Cabinet Question

[RKong]

So I am looking for a Marshall 4X12. I am considering a 1960A, but the JMD head runs at 8ohm or 16ohm. The Cab is rated for 4ohm and 16 ohm. Is running at 16ohm quieter? The other option is to buy a used 1960 and change the spekers. What do you guys think?

[surfnorthwest]

Stick with the 1960A cab, the GT12-75s will be a good fit for the JMD giving its high gain on tap (not so much the Vintage Modern). Keep it at 16 ohms, running at 4 ohms won't buy you anything tone wise. I am using a 4x12 of G12H-30s with my JMD/100 and its sounds great.

Welcome to the Forum.

[guitarest]

I have a much older 1960A and it fits quite well under the JMD and it sounds great.

[sunking420]

Does anyone own a MA412 speaker cabinet? I'm thinking of buying the JMD 100 watt head and a MA cab to go with it. I need another cabinet and these are cheap. I have a 1960A with the elephant tolex(1976appx) and a Silver Anniversary 1960B. Both are being used in other set-ups I'm using. So the question is, better to get a 1960 somewhere if I go with the JMD100watt head or pull the trigger on the halfstack with the MA cabinet?

[SteveD]

So I am looking for a Marshall 4X12. I am considering a 1960A, but the JMD head runs at 8ohm or 16ohm. The Cab is rated for 4ohm and 16 ohm. Is running at 16ohm quieter? The other option is to buy a used 1960 and change the spekers. What do you guys think?

There will be no volume difference between 16 and 4 ohms as long as you match the impedance settings correctly between amp and cab.

[RKong]

Thanks Steve. So here's another dilemma.

1. What is the difference between older and newer 1960A cabs?

2. Is it better to buy new or used?

3. Is it better to find a cab cheap, and change the speakers because there are so many options?

4. Has anyone tried multiple all of the above?

My music style is from classic rock to modern metal.

[surfnorthwest]

You can find some good deals on used 1960A cabinets, but the majority of them will show some significant wear and tear. How picky are you on what your gear looks like? A new 1960A can be had for $799 and I would say if you plan on having this cabinet for a long time invest in a new one and take care of it. The advantage of buying used is of course cost and that the speakers will probably be good and broke in. If money is not that big of an issue invest in your cabinet, otherwise be patient and wait for a good deal to come along.

Also you do not want a cheap cabinet, cheap cabinets sound like shit, contruction and materials used in a 4x12 matters. No difference in the older 1960A cabinets to the new ones, however some older ones were not prewired to be operated in stereo.

[guitarest]

A huge difference between old cabs and new is the ohms option and stereo switch on the newer cabs. The problem with older cabs is like buying older sports cars; they are usually beat to hell and back. Many times used items are trash although some times you can get a good deal. You should test the cab prior to purchase; the main hang up on older cabs is they usually have more cosmetic issues than anything else.

[noise5150]

Does anyone own a MA412 speaker cabinet? I'm thinking of buying the JMD 100 watt head and a MA cab to go with it. I need another cabinet and these are cheap. I have a 1960A with the elephant tolex(1976appx) and a Silver Anniversary 1960B. Both are being used in other set-ups I'm using. So the question is, better to get a 1960 somewhere if I go with the JMD100watt head or pull the trigger on the halfstack with the MA cabinet?

The MA cab is $399 new. I know this is a Marshall site, but Id check these guys out too. For the money they can't be beat.
http://www.avatarspeakers.com/

[guitarest]

I hate open back cabs....