Username: Password:

Author Topic: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5  (Read 9830 times)

_tom_

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 8842
Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« on: February 28, 2009, 06:39:11 PM »
So I have the opportunity to buy the head version for £200 off a forumite over on HC, should I go for it? I've been tempted many times before and I'm thinking about giving into the gas and going for it :P I know a few people on here have one so hopefully someone can answer my question.

Can it do good mid-gain plexi style tones like ACDC kinda thing or is it too modern-voiced for that? Also, bassman-esque tones (social distortion kinda thing) would be nice too. I also love tones like this - http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=3870535&albid=7751921&songid=30412402

The GH cant really do that from my experience. I use a 2x12 with G12H30 speakers. If I get a job over summer again I'll probably get another 1x12 to have it as a uni/low volume practice rig.

I'm just worried it'll sound too similar to my Laney GH, is that the case? Also does it need to be properly cranked to get the best sound or does it open up fairly early?

One last query - the thing I hate most about my Laney is that its really stiff feeling to play (esp. with low gain) and can get fizzy. Will I still get this with the HT5?


Cheers :)

d1dsj

  • Welterweight
  • ****
  • Posts: 1010
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2009, 07:16:02 PM »
Can't speak for the HT5, but I recently got a Tiny Terror and it sounds awesome. I can't believe I waited so long before trying one.

Fourth Feline

  • Guest
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2009, 07:39:03 PM »
I thought I remember 'LazyNinja' getting one, perhaps a P.M. ?

Jonny

  • Welterweight
  • ****
  • Posts: 2890
  • Seven-String Financial Analyst in Training
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2009, 08:26:03 PM »
Every happy shopper who bought one that I know of, it broke.

But positivity here! It sounds alright. When it works.
"Would you like some lemon oil?"
"Oh, no thanks, I don't eat fruit."

_tom_

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 8842
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2009, 08:27:54 PM »
Oh.. I thought there were just problems with an early batch, and that they'd fix them for free or something?

Blackstar are actually from where I am (Northamptonshire) so its not gonna be a long way away if anything needs fixing I guess?

Jonny

  • Welterweight
  • ****
  • Posts: 2890
  • Seven-String Financial Analyst in Training
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2009, 08:32:12 PM »
Oh.. I thought there were just problems with an early batch, and that they'd fix them for free or something?

Blackstar are actually from where I am (Northamptonshire) so its not gonna be a long way away if anything needs fixing I guess?
Ah yes, that is true. The first batch were messed up. I don't know about the rest after that though but you'll hardly waste any time if it does go to capoot.
"Would you like some lemon oil?"
"Oh, no thanks, I don't eat fruit."

Twinfan

  • Light Heavyweight
  • ******
  • Posts: 10528
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2009, 08:41:50 PM »
Played one today, it was OK  :)

dave_mc

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 9796
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2009, 09:11:54 PM »
^ damned with faint praise? :lol:

i haven't tried it yet... i didn't really like the artisan 15 i tried, though- but it's a completely different style of amp.

Twinfan

  • Light Heavyweight
  • ******
  • Posts: 10528
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2009, 10:04:30 PM »
Bit harsh wasn't I - sorry  :oops:

The gain channel sounded OK but lacked some sparkle and transparency.  The clean channel was a bit flat.

All IMO of course.  Matt77 likes it, it was his I played!

Matt77

  • Guest
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2009, 11:51:07 PM »
Lead tone can sound good. Clean tone is cheap sounding.
Buy it at £200, if you don't like it, you won't lose a lot of sleep or money.

_tom_

  • Middleweight
  • *****
  • Posts: 8842
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #10 on: March 01, 2009, 12:57:32 AM »
Twinfan would that just be because you're used to the Martamps maybe? I was thinking I probably wont lose any money if I dont like it as they're in high demand right now it seems. I have heard some awesome clips of it so I guess I should give it a go anyway. I just never get to play my Laney at the volumes it likes best so it just seems really pointless at the minute, getting me gas'ing :P

I'm not too bothered about the cleans, I never use em :P

Afghan Dave

  • Welterweight
  • ****
  • Posts: 3315
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #11 on: March 01, 2009, 05:39:43 AM »
I've been stood on the sidelines waiting to hear some more about these for ages...

Please can you not compare them to a handbuilt Martamp or the like.. it's hardly fair is it?

They just seem to attract apathy but they seem to be a bloody wonderful idea for those of us who live in stacked urban boxes surrounded by asshole neighbors.

 
"There's more knowledge on these boards than there are necks under PhillyQ's bed"

Matt77

  • Guest
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #12 on: March 01, 2009, 08:00:47 AM »
They are still loud but I can't think there would be much better out there for home use at a similar price. Especially if you already have a cab
Better still you can buy one and hide it in the corner where the girlfriend won't notice you've just spent a cheeky 250

martinw

  • Lightweight
  • ***
  • Posts: 653
  • Building Amps in the Hills.
    • http://www.mjwamps.com
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #13 on: March 01, 2009, 10:26:47 AM »


Please can you not compare them to a handbuilt Martamp or the like.. it's hardly fair is it?


No.  :)
They're ok for the money.

Custom Built Amps:
www.mjwamps.com

Twinfan

  • Light Heavyweight
  • ******
  • Posts: 10528
Re: Questions about the Blackstar HT-5
« Reply #14 on: March 01, 2009, 10:43:17 AM »
Better still you can buy one and hide it in the corner where the girlfriend won't notice you've just spent a cheeky 250

Who would do something like that eh Matt?  ;)  :lol:

Comparing them to other things on the market is only natural Dave.  If like Matt or Tom you're after a cheap practice or home recording option they're pretty good.  If you're looking for the 'Holy Grail' they won't be it  :)