Worth upgrading a Peavey cab?

[thebigcheese]

I bought a Peavey Windsor 4x12 cab. If you are wondering why, when I already have two Orange 1x12s, it's because it only cost me $30 for a fully functional cab. Why not? If money were not an issue, I would have gotten an Orange 4x12 instead, as they make some really nice cabs.

Anyway, my current setup is an Orange TH30H into the two 1x12s, which sounds great. The Peavey is fuller (more bass and a little more punch), but less midrange, less brightness/treble and it's maybe a little muddy or just woofy. Is that more a factor of the cabinet or the speakers (or both)? I could put some Vintage 30s in it, which would probably sound better, I'm just wondering if it's worth it. If it makes any difference, I am about to get a Mesa Boogie Roadster head.

PS - I also just got a PRS McCarty for $800. It's been a good week for me!

 

[Lt. Bob]

cabs do matter but to me the speakers are a much bigger part of it when we're talking about a closed back 4x12 cab. I imiagine that 4 V30s would be night and day different than the Peavey speakers in there plus the Windsor line is their moderately priced stuff also so it's probably not even the best Peavey speakers ... a double whammy.

So if you have a desire for a 4x12 I'm pretty sure loading that thing with V30s would transform it.

 

[stevieb]

+1 on Bob. Really, when it comes to cabs, there are only three factors that affect tone: 1) speakers used, 2) interior dim's, and 3) (to a lesser extent,) build material. No reason why a peavey 412 cab couldn't sound like an Orange, or a Marshall, etc. Methinks some people get mezmorized by the badge on the grill...

 

[thebigcheese]

+1 on Bob. Really, when it comes to cabs, there are only three factors that affect tone: 1) speakers used, 2) interior dim's, and 3) (to a lesser extent,) build material. No reason why a peavey 412 cab couldn't sound like an Orange, or a Marshall, etc. Methinks some people get mezmorized by the badge on the grill...

That was what I was trying to figure out. I know that the speakers will impact the tone, as will the dimensions, I just wasn't sure about how much of a role the construction would play in the tone. It seems to be largely the same as any other slanted 4x12 cab and also relatively sturdy. It doesn't look as cool as the Orange cabs, but I can always redo the tolex

 

[homestudioguy]

cabs do matter but to me the speakers are a much bigger part of it when we're talking about a closed back 4x12 cab. I imiagine that 4 V30s would be night and day different than the Peavey speakers in there plus the Windsor line is their moderately priced stuff also so it's probably not even the best Peavey speakers ... a double whammy.

So if you have a desire for a 4x12 I'm pretty sure loading that thing with V30s would transform it.

I tend to agree here!