PRRI w/ P12Q or DRRI w/ 12” whatever...

If you go 12" in both, then beyond the (non-huge) watt / volume difference, or the trem, or even the transformers, the thing people overlook is the basic major tone difference -- these are very different circuits, cousins, at best, not siblings.

 

Have both PRRI and DRRI. The PRRI has the new cream alnico 90W in there.
No limit on keeping up with the band. Of course the DRRI is
one of those always have amps, also. Good all round with any speaker.

 

for practice/recording I would opt for the PRRI.

 

The DR will be far more useable in a band mix. The PR will definitely have limitations, especially with a P12Q

 

Sounds like you already understand the constraints of both, based on your op.

PRRI for practice/studio, DRRI for live. Either can do either, just not as good.

I opted for the Princeton. I like the lower volume, and knew I could mike it for live use. The DR was just too loud for me to bond with in the studio.

Some say the trem on the Princeton is nicer too. It is very nice.

Lastly, you said "tonal heaven." When that happens, you should buy it. It doesn't happen often enough!

Good luck.

 

Sweetwater did a Fender special run DRRI in wine red tolex with wheat grille cloth and an alnico speaker. I love mine.

 

You want it for practice and recording, and it sounds like heaven to you...pull the trigger.

Same experience I had with the GC tweed PRRI w/ 12" Celestion. Just love that thing.

 

I've commented before on this topic but it is always of interest. First, I have a Super Champ X2 in a custom 12" combo cab. I used to jam with a guy who had a PRRI. The SCx2 always kept up fine. At $300 less-including all the mods (cab, speaker). Last month I bought a new DRRI for $950. I think for only a few extra dollars the DRRI cuts it at low volume and can play out in many gig situations. I know what the science says, but the DRRI seems a lot louder and is simply more substantial than is the PRRI. Just an opinion.

 

Hasn't been a problem, but I will say that above maybe 5-1/2 it doesn't get much louder it just gets a little more breakup - I think if I'm dialing back anything it's the gain on the 3-knob overdrive pedal (Tube Screamer clone).

 

Attenuator on the DRRI sounds like a good plan. You might want "more" amp if you go Princeton and gig with it. For me, it's loud enough, but barely. I like a slight break up at gig levels, and this does it. In anything larger than a small café, however, it would need to be miked. - That said, so would a DRRI probably... I think it's better to run through the pa in that scenario than have a really loud amp and stage volume.

If you're recording, consider the differences in speak size. A 10" can be appealing. Not as sloppy and loose as the 12" There is a sweetness to princetons.

 

i vote Princeton all day. i think it has the prettiest clean tone of any amp ever. my only complaint about the stock format is that wimpy 10" Jensen. the Princeton is a very bottom heavy amp... and that speaker is an awful choice IMO.

sure the deluxe reverb would be louder and could be used for live shows (barely)... but you've already got a great amp for that in the bassman.

 

Some how i became a user of the 12Q...the 2x12 semi has it & R . I use it with my marshalls for lead tones. It is very articulate & it puts me into the recording mix where i belong. usually a fender under for rhythm. It goes right on top of it. Of all the speakers i use, these are so precise but you cant push em too far. I would think a Princeton with it would be real good.This cab is a blast with jtm45

 

Princeton.