I'm building a new 2 X 12 cabinet, and I'm thinking of loading it with an Invader 50, and a Retro 30. I'm looking for a reasonable ammount of headroom, and a rich, woody tone. Will this pairing get me in the ballpark, or is there another set of speakers that would work better? I use relatively low wattage amps, from 18 to 40 watts, so this pair should handle more than twice the power I'll throw at it. Any thoughts?
Thoughts on Invader pairing
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Man ... what you are saying points me to an ET65 (or ET90) and a Reaper (or Reaper HP).
I actually got to try the invader, retro 30, pair in a friend's cabinet. With a JTM45 clone, these are smokin!!! I'm going to stick with the original idea, and probably build another cab for the ET65 and Reaper pair. I run a Dumble style, 40 watt head (built myself, from a modified AB763 Super Reverb circuit), and a Budda, Superdrive 18 head, through cabinets of my own design (semi open back, with open handle cutouts. Absolutely great! you can't tell where the source of the sound is in the room. It fills the room without being overbearing in any position you're standing.) I run them simultaneously, and often in stereo. I like the idea of completely different tone from each of the cabinets. It's truly inspiring!
Just an update on the Retro 30/Invader pairing. They work incredibly well together! Really rich, full tone, with enough "woody" character to make it right to my ear. I use these with my Budda SD18, running NOS Mullard ECC83s and a pair of NOS, RCA 7189s in the power section. Don't let anyone tell you "there is no difference in the sound of new, and vintage 12AX7s." The old Amperex and Mullard tubes have a dimensional quality to them that you won't find in any other tubes. This thing is a monster! The WGS speakers are the best I've ever used, and I can't wait till they get some break in time! I have several original EV12L, and EV12M speakers, and they sound sterile in comparison. I'm anxious to try all the versions of the Reaper, ET65/90, all the Blackhawks, Liberator, Veteran 30 and Green Beret. Not necessarily in that order. I may try just running a pair of Invaders in one 2X12 and a pair of Retro 30s in another. They're my favorite speakers in a 40 year "quest for tone".
Bottom line: The Invader and Retro 30 are an excellent pairing!