So I have a custom built Zilla 2x12 cabinet which is basically very similar to a Bogner 2x12 OS or the Diezel 2x12 cab. I was using the cabinet with a brighter sounding Hot-Rod Marshall style amp earlier and had no problems with the speakers. I have now moved on to a darker sounding amplifier and find that the cabinet (or rather the speakers) could have a brighter, more cutting tone to them and an even tighter low end. I was recommended a front-loaded cabinet by the amp manufacturer for a more aggressive and tighter sound but I'd rather just try changing the speakers as it is a wonderful cabinet already.
I mostly play metal and hard rock so I was thinking the Retro 30s would have a nice and cutting sound with all that mid-range push. But I'm still thinking if I should do a mix of two different speakers and a Retro/Veteran combo might be interesting since both are a variation of the V30 speaker which to me is the definition of a speaker that not only has balls but can still cut in a mix. The current speakers are Eminence Governor/Man O War and I have to be a bit careful with the bass and depth dials on my amp for the low end to not get a bit too boomy. Now the Veteran is apparently a darker sounding speaker so would I be better off just going for two Retro 30s rather than the mix of Retro/Veteran? How about a Retro/Invader mix? I wouldn't want the tone to be too harsh either if I want to do a smoother, more modern sound...
Thanks!
"...the speakers) could have a brighter, more cutting tone to them and an even tighter low end"
Man, that' prety much dead-on with how I would describe the Ret 30's ... so I'd probably say go with two of them ... the one Vet 30 would move the top-end focus down a tad bit (from about 3.5k to 2.5k) ... and would take away a tiny bit of bottom ... which may or may not be a good thing for you.
I have Invader/Reaper HP combined in a 2X12.
I only play low volumes, right now. (Wife won't leave house..)
The sound doesn't seem complimentary to my ears. Maybe I still need to break them in. It sounds like 2 distinct tones coming from Cab. I'm not sure this is a great thing. I like both sounds.
First I had Cab flat. Now it stands on side. I have Invader on Top, Reaper on bottom. I may soon flip.