out my experience, opinions, and thoughts hoping to help.