JBL D-120Fs or Altec 417-8H Series IIs in a Vintage Twin?

[Don Mogle]

Which vintage speaker would you want in a vintage 1970s Fender Twin Reverb? And why do you prefer one over the other?

Note: The Altec 417-8H Series II speakers are ALNICO!!!

[Larry Dering]

Don, my favorite is the JBL 120 but that's mainly due to my experience with that combination. I still have my old 120s from the amp and one needs reconed. They weigh a ton. I replaced it with Eminence Legends. Not as good but still a nice tone.

[Dave Grafe]

JBL's 4" voice coil delivers a sensitivity of 103dB vs. the Altec's 97dB, i.e. the JBL produces twice the SPL per watt. This is a big deal when working with limited power.

The Altec sounds "edgier" and breaks up sooner than the JBL, but some find it a sweeter sound albeit at lower volume.

It may or may not be easier to get a JBL reconed properly here in the new century.

I have used both and it's JBL all the way for me.

[Don Mogle]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Dave: I wonder if potential issues getting these vintage JBLs properly reconed will be true for all vintage speakers in the future?

JBL winning 3 to 1

[Donny Hinson]

The Altec 421-8H is a 15” speaker.
The D120-F is a 12” speaker.
So, are you talking two JBL speakers vs. one Altec?

[Don Mogle]

Thanks Donny. You’re correct. I meant to put an Altec 417-8H Series II which is a 12” speaker. Will try and change this in the poll.

Thanks again.

[Donny Hinson]

No problem, Don. I just got a little confused the way it was previously posted.

As to which I’d like, size and quantity being the same, I’d probably go with the Altecs because the bass response would be better, and there’d be no worries about blowing them. The Altecs would be noticeably heavier (by probably 10 lbs. a pair) but I’d be confident there’d be little volume difference, as the SPL’s of the two speakers are measured differently. (I always thought the D130-F speakers were over-rated, SPL-wise, as they were nowhere near as loud as my EV-SRO speakers, which are rated at a lower SPL.)

The JBL speakers have a wonderful mid-range, nothing like it. But they can sound “flabby” in the lower ranges when used in open cabinets, and I’m not a big fan of the aluminum domes, which can contribute to “ice pick” highs.

[Don Mogle]

Thanks Donny. Great analysis.

I have been looking at two 1975 Twins for sale.

The first one is a SF MVC amp that has the orange frame JBLs that look to be original...and in nice shape. Problem is that the owner has no idea as to when caps were changed out etc. This amp has RCA 6L6s that may be original to the amp??? The cabinet is OK but has some tears along the bottom. No cover. The current owner purchased the amp a couple years ago. Having very little maintenance history is worrisome. I could be getting into a time bomb like I got into with my last Twin purchase. I'm hearing Jim Sliff's admonition about purchasing an amp without knowing its maintenance history (see my Pawn Shop Twin post from years ago...)

The other amp which is a SF MVC amp has the Altecs. This amp has been serviced recently with new filter caps and numerous other electronics replaced, new JJ matched tubes, blackface bias mod, original footswitch, new reverb tank, and original nylon cover. The cabinet is in better shape, but has a few tears that I'd fix. This amp that looks to have a real clean chassis. However, there's one spot on the chassis near the OT that looked like rust, but maybe just solder goo.

Both amps are some distance away which presents somewhat of a problem and additional expense. Add to this any blackfacing mods and it could get into more than I want to spend.

Maybe I should just buy a Quilter TB 202.

[Bryan Parnell]

I love Altecs for 6 string electric guitar but would prefer JBL's or black widows for steel.

Worth nothing orange frame D120F's with original cones in excellent condition are worth $600-1000 for a pair. My friend just sold a pair from my old twin for $1000 on reverb.

[Bill Duncan]

I like the Altec better be it 417 or 418. However, I recently built a 12 inch cabinet and installed a JBL D123 8 ohm and I noticed a very smooth, sensitive response. The lows are clear and lively and the highs smooth.
The down side is the 30 watt power handling of the D123. I am using it carefully as I am driving it with a Katana 100.

[Don Mogle]

Well, here I go again with another amp restoration project. Stay tuned for more details.

I decided to purchase the Twin with Altecs. The seller reduced the price to what I think is an amazing buy. I'm going to pick it up tomorrow. It'll be a short drive, but worth the effort.

Due to weight, I may pull the Altecs and replace them with a TT-12 and TC Furlong spec Eminence. To be determined.

Thanks to all who voted and commented.

[Dave Campbell]

if you can find weber neomag 12" they would be pretty cool in the twin, i think. those altecs must sound great!

[Bill Hatcher]

let me know if you want to sell the altecs.

[Tim Whitlock]

Can't go wrong either way but my vote is for the Altecs. My #1 choice in a Twin Reverb for steel guitar.

[Tim Whitlock]

if you can find weber neomag 12" they would be pretty cool in the twin, i think. those altecs must sound great!

Weber still has stock on the NeoMag 12. I tried a NeoMag 15 in my Twin and the tone was excellent, better than my D130F. However it crapped out at higher volumes due to its 70 watt power rating. Two NeoMag 12s might not have that issue and would be a blessing with savings in weight.

[Don Mogle]

Thanks fellas...appreciate all the input.