Blackstar HT-5R MKII 5w Combo Demo - A Huge Sounding, Versatile Small Amp!

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

People I swear go hear these amps and the larger ones in person. I was shopping for a marshal today and the store said you gotta hear these things. They were two of the best sounding amps I’ve ever heard. Absolutely blew my mind. Went home to rethink life.

[@KlausDoitschlaaand]

Man, I feel sorry for you, this thing just doesn't sound right.

[@TangoNevada]

@@KlausDoitschlaaand What's the issue?

[@dunnigan66]

Got one and put in a Eminence Texas Heat simply amazing with my Gibson Les Paul JR

[@JohnMcGFrance]

Love my HT5rmkii. Great for blues and classic rock. In 0.5w mode you can crank the clean channel for crunch tones then hit the overdrive channel to get some real hi-gain tones. It’ll chug for metal too. In 5w mode it is surprisingly loud. I reckon you could use it for rehearsal room/small gigs. It’s reverb is fantastic as well. Had it 2 years now and still no sign of wanting to trade in for anything else.

[@scrimpmster]

I'm thinking of getting one for bedroom practice. How much lower is the volume in 0.5w mode? I live with other people so would like a cranked sound but not disturb anyone

[@JohnMcGFrance]

@@scrimpmster it’s still pretty loud. I don’t think you could crank it and not disturb others. The Boss WAZA headphones are very good for near silent practice.

[@antoniocoloprisco8790]

​@@scrimpmsteri get HTR1 mkII and It Is usable in my Little room at 6/10 gain and 6/10 volume in 1 watt mode without any dB problem for neighbours

[@christopherholian3475]

I keep mine at the half watt setting with the gain at 8.5/10 and the volume at like 4/10 and it's still pretty loud. Anywhere over 5 and you're probably gonna bother who you live with but I think the tone sounds great around that area anyways, don't have to crank it hard to get the most potential/tone out of it. You will never use the 5 watt mode if you're just using it for practice in the bedroom. Its way to loud@@scrimpmster

[@alwaysrockn2009]

I have an HT-5RC mk2 and, damn, it’s sweet. Kicks butt when you want it to and cleans-up so nicely. You get a lot of awesome in this package- best amp for your money by far. Rock on!

[@dunnigan66]

I just got one as well and it does kick arse. I have a MXR full bore metal pedal and a Joyo vintage overdrive using a Schector Solo 2 and this thing smokes!!

[@willredelsheimer]

The hype is real. Got mine today. Sick to sultry tones. Much louder than I expected even on 0.5 watt setting.

[@Johnsalad]

The best thing about Dagan, he is very fun to watch.

[@eliasjohansson822]

I was considering buying this amp, and your video just made up my mind!

[@markkosa1]

Wonderful improvement over the old HT5...The clean is loud and proud on this amp with 2 voices and the OD side is Marshall or Soldano with the push of a button...will do the pretty stuff and then rock hard. I have the HT1MKII in my bedroom, this in my studio and the HT20MKII to take out for loud jams and live gigs. Love them all...best amps for the money far and away

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

I'd like to buy one and upgrade the speaker. Had one of the originals but sold it a long time ago and always wondered what it would have sounded like with a UK-made Celestion.

[@markkosa1]

@@finishin.my.coffee8780 Yes! I play mine through an extra 1x12 cab I have sometimes sounds amazing. Cab has a Celestion G12-35xc UK

[@jrsoper6524]

BEST TUBE AMPS EVER

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Dagan - I ordered a Blackstar because of your vids. I opted for the Silverline Standard.

[@lordlorzius]

I just bought one used and I love its sound and responsiveness. Especially the clean and crunch settings are in another league compared to my Katana Mkii 50 (which I haven't yet decided to replace with the silverline). There are a couple of issues though, and I'm not sure if it's just my unit or if the silverline all share these problems. 1) on the OD channels with more than half gain and master volume above 1/4 mine gets REALLY noisy. There is a decent amount of hiss even on the clean channels and with volume on the guitar turned all the way down 2) the gain and level knobs only respond when turning them to zero first 3) I get a really weird ghost notes on phaser and flanger settings. It almost sounds like a harmonizer, but out of tune. It is very very subtle and I only hear it when listening for it 4) the headphone out is insanely loud and unpleasant. Even turning level volume down as far as possible seems to drive my studio headphones above their limits 5) mp3 in its way to quite. I have to turn level down to 0.1 and master to 1/2 and the backing tracks are still not as loud as my guitar signal All in all those are alot of issues for an amp that wants to be a boutique digital modeler. I love the sound and feel, but I'm not sure if I'll keep it tbh. Has anyone had similar experience with their silverline (or tvp) amps?

[@GradualErase]

I just today bought this amp. Beautiful

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Question, How is the volume/tone through a set of headphones? Thanks.

[@scotts1766]

Most influencers describe the ISF as US=left (like it is geographicly) and right= British. I don't hear Marshall when turned right; I hear VOX. I've heard you describe left as British (along with a couple other critics). Slightly left to me sounds like the mids get focused on high mids/ tight bass, while going right blurs bass frequencies all over making more low mid crowding. I love my HT5R even more with a 31 band graphic equalizer, greenback, and 12At7 instead of 12Ax7 valve. Scooping around 450 and 2k along with a high mid hump can get Marshall tones wherever an ISF sits. Thanks for the best reveiws and inspirarional delivery Dagon!

[@chriscarolan7340]

It's Russell brand on guitar 🎸 love it Russ

[@TangoNevada]

Can you imagine this guy and Russell Brand in the same room at the same time? It would be like some kind of Quantum Interference was happening. There are probably dozens of guys like this and I love to image the hilarity of them all being in the same room at the same time trying to be the center of attention.

[@samain1804]

This guy was born to rock

[@Mayathetherian733]

Thumbs up on the itsy-bitsy piece of the Def Leppard riff! I have this amp, but haven't played it in a while. Gonna bust it out again!

[@bruzrkgro-malog2953]

What has nine arms and sucks??

[@abelramirez7320]

I just got one. I know im in a honeymoon phase with it, but gosh, i honestly think this might be the best amp in its price range.

[@josephsantana3094]

I have the ht5r head through a 1x12 cab. Great little amp.

[@ravengod3906]

Thinking of getting a used one of those with two 1x12. How is yours? And how much did you get it for?

[@josephsantana3094]

@@ravengod3906 I bought mine new and paid the regular retail price for it. I think $479 USD. I'd say its an outstanding amp for home practice and recording. The tone is fantastic and with the right cab it can be used for small gigs IF you don't need a lot of clean headroom. It takes pedals really really well too especially on the clean channel.

[@ravengod3906]

@@josephsantana3094 thank you very much mate! I think this is the one for me then :D

[@nathanschille492]

Hey, currently looking to buy it, is it possible to get good metal tones from it at low volumes ?

[@josephsantana3094]

@@nathanschille492 Depends what your opinion of low volume is. With enough gain for modern metal stuff, even on 0.5w mode its pretty loud when confined to a small bedroom and potentially loud enough to still annoy others in the home or possibly neighbors if you live in an apartment. But I'd say it's still pretty reasonable. It's not overbearingly loud and still a lot better than a higher watt amp.

[@hugotyson308]

"Hey folks, Bogan here!" and he cranks into some AC/DC riffs! Seriously though, I like AC/DC! This may be pretty cool running into my Boss TAE to get some serious volume when required. Put a Wampler Equator EQ in the loop with a decent delay pedal and that would be about it!

[@Donnie_Thornberry]

Dagan lol

[@hugotyson308]

@@Donnie_Thornberry "Bogan" in Australia is a term for a "red neck or yobbo", lots of "bogans" from a certain era absolutely loved AC/DC(Well I like them too!) but that was their favorite band. Aussie hard rock(even though most of the members were originally from Scotland, emigrated when they were kids.)

[@samboggs3499]

I had a 100 watt Marshall half stack in my living room as my practice amp, but of course the apartment building was sound proof.

[@jessetate9701]

Can’t wait to get this for my bedroom practice amp so I can bring this over to my buddies house an jam

[@mrmackee123]

He can review a microwave and make it fun . 🎸✊

[@johniresearchist7263]

he should review a microwave just for fun

[@scotts2027]

Please do this on April 1

[@christopherdicola]

@8:41 was exactly what I needed to hear lol - thank you

[@Triumph1153]

Just picked one up, love it. Surprised how much bass it can push, enjoy the 4 voices, essentially a 4 channel amp. I have never heard a 5 watt drive this hard, this lil thing rocks.

[@ExposingEvil_]

does dagan have like a degree in sales i swear this guy is an awesome salesman

[@danieltv123]

he has a degree in rock n roll coolness

[@Rotwang72]

I think so, I just bought everything he has reviewed ever. Everything. Ever.

[@Allguitarinfo]

Who cares the dude knows the gear that's better than any damn degree

[@samuelsanderson4515]

yeah i want to get one of these

[@sublyme2157]

Came for the amp, stayed for that sweet Kramer!

[@theriffbandit9375]

Subscribed because of the host, cool guy, can make anything sound interesting and good.

[@WayCoolStudios]

Great demo, I would love to own a Blackstar!

[@peleproductions]

I have this amp and love it

[@liveconcerts7550]

What's different from previous Blackstar HT5R? What's new?

[@peleproductions]

@@liveconcerts7550 I never had that one but I think that they made substantial under the hood improvements because from the sound demos I've seen the tone on the new one is a lot better. I think some features might be new, I don't think they had the 0.5W mode on the 5R but I'm not sure. The 0.5W mode makes this the perfect amp for the bedroom or living room, it's still as loud as you'd possibly want it for that on 0.5W but sounds good also at low volumes. USB out and footswitch might also be new.

[@liveconcerts7550]

@@peleproductions thank you.

[@vrba9588]

Is it loud enough for room or not ??

[@peleproductions]

@@vrba9588 what do you mean? It is loud. I've played with a drummer with it in a rehearsal room, it can get that loud and it sounds great but there isn't enough headroom for cleans at that volume, the clean channel is overdriven.

[@mattiisosalo918]

I have this amp and it’s perfect for home use if you want something small and valvey. I did shootout between this and Marshall DSL5cr and for my ears I liked the Blackstar more, Marshall is very good at being Marshall but they really never been my cup of tea. For band rehearsals or gigs I’d choose something louder. I play mostly classic rock and punk.

[@benallmark9671]

Is this a tube amp ?

[@mattiisosalo918]

@@benallmark9671 Yes it is a tube (or valve) amp. It does have some solid state circuits in it, I’m not sure if they have used op-amps or transistors. But then again, I think the Marshall DSL has got them as well. So in a way the overdrive channel works like a pedal. If you build a gainy tube amp for low volume use, there’s almost certainly some solid state circuits built in it. I don’t really care how it is made if it sounds good.

[@benallmark9671]

@@mattiisosalo918 I agree thanks for the response

[@mattiisosalo918]

@@benallmark9671 No problem

[@LucaLindemann]

I love Blackstar: he can be the perfect English Lord having a tea at Buckingham Palace, and he can be the baddest hooligan kickin' ass his own team mates too... 😁 Excellent video as usual, I follow this channel as a drug addicted follows his pusher. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@steve10358]

Great demo

[@bradleydrawsweirdstuff]

I prefer tube amps with only one channel. This guys demos are good though more to the point and less pointless banter.

[@waynewilcox444]

well done review..you cover all the details. one question tho...can this amp compete with a drummer in a jam setting?

[@pads-zr9ln]

Own one and love it. Tried the Marshall but the headphone output was terrible

[@SergeiVlassov]

wow, that guitar!

[@ThePonDePon]

There's a used surf green one of these in the shop I work, might have to pick it up lol

[@Allguitarinfo]

This seems like a really cool app I'm wondering if I put a blues driver A Chorus and a delay in there I have a small little practice amp that's three channels loud enough to play with a triggered drum set really looking forward to trying this one out

[@scottschmittmusic]

I'm sold!

[@TangoNevada]

This guy is so the Russel Brand of Guitar amp reviews.

[@GigglingDickhead]

what are the pickups in that old Kramer? Sounds killer (looks killer too). I have a HT5 but i dont sound like that

[@jamesbarrick3403]

This amp has one output tube. Does that mean by definition this would be a single-ended triode power section? I think so but if you know let me know.

[@frankiejrae]

What is the model of that Kramer? It looks fantastic

[@DaganWilkin]

My old ‘87 Pacer Custom II

[@Punk1984Rock]

Why do all these amps sound like they are being muffled?

[@donciseau]

great video

[@jessetate9701]

Bought mine yesterday will switch out the speaker to a v30

[@donny7290]

Why?

[@jessetate9701]

@@donny7290 I like the sound of a v30

[@donny7290]

@@jessetate9701 cool I would be curious to hear the difference if you have done this

[@rockinron59rl]

Went with surf green

[@benallmark9671]

Is this a tube amp ?

[@patrickkramer8266]

Blackstar HT-5R MKII 5w or the Marshall Origin 20C? :/

[@jessetate9701]

It really depends on what tones your looking for the mk2 Blackstar 5 can offer u blues classic rock to metal for affordable price. But if U want just pure classic rock tones from the 70s then the Marshall origin

[@mattbelloni]

footswitch included?

[@davidmaltais1459]

yes

[@digipeet2866]

hi ..is it loud enough for a band rehearsel???

[@oscargarciapicu]

What about the HT 5210 ?? It's exactly the same with 2 speakers?? Cause in my local store both costs the same (About 18dlls cheaper the 5210).

[@danieltv123]

by the name it seems to be 2 10" speakers instead of 1 12

[@liveconcerts7550]

Is this an update on Blackstar HT5R?

[@josephsantana3094]

Yes

[@jpfigueiredo]

It is not.

[@liveconcerts7550]

@@jpfigueiredo what's the difference?

[@jpfigueiredo]

​@@liveconcerts7550 There's no difference, that's what I'm saying. This is just the regular "HT-5R MKII", launched in 2019.

[@liveconcerts7550]

@@jpfigueiredo thank you Sir 🙏.

[@giacomorinaldi]

Hi, to have a good thrash metal sound which pedals could be good with this combo ?

[@1redgate8]

Bought one for versatility, it's pretty noisy though... thoughts?

[@dudeabides3860]

does it not have a standbye bottom?

[@Driven2Beats]

What about If I already have a 2x12 cab. I see there isnt that option on the emulated output, what is that? I was looking for this model the head amp version

[@theodosios2615]

This looks great! Pardon the newbie question: Is wattage not directly related to volume?

[@danieltv123]

It is, among other factor like amp design, speaker sensitivity, etc

[@Mayathetherian733]

To add to what dadnieltv123 said, tube amp watts generally pack more punch than solid state watts. So, for example, a tube amp that's 22 watts, like a the Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue, can get VERY loud. I think solid-state amps are starting to have wattage ratings similar to tube amps, but it's something to be aware of. If you play at home mostly, 5 watts is more than enough power. In fact, it's probably too much! Take care!

[@nigelpickett2471]

100 watt Marshall in the living room - NO, Mines in the dining room ;-) Along with a Blackstar HT Stage60, Marshall DSL20 and Blackstar HT5R. The AC30 is in the living room down beside my favourite armchair!

[@henrydelong3158]

@Felix Blacksher 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

[@Tiler-ju9zl]

Why they not add more control for the clean. And and extre tube wouldn't of gone astray

[@vincentcrooks2469]

So this or the Marshall DSL5R??? I kinda prefer controls on the front like the Marshall for my bedroom use but this one is $50 less and has a 12” vs a 10”.

[@km606x]

Get the Blackstar, so much more versatility

[@pads-zr9ln]

Love mine, had it a week, bit disappointed there's no eq for the clean tone but a pedal solves all problems

[@liveconcerts7550]

The eq is for both channels as you can switch between them 😉😏😀😄😜🤣.

[@MKJ2DAY]

@@liveconcerts7550 Nope, OD EQ only. But I agree with megaton, pedal does solve that issue.

[@Mr-Safology]

The fender pro jr only has a tone knob as well. So, for cleans and from what I have heard from videos, is fantastic. It's OD1 is great, especially EQ and ISF. Though I haven't played it, I've changed my mind and going for this HT5 MK2. One question. Can the amp take a klon style and tube screamer pedal well? The OD1 to me does sound as if a tube screamer is built in the amp when increasing gain and volume of the guitar. But I want to use the clean channel with klon, then crank the volume to get the crunch and use my ts808. Can I do this? Thanks 👍🏼

[@Triumph1153]

Yup, just use a pedal what i do.

[@emersonbarreto492]

For you Brits it must be relatively cheap equipment but for us Brazilians it costs about two months' salary for a low/medium income worker! Hopefully I can get one for a more attractive price on the used market.

[@toneydavis9802]

Why dont i have one of these?

[@soccerman127]

At this price point with all the effects and features of this amp, there HAS to be a catch of some sort. It seems too good to be true, especially with a reputable brand.. Does anyone know what the downside is?

[@rocknfroll]

Surface mount components on an almost impossible to repair circuit board. That aside they're amazing. Just hope they don't crap out. But the price...

[@DebraRussell-r4y]

How to change the speak and all the controls underneath i think they were drunk when they made this amp

[@adamwatson6916]

I like the Amps but can they put decent speakers in their Cabs ? Its all Blackstar designed and the Awful 70/80 speakers . They can't use V30s G12M25 Greenies V types or G12H30 Annies like everyone else ? How about some WGS? They had V30s in the series one and Artisan cabs but it looks like they have been discontinued.

[@velvetgnr77]

Hello, i have the same amp and mine, it is new, and it does not sound any close to this, does anyone know why? Do you think it's faulty? i feel like it has a lack of distortion or overdrive, and sounds a little bit muddy, also the clean channer with voice 2 only sounds clean, it does no have this little crunch tone. It is paired with an epiphone les paul standard 50's. Thanks in advance.

[@glenharland5287]

Probably your pickups not high output enough. A tube screamer/boost/od pedal with volume all the way up and gain all the way down might help.

[@jpfigueiredo]

You mention "HT-5C" in the video description and on the video thumbnail, but this the "HT-5R" (the title is correct). Also, this is NOT a new version of the amp.

[@SoniaGail]

The clean ch has no bass treble or mid.

[@petewoodroffemusic]

Enjoyable demo! Good player... Pete Woodroffe Music Pete Woodroffe Music Pete

[@Tiler-ju9zl]

Could not use the distortion. Need a mulity effects board threw the clean. But no bass & treble mid control. So the clean is out .& The fuzz is terrible

[@caseyspaos448]

I have the HT5 and I don't use the dirty channel. It's ugly. I just use my distortion and overdrive pedals on the clean channel, which sounds great.

[@nathanschille492]

And by doing that can you get some solid metal tone at low volume ?

[@caseyspaos448]

@@nathanschille492 Admittedly, no. But don't do metal. The amp was given to me by a guy who had to leave the country in a hurry. I wouldn't have bought it for myself. I'm a post rock/ambient /funk player

[@Tiler-ju9zl]

Change the speaker and new valves then there ok

[@twotter1969]

But can it do surf guitar?

[@DaganWilkin]

Yep, but unfortunately I can’t! Haha

[@adamwatson6916]

That Speaker would have to go .

[@jessetate9701]

This or the origin 50

[@idontgivea1769]

A 12 incher in a tiny 5 watts combo? Takes notes, Marshall, and all other amps designers! On the other hand, this one sounds awful compared to Marshall and Peavey loaded with 10" speakers...

[@KlausDoitschlaaand]

Bought one. It's going back, the sound is way too thin. My 20-year-old Hugh and Kettner Silver combo does it better.

[@DanielDavis730]

The overdrive is crap. A multy effect board threw the clean chanel is good. But any amp sounds good like that. With great recordings

[@music-writinglife1813]

You lost me at the Hair Band Music

[@DanielDavis730]

The clean only has one control totally usless

[@tomterry2662]

Their ok. But not as good as marshall. Sorry.

[@samain1804]

And....Boss Katana sounds better every day

[@jayz6008]

I don't know.. I have one , it sounds pretty good but in some settings it can sound sort of digital

[@samain1804]

@@jayz6008 I can picture that easily enough. Lol, nothing that a pedal can't fix yeah, like a plexi or blues breaker?

[@jayz6008]

@@samain1804 The high gain and clean sound good enough for me but the crunch sounds a bit digital. I think I prefer the blackstar in some ways, but the versatility and effects from the katana are nice as well

[@samain1804]

@@jayz6008 Thanks for the details. I like blackstar, it's not bad at all. Even the Positve Grid would sound fair in my room. So many options!

[@jessetate9701]

Tube will kill a solidstate any day