5W Amp Shootout - Blackstar HT-5R MKII vs Marshall DSL 5

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Ordered the Blackstar based on the reverb noodle and the option to power it down. Underrated option for home use.. Ask my wife when you see her again..👍🇦🇺

[@leonardo.rafael]

I bought a Blackstar HT5R because I was impressed by its clear and warm channel (even more than my Fender amp) and by the warm, smooth, full of compression, sustain, harmonics and extremely sensitive response of its hot channel. If I had seen your video earlier I would not have bought it, because the clean sounds saturated and the hot channel sounds very sharp and muddled. I will not make decisions based on videos from now on.

[@photoguy4212]

I’ve demoed the Blackstar a few times. Does old school metal really well and playing dynamics are perfect. Cleans up nicely and can really play anything. It’s a great amp for the price. I urge anyone to demo it for a while to get the feel for it.

[@slgam]

They definitely sound “different”, but, in my opinion, both sound great! I think any guitar player looking for a 5 watt practice amp would be very happy with either. It might come down to features that you think would have value for your needs, or who has the best sale on at the time you are buying. I don’t think you could go too far wrong with either.

[@talkychris]

I got the HT5RMKII head and run it through a PRS Mark Tremonti cab. Good setup for home use, versatile range of tones. Very happy with it.

[@gitrox412]

We need another vid comparing those two. Because if there were no comment section I'd say marshall is way better through the range, smoother and has nice low tones while BS sounds like he has no bass, no lows and clean tones are glassy. I's like to compare them while volume is not maxed on scale. I think BS is recorded badly or set up should be changed.

[@Uptown59]

I appreciate the reviewer playing extensive clean and low gain tones.

[@sandysores9381]

You said the Blackstar has 4 voicings, but with the ISF it’s got a lot more. After messing with mine a bit I figured I can get about 12 different voicings out of it, and even then messing with the EQ changes that

[@philipshapkin6607]

loved the blackstar. everybody saying it sounds "harsher". its like yeah it sounds modern. two different beasts. thats all. this convinced me to get the ht5

[@dalstar925]

To me the blackstar sounds like it’s size. I wouldn’t call it harsh but it’s definitely bright. The Marshall sounds much bigger than it is. No right or wrong tho. Both sound good to me all things considered. I think it just comes to personal preference

[@jumpboy29]

The marshall is more pleasing to listen too, in this comparison. The Blackstar sounds harsh(in this video) but I imagine it could be EQ'ed to sound better

[@edwinmartinez9787]

Agree

[@noworries12]

I have a Blackstar HT-Dual pedal (supposedly the same preamp circuit as the HT-5) which I use as a stand alone preamp (sounds the best that way) with IRs and poweramp sims (sounds great with EL84s) and it doesn't sound like in the video. I guess the guy is a little unexperienced in recording decent guitar tones...

[@Uptown59]

The Blackstar probably would cut through a mix better. Playing these two in a mix would be the ultimate test

[@andrewslads]

I’m willing to bet the volumes on these amps aren’t the same . I’ve had the dsl 40c and also the dsl 1 and blackstar ht-1 . Marshall’s depend on the power amp section to be pushed to get a more rounded tone . That’s the way Marshall’s are designed . Blackstar is more solid state . If you have the luxury of turning the amp up to its sweet spot and you like Marshall tone . Go with the Marshall . Blackstar generally sound good at low volume .

[@shred5]

Making excuses for the Marshall? Really? Turning the master to 10 is going to have the same effect on the Blackstar as the Marshall. Nothing "solid state" about it, plain and simple. This isn't a 70s Marshall that is only magically passable with the master volume on at least 6...

[@ehsanhaq155]

Tbh the Blackstar really did sound more solid state to me. Heard enough tube and modeller and SS amps in my past years of playing guitar. But it's never easy to tell anything from KZbin sounds. So these things are best decided by sitting in front and hearing and playing through em. I'm an old Marshall fanboy. But I only became so in recent times after having gone through many famous amp sounds. They're all unique and carry their own characteristics. 🙏🙏🙏

[@andrewslads]

@@shred5 You clearly have no experience with any of these amps . I have owned all 3 . Plus marshall's do depend on there power stage being cranked to ' fill out the sound ' generally . Thats why loads of people complain these particular amps are fizzy and thin especially . This is the way they are generally designed apart from the JVM and YJM series and need to be used at optimal volume settings for there given wattage . What I'm saying is the marshall needs to be alot louder relative to the blackstar to get good sounds which can be too loud for home use . I found the blackstar sounds good at all volume settings . I had a DSL 1 and could not believe how loud i needed to run the volume to sound half decent , by which was too loud to use at home . These DSL's generally sound thin and noisy on the gain channels but good on the clean . They are Good for nu metal and thrash power chords but leads are brittle and thin with loads of noise . The blackstar is way more useable across a range of styles , Warmer and fuller gain channel ESP OD 1, although homogenised and compressed to a degree . The marshall sounds more open but defo thin and fizzy .

[@shred5]

​@@andrewsladsOld Marshalls need to be cranked to sound good. Marshalls in the past 45 years? Not so much, especially when compared to other amps. As someone who has owned both and has extensive firsthand experience, I understand as much. Now I'm not sure if you are regurgitating something that you read on the Internet and didn't read past the headline but claiming I have no experience with either amp while missing the point entirely and ignoring the fact that the Blackstar would also sound better cranked is honestly pathetic.

[@andrewslads]

My point was attaining to getting decent sounds at low volume not turning the master to 10 ? Where on earth did you get that idea But clearly you are an idiot . The only amps that work well at low volume are the JVM ( master volume ) YJM attenuator and I mean low volume in the house . Any of Marshall’s 20 watt offerings other than the JCM800 reissue need to be loud to get the amp sounding like it should . Are you telling me that you’ve owned a silver jubilee ? A studio 20 ? A JTM reissue ? Played at home ? Like seriously ? The blackstar can get you decent tones at low volume and that’s all of the HT series 1 , 5 , 20 and 40 . The dsl sounds fizzy in comparison unless you turn the volume up , and yes that’s how Marshall’s are designed the volume fills out the bass otherwise it’s fizz . Even the dsl 1 watt is too loud for home use on the drive channel .

[@JuanManuelFurattini]

I’ve tried both and I definitely prefer Blackstar

[@povertymachine]

Sounds like the Marshall sounds better playing by itself and the Blackstar would cut through the mix better

[@Zozo-ko9dk]

Which one should I go for marshall dsl20cr or blackstar ht20r mkii combo I'm really confused plz help me out

[@martinlahaie6012]

Had the 20w combo...I sold it....unusable in home settings...too loud if you want the real sound....the 10w setting the same...get the dsl 5w or go with the Blackstar 20w mk2 with the 2 w setting

[@mitsu7909]

BEST coment . I see that review for a home amp. Not brutal sounding. And use a amp with pedals . I like mid scooped sounds.

[@steverherb]

Nice demo. Wow, I was surprised how many people preferred the Blackstar. I think both amps had some great tones. The Marshall has more of a classic rock tone. The Blackstar would be better for hard rock/old school metal. I'd like to own both of these amps.

[@gabrielesurdo3146]

In my opinion, it's true that the marshall has a warmer sound than the Blackstar (as many say), but the Blackstar has a "richer" and more powerful sound, I believe because of the 12 inch cone. Does anyone agree?

[@franciscojavierherreraespi9359]

Si, diferentes speaker diferente headroom!!

[@fifigigi]

I thought I was a Marshall Jedi until I played with the Blackstar. I have turned to the dark side ever since..

[@TWhite-mq6uf]

I just came home with the Blackstar today and the feature of being able to turn down the wattage for those of us who have families is undervalued. Sounds way better at low volumes than my Fender Super Champ X2 - which I love for 5 years.

[@darrellbrock4788]

Guitar Center told me that the low watt (5W and lower) isn't enough to push pedals, is that correct? I have some JHS fuzz and tube screamer pedals and wonder if the low watt amp will work.

[@TWhite-mq6uf]

@@darrellbrock4788 Honestly I don't use pedals, but that might be true for a solid state amp. I've heard/read lots of people loving the HT5R and the Super Champ X2 for a pedal platform. Excellent tube cleans on both of them. For bedroom levels and coffee houses.

[@SxSxG666]

​@@darrellbrock4788That's total bs. You can use a low wattage amp with pedals. In what way would the amp push a pedal? Isn't it round the other way? I've been playing at home a 1 watt Bugera V22 for many years now and I use plenty of pedals for practice variety. There are indeed amps who don't work great with pedals though. But it's usually amps with small headrooms who tend to color the sound too much.

[@darrellbrock4788]

@@SxSxG666 I have found over the years that guitar center employees don't know everything and will bs their way through it to fill in what they don't know. Sometimes they do it just to sell you something more expensive.

[@SxSxG666]

@@darrellbrock4788 I hardly ever had a good experience in any big shop of any kind :)

[@davidmerlin3344]

Both amps are great. I do like the 12 inch speaker in the Blackstar.

[@AndrewStonerock]

Why are the dsl so dark sounding? i have the dsl1h and i have to crank the treble and mids and keep the bass around 10 0clock. tone shift off btw.

[@palevas]

I own HT-5R but would go with any of these combos for home usage.

[@mattm9952]

Sounds good. The clean stays cleaner on the Marshall. I would have liked to hear the high gain Marshall with a bit more mids added as the blackstar geta very middy and cuts through im sure the marshall can sound close to the same in that department

[@sergioalvarez5949]

I have owned the blackstar 5r mk2 for some time now and you are mentioning features that I know it doesnt have.

[@henrydelong3158]

Hey bro, i plan to buy ht5r for jam with my friend. But iam little bit worry if ht5r not loud enough compare to drum and bass. Can you more describe how loud this amp bro? Thanks

[@joelonsdale]

First 20 seconds told me everything I need to know!

[@Bluepilled-c5t]

Exactly. Pretty easy decision

[@paicopalqlee]

Blackstar right?

[@darrellbrock4788]

@@paicopalqlee Marshall right?

[@noworries12]

@@paicopalqlee of course Marshall...the Blackstar is a harsh nightmare

[@tory6733]

You probably didn’t mic these well. If you get an sm57 on the sweet spot the blackstar can sound like a Mesa dual rec half stack

[@Bcwilderness]

a lot of truth in that, mics can make or break the tone, its laughable most of the vids on the tube, sonic drive studios knows his stuff :)

[@METALOZON]

I don't like where the controls of the Blackstar are situated. Being way in the back, having to constantly get up, or to get the amp from under the table just to see the knobs position is making me want go for the Marshall.

[@HooksBill]

If I've learned anything by trial and error, it's that you can't go by the comments. I own neither of these amps so I have nothing to gain or lose by just saying most of the time people will watch these reviews and comment that one is better than the other because they own that particular amp or brand. Seriously, some will even say, and I hear this one frequently, "I own both of these amps and this one is better." Maybe true, but I think more times than not it's complete BS. I'm not going to comment which of these I prefer, only say don't put too much stock in the comments and when listening to these demos, don't do it through a cell phone. That can be very misleading. People will hype up certain amps and other gear because that's what they have spent their money on and want it to be better.

[@Mr-Safology]

The Marshall sounds great, but I'm surprised I preferred the Blackstar. I was torn between these two amps, so a perfect video. Blackstar HT-5R MkII cleans are lovely, bit more bass- mid but this is tweakable with tone knob. I really wanted to choose Marshall, but increasing the gain it let me down. Blackstar HT-5R sounded richer and clearer. That's most important. And the reverb. Blackstars reverb is WOW!! Just for this alone, it's worth it. £430 is pricey, but Blackstar has many more features for recording. Changing cab style, recording directly, it's an interface in itself. It's a lot more, but the difference in price of ~£70, it's worth it. Yes, it has 1 less valve, so what. Clearly, that 1 less made it sound better. It has 12" speaker, now that's worth it! This is my opinion though, and I play blues with low and high gain.

[@adamwatson6916]

As a DSL 5CR owner I can tell you that if you run the Gain over noon it does not sound all that great. It gets very mushy and Saggy and fizzy . It's a one trick pony m. Below noon the overdrive channel sounds fantastic. It does the low to medium Gain classic Marshall tone as good as any amp I have tried but for higher Gain you need to look elsewhere . my take is that they are trying to combine the green and red modes of the ultra Gain channel of the bigger DSl amps into one channel on the 5. Like most Marshall's the DSl 5 sounds better with Gain lower and the volume cranked but for home playing at lower volume you can't push the Gain above noon . But I does do the classic Marshall low to medium Gain surprisingly well . I did a direct comparison between my DSl 5 CR and a Marshall origin 5 that I owned for about a week and the DSL blew it away in terms of vintage Marshall tone. Even cranked the origin 5 sounded just plain bad . First time I heard a cranked Marshall I did not like. I also did not like the origin 20 which I also owned for about a week it sounded alot better then the 5 but still not for me . Although I absolutely love the Orgin 50 though but I can't own one because it's too loud and would not be able to crank it to get the goods and I am not really a pedal guy so sadly I can't own an origin 50 but I have a DSL 40 CR as well and with the 2 channels and the red and green modes along with the master volumes I can get a fantastic vintage Marshall origin 50 like tone out of it . Its not a spot origin 50 tone but gets quite close. I was able to push the DSl 40 alot more towards the vintage tone direction by swapping out the V type speaker for a creamback M 65 . It's warmer smoother and has more lower mids with a slight scoop in the upper mids . The Amp also has alot less fizz and has made the ultra red mode much more defined and Usable. Despite being warmer and having more upper mids and less lower mids the aml has not lost any clarity or definition. With the reduction in fizz it sounds more clear .

[@steveyankees1]

Wow to my ears the Marshall sounds much better clean and in OD. But I think there’s something with the recording that did not do the HT justice. In the clean samples The HT sounded brash. BTW, I have to say, the best clean tones come from Fender. I’m an old guy. I’ve had more amps than I can remember. My first amp (late 60s) was a Fender Super Reverb. I snubbed my nose to it because I worshipped the sounds of the rock British invasion. Marshall specifically and Hi-Watt. Now, 50 years later , I have come full circle. In the last year I’ve purchased two Fender ‘65 RI Twin Reverbs, and two Champ tweed clones and a Fender ‘65 RI Princeton Reverb. No amp that I’ve owned in the past 50 years matches the clean tones of these Fender amps. I know this is subjective. When you have owned many different amps, your ears tell you what excels for clean and dirty tones. Fender is arguably the best clean tones and a perfect pedal . platform. Most recently I purchased an Egnater Rebel 30. I must say, I Ike the clean tones and OD tones very much. I’m on the fence regarding whether or not I’ll keep my Marshall Origin 20. Yesterday I watched a video on a mod for the Original. Holy smokes!! I want that mod. It sounds like a cranked JCM800.

[@markkosa1]

After owning both for 2 years now I prefer the Blackstar. The Marshall sounds best cranked but gets mushy, squishy at that level too. Blackstar clean is loud and can be pushed to crunch then the 2 OD voices are inspiring. Took me a while to warm to the Blackstar but is my fav now. Also I had a Celestion 70/80 speaker pulled from another amp and I installed in the HT5R MKII and wow, much better. First time I ever heard a 70/80 sound good!

[@BkBk-gy6vr]

Marshall is way better with pedals which is how I get my gain and doesnt get mushy with pedals.

[@ehsanhaq155]

All credit going to Celestian. Whenever I've switched speakers in a regular type amp to a Celestian greenback or sth, the tonal improvements are night and day.

[@jim3232]

What speaker did you take out?

[@markkosa1]

@@jim3232 I took out the Blackstar 20 watt it says on back...Was quite surprised to hear the 70/80 sound that good as I usually don't care for them but in this little amp it is a home run to my ears.

[@georgestanley8837]

So what you’re saying is you’re not happy with how it sounded before the speaker swap??

[@JenniferThompson-cy1ln]

I buy the Black star put multy effect board threw the clean. Sound good. But the speaker is junk. And a shame only one tone control on clean. Good video

[@douglascrawford4791]

The black star. It's so affordable. I purchased two and configured a stereo set up with my effects.You could do a lot with these amps

[@Rumpl4skinn]

In person i much preferred the blackstar. So much so i brought it home.

[@pacislav]

I don't know how was the sound in the video recorded but I've heard those combos in person and the Blackstar has much fatter bottom end.

[@dowaliby1]

To my ear, the clean settings on each were pretty close in tone. However, on the various gain settings the Marshall sounded fuller and rounder, with a balance among the highs, midshipmen's and lows, and just more pleasing to the ear. The Blackstar sounded good, no doubt, but it was much more lopsided toward the highs, resulting in kind of a trebly brittleness. Also, it is not a completely equivalent comparison since the Backstair has a 12 inch speaker, while the Marshall has only a 10 inch. And yet, IMO, the Marshall still sounded fuller, warmer and like it had more middle and bottom end. Part of the difference in the gain tones may be that the gain on the Backstar is partially transistor and not pushed completely by tube. I also think the demo would have been more useful to more people if other types of guitars were also played through the amps, cuz when it's a Stratocaster, that sound is always the most prevalent you hear, regardless of the amp.

[@siddharthsharma8940]

I felt the Marshall was muffled and the blackstar sounded much more Fuller and bigger

[@jessetate9701]

Blackstar sounds clear sounding

[@JannichHolmerIbsen]

The Marshall sounded much more muffled than the Blackstar which was clearer on all settings

[@noodler2979]

Marshall all the way, HT sounded brittle on gain settings.

[@davidmerlin3344]

phillup bucket you have no class.

[@StratsRUs]

I have a HT5R and a DSL20. For their price they are superb value. Obviously, paying more will get a little more greatness.But only if you regularly play loud.

[@angusorvid8840]

The HT sounds better. I think I shall buy one, and soon! Better, more complex gain structuer, better cleans, and it does a lot. Easier to record with. And you can't beat a 12 inch speaker. I don't care who makes a speaker, a 10 will NEVER have the volume and body of a 12.

[@leftymadrid]

I can say from experience... after purchasing the BLACKSTAR I was completely In Awe, love it and built to last too... Had many other types of amps won't mention any name brands...but so glad I checked out these BLACKSTAR tube amps, they inspire you to actually play!

[@dantrag2890]

I thought the same thing until I got me an EVH 5150 lbx ii.

[@ayoungethan]

Blackstar seems to have much more presence in the preamp voicing and my guess is would sit more forward in or cut through with less volume. The Marshall cleans were cleaner. Blackstar cleans were dirty in a nice dynamic way. The ISF feature didn't come into play here, nor did any of the EQ settings. Were they both set flat? Was the ISF set to "British"?

[@LeeGee]

Here because of Adrian Smith's Blackstar but the Marshall sounded fuller, more sonorous, warmer, more organic. But full gain Blackstar played as tight as Smith would alone make the Blackstar worth while.

[@BusterRoonie]

I own 2 Blackstar combos. Both sound GREAT!! Either your pickups suck or ya should complete settings before demo. Noticed the Marshal didn’t sound so great neither. So, I’m guessing it’s not the amps.

[@1thess523]

I found the HTR 5 at a pawn shop for $155 👍.

[@horstspreu6946]

But not the mk2

[@MrWildboy214]

That pawn shop pinned your legs behind your ears before they went in raw.

[@florianju5638]

I like the Blackstar a tiny bit better, soundwise. What speaks for the Marshall is it's price. The Marshall costs 200 Euros less than the Blackstar. That is a freaking lot of money, considering that the amps are 350 and 550 Euro. I would have loved to hear the emulated out's of both, since the Blackstar offers a USB Interface as well, this could really "seal the deal". Otherwise I'd buy the Marshall and a few good pedals for the 200 Euros extra and end up with a much more versatile setup than with the Blackstar...

[@pizzarand]

I had two Blackstar ht amps, the 40 and the 20, and both had issues with usb. One didnt even get recognized by windows, on the other one the recorded audio was one semitone lower and there was mad clipping. Sadly there is no driver on the blackstar site so all I could do is reinstall windows automatic drivers which didnt fix the problem. Soundwise the emulated out was very harsh sounding compared to the speaker. I havent tried the dsl for comparision. Only a Yamaha thr 5 , which sounds better on distortion.

[@florianju5638]

@@pizzarandThx for sharing your experiences. In the mean time, I ended up with a Laney IRT Studio. Everything works just fine. USB, Headphones, Reamping. Had no driver issues, only Ableton Live had to be convinced a little bit with the reamping stuff ;)

[@pizzarand]

@@florianju5638 Thats good to hear. You have the head right? Didnt find a combo except for laney ironheart. a little over my budget though

[@florianju5638]

@@pizzarand Yes, it is the head. You see, I have been using studio monitors for other stuff anyways, so I figured, why not use them with the CabSim of the amp as well? Turns out to sound very well. That evens out the budget problem for me.

[@mattx5499]

I got older model DSL5 without reverb and clean master knob. The only thing that bothers me in this amp is that clean channel is a lot brighter than drive channel, so it's hard to play songs that require switching channels like Nirvana stuff. Getting a distortion pedal to use with the clean channel would be the solution. Because this amp has lots of mids it would be a good idea to get a distortion pedal that has slightly scooped mids or with scoop feature like some metal distortion pedals.

[@TheLithGH]

Anyone who mentions Adrian Smith, gets an instant thumbs up!!!

[@sonny6string822]

Thanks for the demo, one thing is the Blackstar HT5R Mkii has the ISF knob and I wonder how that would effect the the overall tone... as well the Blkst has tone control features for both channels, which is a plus imho, I have the Blkst 10 anny Serious One and the little sucker ripps. However the best part of your video is the destroyed Ibanez Destroyer slammed thru the Marshall cab that's in back of you, pure rock-n-roll!!! 🤩

[@rsmallfield]

I’ve owned an HT-5R and a Marshall DSL-15. (Which can run at 7w, so is comparable.) The main area where my DSL wins, as does your DSL-5, is in the cleans. The Blackstar cleans are a bit thinner. However, the Blackstar’s dirty channel is superb - especially with an extension cabinet. If you play clean more, I’d choose the Marshall. In your demo, the cleans sounded fuller to my ears, despite the smaller 10” speaker.

[@dukeplow]

I have the Blackstar. But from this video I like the Marshall

[@SoniaGail]

I got the ht but the clean has no bass treb mid .and thats the chanel i use. Witha friedman pedal for distortion killer as i dont like the ht overdrive at all. Also i had to put a greenback & russian valves. Happy with the amp. But a real shame they only put one tone .good video

[@markkosa1]

I own both, more tubes in the Marshall, more organic round tube tone on both channels. Blackstar better at tight high gain a little bit I think...I just noticed I play the Marshall a lot more than the Blackstar...

[@cartersteveify]

Which one sounds better at the low tv / apartment volumes. Thanks

[@markkosa1]

@@cartersteveify Blackstar

[@Andrew-wb2zq]

They're just voiced very differently. I could see wanting either depending on what I liked to play.

[@jsr79-81]

Not sure how a 10" driver can sound so much 'bigger' than a 12". The Celestion Ten/Thirty is one of my favourite speakers.

[@FlynnCz]

I am an old blackstar Jedi, bought an HT20 while blackstar was still unknown and it is Great. Recently I bought a ht5-mkii and I was disappointed: 1) footswitch is made in plastic, no more in iron 2) while switching between clean and overdrive channel it make a disturbing and high gain popping noise, really unpleasant, which according to blackstar is normal. Truly speaking I don’t think it is and I’m thinking to send it back, it’s really uncomfortable, especially while playing live. Does anybody know if the Marshall has the same problem (popping noise)?

[@CentaurusRelax314]

I would love to hear the *head* versions of each, but into the same cabinet, to eliminate that speaker/box variable.

[@DerekGoude]

Definitely, that's what the shoot out needed to be. Video was great content tho, not hating

[@richardbarnett8877]

@@DerekGoude so the combo amp shootout would be better if heads were used. Sort of defeats the purpose...

[@stuckinchaselandia6427]

DSL beat Blackstar on every single setting. The only thing Blasckstar has that is better is the reverb.

[@natethompson1257]

Agreed. The DSL5CR sounds way better. Much more lively cleans and a way more crunchy overdrive channel.

[@sofiansmail5568]

In my opinion, DSL5 sound better in cleaner sound. Blackstar is too "chimical" sound.

[@CGCEifel]

Blackstar all the way i think. More character, way better resolution, texture. Like it a lot.

[@noworries12]

Blackstar cleans sound like a swarm of yellow jackets in a can if you hit the strings harder. The Marshall is way more musically the way it turns from clean into overdrive

[@robertclinger8916]

Marshall won in high gain w/switch out, the rest was Blackstar.

[@DoktrDub]

I wouldn’t say the rest was black star, I think the cleans of the Marshall shined through more in many instances, the black stars high gain sounds a little more compressed and slightly on the harsh side, at least on its own but it could benefit in a full mix easier compared to the Marshall in high gain, this is what I gather from this video anyway, both awesome sounding amps with their own character and qualities, majority of the rest of it is down to preference.

[@markkosa1]

Blackstar is set louder on every example...?

[@lazyguy3555]

The Blackstar sounds harsh. It's a tiring sound. I prefer the smoother, scooped sound of the Marshall. I do have the battery powered Blackstar guitar and bass Fly amps that are great for playing away from a wall socket.

[@SplinteredCompany]

Maybe I should buy both! (tax return just came through!!)

[@spider5001]

In this video the Marshall sounded like the blackstar with a wool blanket over it

[@Tull1996]

In the high gain area, I thought the Marshall sounded like it had a blanket in front of it. Probably just eq settings....but sounded pretty muffled to my ears.

[@willredelsheimer]

Considering the Marshall runs a couple hundred dollars more, I think the Blackstar wins hands down. The tones are still there. It's not dimed in either. The Marshall definitely gave the Marshall tones but people are seriously underestimating Blackstar based off this comparison.

[@ze-ce.cra_]

Which one will be enough for studio band practice with acoustic drums? Also I need a great clean headroom

[@leonordmann]

you'd need more wattage I think. Maybe 15 watts would be better.

[@marcospaulo908]

Marshall avt100 or blackstar ht5?

[@RichardLuna2025]

Marshall

[@RestrictedAirspacePodcast]

The Marshall sounds way better in my opinion.

[@southpawlibranine3511]

Not clean it doesnt

[@andyledger2307]

Not sure that many people buy a Marshall for its clean tone.

[@SxSxG666]

​@@andyledger2307Marshall amps have a clean tone?

[@СергейН-у2н]

Всем привет. Не ставили цель завалить звучание Blackstar неудачными настройками? Купил вчера HT-5R, но после вашего видео хочу не распаковывая сдать его обратно в магазин ;(

[@theheavensdeclare7571]

Blackstar 👍🏻

[@MIKE-ej6ud]

It's not even close. The Blackstar melts the Marshall into a steaming pile on the floor.

[@lesd2633]

HT 5. All the way.

[@VeeeeryyyFaaaastSlooooth]

Strange, I tested both of these at store side by side and had very different results, Marshall sounded weak and very fizzy, Blackstar very balanced. Bad mic placement in this video maybe? Blackstar sounded like in this video, this is how you mike an amp: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6quh4F9drFmqqs

[@napomania]

I tested a blackstar clean channel at low volume and I was impressed how well balanced sound, and strings had a good attack ( too bad was not my guitar)

[@wootton900]

Thought the Marshall sounded a lot more pleasing , but in think it was because it was clipping a little , I think the ht5r has that vox chime a little great amps, but the Marshall sounds very classic like everyone wants

[@pablo9364]

What extra do you get on the black star for extra £111 in UK? Direct usb connection to computer audio/software, American and British voices?!? The black star has one less valve. The Marshall sounds great for rock and metal . The speaker is two inches bigger on the blackstar, the controls on the Marshall are on the front not on the top. The blackstar is newer and just come out in 2019. It’s not worth the extra money unless you value the audio usb connection for recording via computer. I went for the Marshall because I don’t care about American or British voices, controls I want on the front, 3 valves instead of 2 , slight preference towards rock and maybe some metal in future. I agree they are similar BUT there is a noticeable price gap.

[@RestrictedAirspacePodcast]

The two of these in stereo would sound great though.

[@chrisw5742]

Blackstar sounds like one of those tiny micro Marshalls.

[@voltaspeeder17]

They both sound good! Not as good as the real stuff like JCM DSL 800/2000 or high end Blackstars, but for the price they're a good bargain imo.

[@jhvuvnik65s24]

That marshall sound great clean, but the blacksstar destroys it everywhere in regards to tone

[@sunitasharma8003]

Blackstar are unmatched at entry level desktop amps as well the fly hits diff than any other entry line marshal solid state And its tge sane here. I feel blackstar are awesome at every level its just the Brand name that sells more than ever these days seems to marshall

[@stephanelemaire3855]

Bonjour a tous, Jai une préférence pour le Marshall, authentique 👍

[@Siam_Thai.]

Blackstar wins!!

[@danieltv123]

Marshall all the way for me

[@gregs8685]

I think Marshall sounds better all around in this video, but in person I am guessing the 10” speaker in the Marshall will make it sound small.

[@genericuser8888]

At times, the Marshall sounds muffled and the Blackstar sounds brittle. All things considered, I feel the Marshall is better and can be eq'd and tweaked to sound right. The Blackstar's brittle/midrange tone ...it has it's place ...but I think it sounds a bit more solid state. If I am going with a tube amp, I feel like the Marshall sounds more like a tube amp.

[@HammerFang]

Marshall sounds weak while cranking its clean. It is not breaking to much :( the rest is pure awsomness of Marshall. Blackstar sounds like it has too much treble.

[@RichardLuna2025]

Marshall, Marshall, Marshall.!!

[@Siam_Thai.]

Blackstar, Blackstar, Blackstar.!!

[@darrellbrock4788]

Guitar Center told me that the low watt amps (5W and lower) isn't enough to push pedals, is that correct? I have some JHS fuzz and tube screamer pedals and wonder if the low watt amp will work. The thing is I just want to play in my home so I need a low watt quieter amp, did I buy those pedals for nothing?

[@benjaminfowler4513]

Your pedals will push the amp into overdrive for sure. Amps don't push pedals

[@darrellbrock4788]

@@benjaminfowler4513 So the JHS fuzz pedal will sound good at lower volume on a low watt amp?

[@benjaminfowler4513]

Yeah it shouldn't be hard at all to dial in a great sound with this and your pedals.

[@darrellbrock4788]

@@benjaminfowler4513 Thanks.

[@silverbrada9735]

Very good shootout! What to say about tonal quality and versatility. Since I tried both and Vox ac10c1, does it make that both? :-) Oh, my, Vox shines on the cleans, I just needed to hear that. Nothing more, because I want both, pronounced legit cleans and pushing sustainable gain for having a little bit of everything. Nope, you're not gonna get it from these amps, as much as you want it. So, what is your preference? If you want nice warm cleans and fair amount of dirt on drive channel and good articulation, old school voicing go for Marshall. But, if you want addictive cleans, very pleasing and pronounced, open sound( 12" does make a difference ) and modern( not talking about metal ) gain with solid versatility go for HT5R. I will, til I convince my dealer to give me amp that works, not buzzing saw on zero gain potentiometer and no lame electric environment excuse!!! OH, MY GOD! AND FOR GOD'S SAKE TRY IT IN PERSON GUYS, A COUPLE OF TIMES IF YOU NEED!!!

[@mikeaustin4138]

I've seen some reviews of this amp and the most-stated negative is that when using the footswitch is makes a very loud popping sound. Has anyone tested and confirmed whether this is a problem with the amp or the footswitch? iow, would a different footswitch produce the noise?

[@conservativerealist]

Wich amp theres2

[@mikeaustin4138]

@@conservativerealist HT-5 mik ii, of course.

[@conservativerealist]

I got a blackstar ht5 c 112,a couple months back, thought I was ordering the mk2,used about 200.shipped wxcellentcind..I thought I had found a great deal on a used mk2,just didn't read fine print..but I'm just learning and only play at home,I think this one sounds great to be honest

[@conservativerealist]

If you were at a show and any part of your gear was making a popping sound,for me that would be an instant deal breaker,but is anyone doing live shows with a 5watt amp,i.d.k.

[@ROBERTCLAVIN]

I've got a DSL1 and that pops going from red to green when using a pedal or the switch. I don't know if it's the same with the DSL5, but the architecture can't be that different. I have an HT5R (mk1) - no popping that I recall, but I haven't played it for a while.

[@helixworld]

IMO all 5W amps are a bit limited. I don't know any that can perform miracles. I thought the Marshall sounded good with the "tone shift" being OFF. HT-5R didn't impress me at all, and seems to have far too much mid emphasis.

[@enakki]

I'm finding the Marshlall SL-5 amazing 5-watter. (no Slash fan here:)

[@danthel]

What do u guys mix these amps with I buy one of these amps the blackstar and I got it home and sounded like a peace of $50 crap

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

Marshall sounded better.

[@rodneywhite2565]

When I’ve played Marshall AMS Blackstar side by side on overdrive channels it’s the Marshall that’s always bright harsh and fizzy. Unlike in this video.

[@edwinmartinez9787]

This guy more for the marshall cause he making blackstar sound like shit and harsh when you have setting for this

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

I've heard the blackstar has cheap parts and this amp model sounds boxy and cheap. Does anyone know if that's true

[@adleneboulebtateche156]

Yes, the first model was made in Korea. The MkII is made in China.

[@otaviofenderstrat4220]

It has 12 " speaker ...Marshall has 10 "....boxy is the Marshall ....for me the souds matter ...an amp with gold parts and sound like a shit doesn't make sense....Blackstar is awesome.

[@adamwatson6916]

I find with my DSl 5 using a closed back extension cab with 12 inch speakers is a must to get great sounds out of it . On the high Gain channel with the deep switch on is too boxy sounding with too much bass and looses clarity but without the deep switch on its too thin and does not have enough bass and sounds too nasal and a bit blanketed. The right tone so to speak lies in between the deep switch on and deep switch off but luckily I found that using a closed back cab 1 by 12 or even better a closed back 2 by 12 provides that tone that sounds right in between deep switch on and deep switch off . I also find it sounds better when the closed back cabs have a heavy Magnet speaker like a G12H30 or G12H30 clone a vintage 30 works really well too .

[@richardjones2811]

The Marshall sounds a lot warmer. I bought a Dsl 20 recently and sent it back after 10 minutes. It was hissing so loud even at low volume.