small cab - 1x12, 2x10, 2x12?

[gwEm]

i have just invested in a 1watt valve head, and i'm needing a nice cab to go with it for recording and playing at home. so i'm sounding out for advice :)

size is a concern, so i was thinking about a 1x12... however these seem to be extremely bad value for money, considering a celestion vintage 30 can be had for around 50 quid.

i just wondered if anyone has experience with the marshall AVT112, marshall 1920, or the laney 112? they seem to be the most realistically priced, but sadly have not the vintage 30 i was thinking of. but maybe they sound cool anyway? a sensitive speaker would be an advantage with 1watt.

or maybe i should think of another configuration, like a 2x10 or even a 2x12 (even if a 2x12 might be a bit big physically for my flat)

the alternative would be to build something myself, but i'm not really into carpentry.

any thoughts? thanks!

[dave_mc]

^i have th avt100 combo, i assume it has the same speaker as the 112 cab, and i wouldn't buy that speaker

that's about all i know, though...

[PhilKing]

It is a tough choice this, I have 10" speakers in my some of my amps and I am always thinking that I would prefer 12's.  That said, 2 speakers always gives you a bigger sound and you can put 2 different types in there.  The 1x12 cabs are expensive though, compared to a 2x12 (about $100 vs $130 on eBay).  Then you have the open/closed back issue too.  Perhaps a closed back 2x10 would be a good compromise?  It also depends on the music you are playing.  If you need more bottom end, then 12's are the way to go.

[chrisola]

a marshall 1912 x 1x12 is £170 new!!!

i've got one if you want it... it cost me £95 so you can have it for that! (unless of course you arent in the uk, then extra postage would be needed :P)

Its got a single Celestion 150w speaker though...

[gwEm]

thanks all for the good advice! :)

davemc: the avt112 doesn't sound that good then, also some negative comments on harmony central about build quality.

philking: as you note, 1x12 cabs seems totally bad value for money. your idea that a 2x10 cab might be the way to go seems really well informed. however, i'm using it for recording too, kind of metally stuff, so i think the extra low end of the 12" speaker might be the thing. probably for practise the 2x10 would be a much better choice. i dont have much experience with cabinets, so your advice is really useful, so far i've been recording direct.

chrisola: so i'm very interested in your 1912 cab. i'm a bit nervous to buy something i've never seen or heard, from someone i just met on the internet though ;) however, you seem very well known around here, with 100s of posts - so lets talk! i've sent you a PM.

[chrisola]

you have mail!