Transformers and speakers for Vox amps

[Mark]

As far as 12" speakers go Celestion blues would seem the only choice. However JMI uses Tayden speakers, WGS speakers generally get a good rap too. Then there are the Webers, Scumbacks, Eminences, and Tone Tubby. What do you like?

Transformers, firstly what era do you like and secondly the maker.
As far as I can tell the Mercury Haddon power transformer should produce a B+ of 324VDC, if that is your preferred B+ of course.

Preferred B+ is yet another question. Thoughts, findings and opinions?

[nickt]

Going against all the rules I used a single JBL K120 for years then switched to an EVM12L but that was in 1978... never played a vox with alnico's - must try them one day!

[martins3325]

I have tried.. Blue Reissues, Tayden Alnicos, Emi Red Fangs, Celestion Gold, ASW Elegantes, Fane AXA, Southbay Scumincos, and Original Silvers.

Nothing sounds quite like the originals..but of the newer speakers I listed prefer the Scumnicos by a good margin

[Mark]

Thanks for the reply that's good to know, I haven't seen any demos of the Scumnicos on YouTube which makes me think there hasn't been much enthusiasm surrounding them.

I have heard AC-30's with Greenbacks and I don't like that combination.

[Turret]

I'm not sure what brand of speaker I'll go in my clone - I was thinking about Weber, but after that whole BBQ drama I'm not sure any more.

I know that Heyburn does three era correct replica transformer sets for AC30.

[Mark]

Yeah Weber certainly has its detractors now, Scumback no longer use their parts siting an inconsistency in quality. I have a Weber Silver Ten that sounds fine but the five watt Champ amp is hardly going to be pushing it around too much.

I've not heard of Heyburn before, who are they?

[Turret]

Damn Heyboer transformers

I have nothing against Scumback personally, but I'll pass here too

I'm sure his speakers rock ass, but I was disgusted by that whole semiagressive behavior after he parted with Weber. I'll let both boys play war games and try WGS insteed

[randalp3000]

I have a ac30 copy (hayseed) with a Heyboer output transformer. Even after putting the correct taper bass and treble pots in it as well as some correct value caps I cannot get this amp to not sound harsh and super bright. I have however had very good luck with Hammond vintage spec AC30 output transformers. I also have a set of Magnetic components transformers but haven't tried them yet.

I've been using Celestion Golds for quite awhile and have been very happy. I tried to save some money once with a Webber blue and silver combo. They sounded very dull and quite compared to a Celestion blue/gold set. I have a cab with an AWS Elegante that sounds quite nice but I haven't tried it side to side with a gold yet or gigged with it.

[nickt]

I have a ac30 copy (hayseed) with a Heyboer output transformer. Even after putting the correct taper bass and treble pots in it as well as some correct value caps I cannot get this amp to not sound harsh and super bright.

The little known secret is that the tone controls should start at 100% off with no Cut. Try that. My experience is anything greater than about 20% on either bass or treble is either woofy or harsh (or BOTH! ) These amps are not like Fenders or Marshalls.

[teefus]

weber bbq drama? what did i miss?

[Mark]

Don't ask about the Weber blow up, it basically was around the solid state tube rectifier replacements.

A friend built an AC-30 with Sozo mustards and the styro Wima caps that were originally used he reports that the Sozo's get the thumbs up.

Oh yeah I found a You Tube clip where the original silver backs are compared to the new Blues, they sound nearly identical to many people.

[Blackburn]

I've really enjoyed an ASW Elegante for a few years now. A lot of money, but it's a fantastic AlNiCo speaker for EL84 amps. I haven't heard as many good things about their Absolute model.

For trannies, Edcors are cheap and nice and seem to make most people happy who use them. I have a Vox/TW style PT by them and have yet to use it, but I'm looking forward to it. Heyboer just made me a custom one-off for a very reasonable price and am looking forward to using that one even more. I've since stopped using Mercury Magnetics, but still have a few left.

[solitaire]

I have tried.. Blue Reissues, Tayden Alnicos, Emi Red Fangs, Celestion Gold, ASW Elegantes, Fane AXA, Southbay Scumincos, and Original Silvers.

Nothing sounds quite like the originals..but of the newer speakers I listed prefer the Scumnicos by a good margin

The originals being of course Goodmans...

[Mark]

I've heard the Goodman speakers in an old Australian amp, I was surprised at how good it sounded. I wasn't expecting much.

[solitaire]

I'm not sure what brand of speaker I'll go in my clone - I was thinking about Weber, but after that whole BBQ drama I'm not sure any more.

Of course Weber didn't create the drama, they were swept away by it. There are always at least two parties in any drama and often the cause of the drama may not be so clear.

The creator of the drama, wouldn't that more likely be the party who has the most to gain from stirring things up don't you think? I wonder who that may be, but you may have some ideas.