I've had both, and also a 1x12. The open back is made in China, the closed is Uk. The closed back weighs a $%ing tonne! It's wider (fits a marshall head on it) and has real balls, more bottom end, generally built like a tank. The open back is narrower/taller as the speakers are slightly diagonal. Never had any issues with the build quality - it is better than the 1x12 I had. Stuck with the open back in the end for size/weight and also prefer the less directional sound.