Beginner question

[scotty]

Can somebody explain the difference(s) between the San Rafael series and the other Tone Tubbys? I know they are available in both ceramic and alnico. Different cone?

[markT]

I think the San Rafael is just a lower wattage, more economical Tubby...and they are just ceramic as far as I know. I've also never heard one.

[chptunes]

I am hoping Scott (SVVA) will chime-in on this one.. I'd like to know the technical answer too. But, my impression is similar to Mark's.. lower wattage equals less mfg cost.

A Brown Soun does have some Alnico speakers that are in the San Rafael series now.. I had the 8" in a 1x8 sealed cabinet. It was cute and small.. nice solid tone, but small sounding compared to a 10" or 12", or course. Could be very nice as a bedroom cabinet.

Scott has some Alnico San Rafaels on his 8" speaker page, here: svvintageamps.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=21_27

[scottatsvva]

Hi,

Sorry, I don't get a chance to get on here as much as I would like.

First, currently the San Rafael Ceramic is offered in 8", 10" and 12" and the San Rafael AlNiCo is offered in an 8". The SR AlNiCo 10" and 12" are on the near horizen, though I don't have a date yet.

The San Rafael Ceramic is a lower powered, lower priced Hempcone ceramic Tone Tubby speaker with its own unique voicing. Compared to the 40/40 Ceramic 10" and 12", the San Rafael Ceramic 10" and 12" has the same texture and sound as the Ceramic 12", but with maybe a little more emphasis on the mid's and upper-mid's, a bit more "sparkle", just slightly less bottom end, and has a slightly more organic or vintage sound. These have been popular with guys replacing old Oxford or Utah speakers in 1960's Fender amps.

Hope this helps!

Scott
SVVA

[chptunes]

Hey, thanks Scott.. with the lower efficiency, and your description, I'm tempted to put a 10" Ceramic SR in a sealed 1x10 for lower volume tone. A 6db drop should be noticeable, no?..

[scotty]

Thanks Scott!

[markT]

Nice report Scott. Thanks!

[scottatsvva]

I do have one comment to add to the efficiency equation. And that is, in the guitar frequency range, the human ear "hears" the higher frequencies slightly better than we do the lower frequencies. Ever been listening to a band play and notice that the guy with the brighter amp/speaker combination cuts through the band mix better? It's because we simply hear those frequencies better.

We have done quite a few speaker sound tests here using a calibrated sound level meter. And, I can't tell you how many players have been surprised when the "less loud sounding" warmer (e.g. darker) speaker actually measures higher in measured dB's than the "louder sounding" bright speaker that we are comparing it with!

Sometimes this phenomenon can be subtle and sometimes not so subtle. Therefore, it is always best to let you own ears be your guide and listen to the speakers first if you have the opportunity to do so.

If not, then at least keep in mind that while the efficiency number can help you make a better informed choice, it isn't the only criteria to be considered.

Scott
SVVA

[rolandr]

Curious, I'm interested in the H-Bomb combo (40/40 ceramic and H1E red alnico).

But my amp is only 33 watts (MESA Maverick) so I won't need higher wattage handling speakers and is considering San Rafael ceramic and alnico H-Bomb combo.

I do like some speaker breakup so that's not an issue here.

Any comments comparing the two H-bomb combinations? Note: speaker size: 12"

[chptunes]

Hi Roland.. I don't have any personal experience with San Rafael H-Bombs, but I think it'd have to sound awesome with a 30 watt amp. I say give it a shot, and let us know your impressions.

Maybe someone else will chime in here, with a little more insight. Good luck.