Should I change amp speaker or get new amp?

[psyence4]

Hi, I'm thinking of changing the speaker in my amp and wondering whether it's worth it.

I'm using a Crate Flexwave 15R with a stock 12 inch speaker, I use it on clean channel only with a multi fx. Thinking of changing to a 12 inch Celestion or Eminence. Would cost about $200-$300 including installation. This amp was bought for the intention of upgrading the speaker but I have been moderately satisfied with the sound so far.

Or should I hold out and find a used amp with a built in 12 inch Celestion for about $300+ like Vox AD50VT (that's the only one I know). I won't be using the fx or gains at all though (primarily play heavy rock and metal) so that would be a bit of a waste.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated thanks!

 

[lightice]

What's your total budget like?

A speaker upgrade will improve the sound a lot, if you pair it up right.
But, sound will only be as good as what you put into the speaker.

Upgrading the speaker is an option.

If I were in your shoes, this is what I would do with a budget of 1k in a year.

Upgrade the speaker now with the intention of purchasing a small tube amp.

After which I'd buy an amp in a head format, and turn the current amp into an extension cabinet, simple rewiring has to be done with a switch to toggle between the built in amp and a separate plug input from another amp.

It'll cost me about SGD700 total on the speaker and a used amp.

So I can practice at home using the current crate with an upgraded speaker, and jam outside with a louder setup using the tube head and extension cab.

If you don't have an intention of getting a tube amp, make sure you like the sound of the amp before upgrading the speaker.