V-4 4x12" Speaker Replacements

[Liquids]

Hi everyone!

I'll make this quick: anyone have any great recommendations for speaker replacements for an Ampeg V-4 cabinet? I play an early 70's V-4 and a V-2 through it and would like to maximize the sound from those amps through it. It's currently loaded with some later 70's Celestions that really limit the tone from these amps. I have another V-4 4x12" cab with the stock Altec 417 speakers that just rip! I'm looking for something similar to the Altecs in flat eq and power, but at a way more affordable price.

Any suggestions? I heard that Weber California's with the paper cones were a suitable match.

Thanks in advance!

I'm a big fan of the Swamp Thang speakers from Eminence. High power (150 each), very efficient (max clean volume) larger than usual ceramic magnet, 2" voice coil (bigger than most 1.75" guitar, but not 3 or 4" like some other speakers). This means big, extended lows like the Ampeg produces, and clean, but not harsh highs are both present.

For a less hi-fi sound--the Swamp Thang has extended lows and highs, though not harsh highs--the Texas Heat speaker is similar, but uses a 2" voice coil, but a smaller mag for a bit less efficiency, less low lows, and darker highs. Someone did a good youtube a/b with those two.

The Eminence legend EM12 might be a good alternative to those--probably darker, some similar specs, but Eminence doesn't really clone--they do their own thing with any speaker they start with and shoot for something similar to...some spec differences there, but it uses a "Edge wound aluminum voice coil" as does the 417, etc. Larger magnet, somewhat smaller voice coil than the Altec though. The commonwealth seems to be their take on the widely used EV speaker. That's not even touching the British side of their guitar line, or all the other variants. Something in there might do it for you. I like the youtube speaker comparisons Rivera posted a while back--helps get an idea about a few 'common' speakers and the like, with some nasty speaker options in there as well (IMO).

You can't really go wrong with a Weber speaker, but you pay for it, and wait for it...and it's harder to know (IMO) what you'll get. They are more likely to attempt exact clones of stuff (if you know the right dust cap, doping, etc to look for), but if not, Ted always spoke well of Eminence's stuff and it's more affordable.

Have fun finding the right speakers for you!