Aaaaaah, it’s tough because you make good points. Part of me was hoping one of you would talk me into it since my OCD wants me to complete the paisley set. In the logic of completing the set with something that is too much for what I need, I had thought about getting the 4x12 and switching two speakers to the ones used in the 2x12 HDRX (creambacks), and getting a switch or something to select which pair. My ideal would be to find a reasonably priced paisley 2x12 and then switch the speakers to creambacks for variety. I think my best plan is to enjoy the 2x12 stealth that I have for my Archon with both amps until I find what I want.
Although, Les makes a great point with the big mouth, and there is one on Reverb for a lot less than the 4x12 I was looking at. Decisions, decisions.
Anyone know somebody that can get the paisley fabric and grill cloth? Haha.
I'm OCD, too, so I completely understand.
However, everything goes with black tolex!
Here's a really stupid story that will confirm my OCD nature:
A couple of years ago when the Mesa Fillmore came out, I ordered the head version with a black, genuine leather covering, white piping, black grille cloth. It sounded great. Looked fantastic. I was using it with the speakers in my Mesa Lone Star, since they were the same speakers that came with the Fillmore (C-90s), and I have a cab switcher.
But then I heard the Cali Tweed, and thought the Fillmore might sound great with the Cali Tweed cab since it was also based on the Tweed platform. So I decided to order one and see.
But my OCD nature conflicted with my "Gee, I should try this out with regular Tolex because I might not like it once I get one in my studio to use with the Fillmore, and I'll have a very hard time getting a leather covered cab sold for anywhere near what I paid for it."
So I ordered a Cali Tweed cab in black tolex to kinda-sorta match the leather on the head. No one who comes to the studio notices the difference but me.
Turns out, it's a fantastic audio match. Really sounds great! I was a dolt to order it with regular ol' Tolex.
And yet, I have considered selling mine and ordering the exact same cab in either black leather or a stained wood that would work with the Fillmore head, not because it's a good idea - obviously it's completely unnecessary - but because I can!
Fortunately, Mesa has paused custom orders, so I don't have to think about it. I'll be in serious difficulty when they start making custom coverings and hardwood cabs again!
Do I have a point to make here?
I dunno. Get a cab that works with the HXDA regardless of finish. You can always sell it if you find something that works better. However, having had both the pine cab, and the Birch Ply Big Mouth, I can honestly say the Birch cab works better with the amp - as it should, since the old Marshall cabs were not pine!!!