Marshall 1960AV vs Mesa 4x12

I need a 4x12 to match up with my JCM 800 2204... Playing through a Tube Screamer as a signal boost into a Boss DS-1 into a Boss EQ-7... I`m getting a great heavy distortion as is (running the head through a Mesa DC-2 combo`s 12" Black Shadow Vintage) but I`m scared I`m gonna blow the speaker and the amp... Can you guys tell me why or why not I should pair this head with a Marshall cab with Vintage 30s or a Mesa cab which I think has Vintage 30s also?... Also whats the difference going to be in the Traditional size Mesa vs the Larger oversize cab?... I`m leaning towards the Mesa as it`s a tad cheaper and I`ve heard it goes better with heavily distorted rigs... any thoughts? ~john!

(2203). My cabs are an `80`s Crate 4x12 with Celestions and a Mesa 4x12 Recto Standard Slant (bigger cab). I passed on the Marshall cabs even the 1960AV (with Vintage 30`s ... same as Mesa) after playing through the bigger cabinet Mesa. You get a better bottom end with the Mesa if you`re playing fairly loud. That`s a good thing with my JMP MkII Master Lead, since the tonal controls aren`t as wide as my DSL100, and it seems to have a midrangier sound. From my experience with the JCM800`s, that might be a good thing, too. Except the 2204 is only a 50 watt model, and doesn`t seem as bright to me as the 100 watt models. It`s funny, I pretty much have the same setup as you. I have a TS10 that I modded slightly that I use to bring up the mids for leads, and use a Line 6 Delay modeler in the DSL`s effects loop. I got rid of the EQ since I got the Mesa cab, since I don`t need it anymore with the bigger bottom end that the Mesa. YMMV. Best advice ... try them side by side if you can, or find a place that will give you a trial period and will allow either a full refund, or store credit (and make sure they sell Marshall`s, too in that case). My $.02 ...

Quite simple actually, the mesa cabinet is fuller rounder deeper, the marshall bins usally better attack, less bottom.