Are there significant tonal differences between the number of speakers you have? In terms of boutique amps (and excluding using different speaker types), what are the pros and cons of having a 1x10 versus a 2x10 versus a 4x10 or any other speaker combination?

There is actually a very big EQ difference and sound "throw" difference depending on the number of speakers. As sound waves cross each other they will cancel each other at certain frequencies. Think of a still pool that you create a single wave in. Then think of the difference if you have 2 waves coming from close points. Thats generally what's going on and the actual sound differences will be different depending on the speaker and amp. You'd have to check it out by hooking the amp to different cabinets. Also, the dBs aren't necessarily more with more speakers (if the amp is the same), but more speakers will spread the sound out further across the room. It gives the psycho-acoustic effect of being a little less loud, actually if your directly in front of it, and louder if you're off to the side.

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Originally posted by black_moses:
Are there significant tonal differences between the number of speakers you have? In terms of boutique amps (and excluding using different speaker types), what are the pros and cons of having a 1x10 versus a 2x10 versus a 4x10 or any other speaker combination?

more speakers does increase the sound pressure level,
and makes the amp louder, but 1 GOOD speaker such
as an EVM10 will blow four cheap speakers out of the room. However with four cheap ones or 1 good one, the amp weighs more, no getting around that.
If you play in a small area, 1 speaker is enough. if you play in a larger area you may want 4 speakers or to mic the speaker through a good PA system.
The trend is to go smaller, less fuel to transport and less backaches.

The increase in speakers should be exponential with the increase in roadies. The sound of your guitar should not worry you, tone considerations are exponentially decreasedby the amount of groupies on hand.