When it comes to guitar speakers, there are multiple high-quality and high-performance options available on the market.
To select and buy from such a wide variety can get a little time-consuming.
To streamline your process, we have compiled a list of the best 12-inch guitar speakers.
Winner
This speaker is designed to perform efficiently in different modes and genres. It has a strong structure that reduces any unwanted vibrations to keep the audio clear and streamlined. It also has high-grade wiring.
Runner Up
Made to be highly resistant to heating problems, this guitar speaker can perform for extended periods. It also has a big ferrite magnet that can produce multiple audio effects without any distortion.
Also Great
The V-type Celestion speakers come with high power ratings. They can perform with identical output on low and high volumes. It also has a deep-mounted magnet for crystal clear bass effects.
Best 12 Guitar Speaker - Top 3 Reviews
#1. Best Overall Guitar Speaker - Celestion Vintage 30 Review
This replacement speaker from Celestion is designed to be an all-rounder in performance and durability.
You can use this speaker with a third-party guitar amp without any change in its audio or music effects.
We tested the power-handling of this speaker and concluded that it was quite efficient on low and high power inputs alike.
Furthermore, this speaker only requires 60 watts of power. This means that you don’t have to worry about your speakers consuming a lot of power.
Features of Celestion Vintage 30
- Clean tone settings
- Good frequency response
- Durable exterior shell
- Shock-resistant
- Easy to install
- Identical output on different volumes
- High-grade wiring
- Heavy-duty magnet
- 8 Ohms impedance
- Top-end paint job
- Prone to overheating
Best Overall Guitar Speaker
The best overall guitar speaker is Celestion Vintage 30 due to its ability to perform consistently on different audio modes and genres. Additionally, you can use this speaker on high volumes without any distortion in your sound.
#2. Best Heavy-Duty Magnet Guitar Speaker - Eminence Patriot Texas Heat Review
This Eminence speaker is equipped with a high-performance ferrite magnet. It works seamlessly with guitar amplifiers.
You can use this speaker for loud outputs especially for Rock and other Rock like genres. It sounds much louder compared to stock speakers.
We tested the tone settings of this speaker on mid-range and found that it doesn’t distort or delay any audio from the amplifier.
Although this speaker has a high-quality magnet, it is still susceptible to vibrations because of its high output.
Features of Eminence Patriot Texas Heat
- Easy to use
- Consistent on low and high volume
- Good frequency response
- Multiple tone settings
- 16 Ohms impedance
- 50 watts to 100 watts consumption
- Easy to install
- Heat-resistant wiring
- Third-party amps compatibility
- Efficient on mid-range
- Produces a lot of internal vibrations
Best Heavy-Duty Magnet Guitar Speaker
The best heavy-duty magnet guitar speaker is Eminence Patriot Texas Heat. This is due to the big magnet inside it. It can output identical audio output even when you are playing the music of different genres. Additionally, it has high-grade heat-resistant wiring.
#3. Best Power-Handling Guitar Speaker - Celestion V-Type Review
This replacement speaker from Celestion is designed to work with vintage and modern audio equipment. It has a ceramic magnet for crystal clear audio.
You can use these guitar speakers with a third-party guitar amp without any drop in performance or delays in the audio output.
We tested this 12’’ guitar speaker on multiple power inputs and determined that it has a high power rating. It didn’t show us any signs of overheating.
Even though this speaker is made for modern equipment, you might face some difficulties setting it up.
Features of Celestion V-Type
- Top-end audio hardware
- Consistent audio output
- Top power rating
- 8 Ohm impedance
- Good frequency range
- Stable on loud volumes
- Great bass effects
- Low overheating
- Multiple tone settings
- Identical output on high and low volume
- Need professional help in setting up
Best Power-Handling Guitar Speaker
The best power-handling guitar speaker is the Celestion V-Type speaker. It has great output on multiple power inputs and it doesn’t distort audio. Furthermore, you can use multiple tone settings to meet your music genre requirements.
Buyers’ Guide
Many factors impact the overall output of a guitar speaker. Some of these features are stated below for your guidance.
Hardware Quality
The majority of the guitar speakers are equipped with ferrite magnets while some of them come with a ceramic magnet. It depends on your requirements which type of hardware you need. If you are going to use your speaker for classical genres then ceramic magnet hardware will serve you well. Otherwise, a ferrite magnet is good enough for multiple genres.
Internal Wiring
The internal wiring of a guitar speaker controls many things. It impacts Ohms impedance, the signal strength between the amplifier and the speaker, and the consistency on high volume. We suggest buying a speaker that also has heat-resistant wiring so you can use your speakers for extended periods without any worry of short-circuiting.
Exterior Structure
The exterior shell of a replacement speaker impacts the output of a speaker. It ensures that your speaker’s hardware doesn’t get damaged due to internal vibrations. We recommend purchasing a speaker that has a strong metallic shell. It should also be insulated so that your speakers aren’t damaged by any static or leftover current in them. This way you’ll be able to play your audio on multiple tones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a replacement speaker?
More than often it depends on the user’s preference. Some people prefer the stock speaker’s power rating and its utility with their amplifier. On the other hand, some people prefer some extra kick to their speakers. It also depends on the kind of tones you are going to be using your speaker for. A stock speaker is enough if you are using low-range output.
Does Impedance affect the overall output?
Yes, the power-handling and the Ohms impedance impact the output of your speaker. A speaker between 8 Ohm to 16 Ohm impedance is usually preferred. It will make sure that your final output isn’t distorted or delayed. It will also make sure that your speakers don’t overheat or short-circuit due to power surges.