Alnico or Ceramic?

[wmthor]

I've always been a fan of speakers equipped with alnico magnets vs ones with ceramic magnets. I find that as a general rule, that the alnico equipped speakers have a much warmer, vintage tone. Two of my three amps that were originally equipped with ceramic speakers are now have alnico speakers in them.

What's your preference?

[beatlefreak]

I'll agree that the alnicos have better tone.

[soundmasterg]

Depends on the application. They are both tools, just like tube amps and solid state amps. The key is finding the uses that each excels at. I use both.

Greg

[admin]

For lower to moderate playing levels I find that the Ceramics perform better. As the volume increases I find the alnico shine more. Of course, this depends on the make of speaker as well and how well it is matched to the amplifier. I like both alnico and ceramic speakers in my tube amplifiers.

[paologregorio]

I tend to prefer alnico, especially for my AC30s.

My Super Reverb RI has alnico magnets.

My Fender Twin amps have ceramic magnets but this will probably change as time and $ allow. I want to buy a pair of the Weber California Twin JBL replica speakers in Alnico for my 40th Anniversary Blackface Twin RI, but I'll probably ditch the PC board and have it converted to all hand wiring first. I do rather like the ceramic Celestion Vintage 30s in my Custom Hi/Lo power Twin that I brought to the So Cal confluence last year, but I may end up switching these out as well. Not sure.