Best Replacement Speaker for JMD102?

[metallihorsemen]

Hi everyone!

First of all, just want to say its a pleasure to be joining this forum. Have been following it a lot the last couple of months and its been fun reading all the topics.

Just acquired a Used JMD102 through guitar center and have been very pleased with it. Love the sounds I could get with it. However, I've been reading that many people change their stock speakers for something more of quality. Been looking into it but don't know what to change it to. Since the JMD102 comes with 2 speakers, I was wondering if I could only be able replace 1 of the speakers in it... If so, which one should I replace out? Would the sound improve only replacing one of the speakers? My musical tastes range from Guns N Roses, Michael Schenker, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Yngwie Malmsteen etc.

I have been considering the Celestion Classic Lead 80, G12t-75 or Vintage 30.. But don't know which to go for. Have been thinking of replacing only 1 speaker but if its worth it, I'll replace both.
What do you guys think?

I appreciate it in advance!! Thanks!

[surfnorthwest]

Do not use the G12T75, with the versitility of the JMD the other two match up better.

You need at least a 50 watt speaker so either of the other two will work. Highly recommend the Classic lead 80 here over the Vin30. If you have the money buy one of each.

Welcome to the Roadhouse.

[metallihorsemen]

Do not use the G12T75, with the versitility of the JMD the other two match up better.

You need at least a 50 watt speaker so either of the other two will work. Highly recommend the Classic lead 80 here over the Vin30. If you have the money buy one of each.

Welcome to the Roadhouse.

Thanks surfnothwest!

Right now, i can only buy 1 speaker. Which speaker in the JMD102 do you suggest replacing for a Classic Lead 80?

[surfnorthwest]

Either, your ears and taste. Tone is always so subjective but that speaker is an improvment.

[Woodhead]

The stock speakers didn't sound too bad . I upgraded mine with better ones shortly after buying it . I don't think you could go wrong with any of those choices . Between the EQ and presence controls , any of them will rock . Congrats on the new amp and welcome to the forum !

[TwinACStacks]

What you are generally looking for is a speaker with a fairly flat response curve, so as NOT to color the various modeling tones. I recommend, (since there are more modern tones on this amp than Vintage), the GT-65 Celestion or the More affordable and JUST as Good WGS clone. These particularly sound killer with the 800 and DSL models.

JMHO

TWIN

[ShredRex5150]

I agree the stock speakers weren't that bad, but dropped in 2 V30s a few months back and could not be happier with my JMD102. I get people asking me all the time..."all you are using is that Marshall"? Yup it is all I need and it sounds killer :)

[metallihorsemen]

Thanks for all your replies! I just ordered a Used Celestion Classic Lead 80 12" speaker. Will have to do with only 1 speaker now since I just got back from vacation and spent a bunch in Mexico. Very excited to give it a try with the new JMD

Thanks again

[Voyager0606]

I have a 100 watt combo. I replaced my stock speakers with Eminence Speakers. Make sure you order the 16 ohm speakers, I ordered a 16 ohm Wizard, and a 16 ohm Swamp Thang. This combo will give you a lot of versatility, I also replaced my cabinet because of the poor quality of the original. I made a pine cabinet with T & G edges. I also replaced the original EL34s with a matched set of JJs EL34. I can honestly say this is one of the best amps I have ever played through. Though I would not recommend this amp be used for road use. It does make a great studio amp.

[Wildone]

Let us know how you like that classic lead 80, I think giving its power and range it would be a nice match in the JMD1.

[TwinACStacks]

I really like 65's with it.

TWIN

[MrIcee]

Do not use the G12T75, with the versitility of the JMD the other two match up better.

You need at least a 50 watt speaker so either of the other two will work. Highly recommend the Classic lead 80 here over the Vin30. If you have the money buy one of each.

Surf,

I recently purchased an older 1960A cab with the G12T75's to go with the JMD 100 watt head. I have been tossing round buying 2 older Vintage 30's to install in an X pattern with 2 of the G12T75's as many have done and rave about the sound.

You have piqued my interest with your recommendation of the Classic lead 80's. Not having heard them, I wonder if they would be an alternative to the V30's in the X pattern to produce the best of both speakers worlds for the JMD in the 1960A cab. Any and all comments and opinions are appreciated.

BTW, I have owned ALOT of amps and cabs over the past 40 years, you know, always looking for THE sound. Finally landed my first Marshall stack(JMD) and am just elated at just how good this amp is....tremendously versatile in it's ability to re-create all the best Marshall tones.

Best regards,
Randi

[Cadblaster]

I've got cabs with V30's and classic lead 80's that I use with the JMD.
Overall I like the 80's. Good all round neutral tone, that allows you to take advantage of the variety of tones you can get out the JMD. One thing I really like about them is they don't change tone much at different volume levels. I.E. I can set up a patch at bedroom level, and it sounds the same cranked on stage.

[MrIcee]

I've got cabs with V30's and classic lead 80's that I use with the JMD.
Overall I like the 80's. Good all round neutral tone, that allows you to take advantage of the variety of tones you can get out the JMD. One thing I really like about them is they don't change tone much at different volume levels. I.E. I can set up a patch at bedroom level, and it sounds the same cranked on stage.

Cadblaster,

Thanks so much for the insight. As I mentioned earlier, I was considering 2 Vintage 30's in an X with 2 of the G12T75's which seems to be popular. My question would be, would the Classic Lead 80's be possibly a better combo in the same X configuration with G12T75's, or would you be leaning towards changing out all 4 speakers?

I really don't have issue with the G12T75's:just trying to add/blend another dimension of Celestion
sound to the cab. Thanks !

Randi

[Cadblaster]

I know a lot of people like the G1275's but their not my favorite with the JMD. To my ears the JMD is a bright amp, and combined with the 75's is an icepick on the top end.
If you decide to mix speakers, beware that V30's have a high SPL rating(I.E Loud), so most speaker you mix them with,, your only going to hear the V30.

What sounds best ?? Only you can answer that one