Hi Vaughan and WGS,
I've had an eye opening experience in combining speakers with my Deluxe. The Deluxe has upgraded transformers and is currently running RCA 6L6's, and an ET65 that I really like.
The sound of the ET65 is smooth, generally warm, but really well balanced. My Strats and Telecasters all sound great through it. If there was a weakness, it is that there isn't a lot of focused punch. I really though that was driven by the amp itself, and have played with tubes, etc. time after time to make sure I understood it.
I also have a Retro 30 that I have done little with, because when I first tried it, I really thought it was lacking. In the interim, I've done a ton to the amp, upgraded transformers, caps, etc. So I put the Retro in an extension, plugged it in, and had my mind blown...
I cannot believe the difference the mids made. My guitars sound radically different. The bridge/middle sounds like I've never heard. punchy, tight, and just dripping with midrange harmonics. Open chords are stunning; full, rich, and with great string definition.
While this doesnt' perfectly fit my playing style, it is really incredible. I have really underestimated the impact of the right combination, and will be experimenting with some more.
Thanks!
Chris
The ET65 / Ret 30 combo is about as perfect as the laws of physics allow!