EV SRO Ceramic, and the verdict is...

[EastCoastRocker]

I Just got an EV SRO ceramic. I put it in my 2x12 next to my EV12L Series II expecting it to pretty much be identical, and boy was I surpassed!

The SRO ceramic is way brighter and more aggressive in the high mids,
without the amount of lows and low mid warmth that the 12L series II has.
I was really surprised. I actually could dial down the highs on my Coyote, which is a darkish amp.The SRO ceramic is not as fat as the series II,
but the rock "crunch" factor is through the roof !

Next, I loaded my SRO Alnico in the 2x12 with the SRO Ceramic.
There is definitely a resemblance, but the ceramic SRO is more aggressive and bright, with less lows and a less "open" sound than the Alnico. You loose the smoothness of the Alnico and get tight forward punch in it's place.

Out of the three, the SRO Alnico is still my favorite, but I like the cut
and punch of the SRO ceramic. A worthy speaker for the collection.

Has anyone else done a side by side of the SRO Ceramic and EV12L ?
How about an original EV12L prior to series II ? I'm curious about my results.

[merkaba22]

I have been using EM 12L's almost exclusively since the late 80's; and, although at a low studio level, I am doing a side by side in the moment with a SRO ceramic and an 80's EVM 12L -- so far, the SRO seems louder and has more crunch/warmth.

Each is in its own vintage 2x12 MB with the thiele bottom/open back -- one with 2 EVM 12Ls and the other with the SRO in the bottom and a Scumback up top; I will give the second cab a run through next weekend at a much louder volume and will get back to you on this.

[schwa]

I'm running a ceramic SRO in a 1x12 cab with a Marshall 20W handwired. So far they seem like a good match, the Marshall can also be known as a "dark amp" and with the SRO it comes across as very punchy with a good deal of authority.

[fusionbear]

I agree with your assesment. I have one in a Hermida ported 2x12 paired with a Jensen Blackbird and 2 regular EV12L Classics in another Hermida ported 2x12. Love them!

[NFB]

My favorite of all is the SRO Alnico. Smooth, articulate.....just a wonderful speaker...and I agree fully with your assessment.

[EastCoastRocker]

Originally Posted by schwa

I'm running a ceramic SRO in a 1x12 cab with a Marshall 20W handwired. So far they seem like a good match, the Marshall can also be known as a "dark amp" and with the SRO it comes across as very punchy with a good deal of authority.

Yea,you nailed it! Marshall agression with punch and authority. That's what I'm talking about!

[EastCoastRocker]

Originally Posted by NFB

My favorite of all is the SRO Alnico. Smooth, articulate.....just a wonderful speaker...and I agree fully with your assessment.

Yea baby ! I'll tell you what... I have a lot of speakers that don't get used like they used to since I landed those SRO's.

I've paired the 12L series II with the Alnico SRO and it's magical. Can't wait to hear the SRO Alnico/Ceramic combo.

I'm thinking that an open/closed back theile 2x12 with the Alnico in the
open back section is going to be a winner.

[Laplacian]

I have 2 SRO ceramics in ported 1x12's. With darker fuller amps, they sound great, but with most amps they can be harsh or just too "upper mid".

Sound like the Bomb with TR Classic Reverb and my old BF Bassman, but terrible with a twin or dual professional. Old Marshalls sound shrill through them. Also, they don't work in a closed back cab IMO.

Ported cabs with dark, full "fender"-y amps and you'll be amazed.

[MightyGuru]

Originally Posted by Laplacian

I have 2 SRO ceramics in ported 1x12's. With darker fuller amps, they sound great, but with most amps they can be harsh or just too "upper mid".

Sound like the Bomb with TR Classic Reverb and my old BF Bassman, but terrible with a twin or dual professional. Old Marshalls sound shrill through them. Also, they don't work in a closed back cab IMO.

Ported cabs with dark, full "fender"-y amps and you'll be amazed.

I'm using a ceramic SRO in a ported OS 1X12 cab with my RedPlate and it absolutely kills....spot on, Sir.

[Ramblin Hymns]

I'm using the SRO ceramic with my 50 watt Red Plate MDD with the WGS BL 80 and it sounds huge.

[Macaroni]

I love my SRO AlNiCo, and recently acquired an SRO Ceramic. I compared it directly to 2 EVM-12Ls, Series II, and the SRO was the winner for my tastes. Both are excellent speakers, but the SRO seemed sweeter and a bit better suited to my amp (Kingsley Tone Baron). So I sold both EVM-12Ls and got another SRO Ceramic. All tests were done with PCW cabinets. No harshness or anything unwanted.

I also love my 100W WGS BlackHawk - it's like a brother to the AlNiCo SRO - not as efficient, but some similar qualities.

[NFB]

What I don't understand is why others have not been drawn upon this speaker? Especially the Dumble folks......this speaker excels with Dstyle amps.

[stratzrus]

Originally Posted by Macaroni

I love my SRO AlNiCo, and recently acquired an SRO Ceramic. I compared it directly to 2 EVM-12Ls, Series II, and the SRO was the winner for my tastes. Both are excellent speakers, but the SRO seemed sweeter and a bit better suited to my amp (Kingsley Tone Baron). So I sold both EVM-12Ls and got another SRO Ceramic. All tests were done with PCW cabinets. No harshness or anything unwanted.

I had similar results. The SRO 12/L (official model name) is now my favorite speaker in most situations.

Originally Posted by NFB

What I don't understand is why others have not been drawn upon this speaker? Especially the Dumble folks......this speaker excels with Dstyle amps.

The SRO 12/L got a bum rap because alnico fans tagged it as not being a "real" SRO.

That and they are much, much harder to find than the alnico SROs. I bought every one that came up for sale on eBay for the 18 months between October of 2008 and March of this year and have only seen three for sale since (one of which was in bad shape and the other two were Kustom labeled OEM speakers). I now own 12 of them, 8 for my two 4x12s and four for other amps. You're lucky if one comes up for sale every 3 or 4 months.

In other words, they really haven't been available in large enough quantities to develop a following.

[Macaroni]

There have been a few good SRO 12/Ls on eBay in the last couple of months.

[ross]

I have an old beat up one in a box in my garage that spent most of it's life in a twin reverb. I keep hoping that the right amp would come along so that I can use it.