Blackstar HT-5R – The Combo That Put Blackstar Back On The Map

Controls:
Features:
Performance:
Value:

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Compact tube amps have become extremely popular in the last several years. Once the demand was recognized for such a configuration, every brand out there hurried up to release their own models. Blackstar's attempt was particularly successful and has put this brand back on the map. Blackstar HT-5R is among the most popular and capable tube combos in the $500 range, that is just a fact. Let's take a closer look and see why it became so popular.

Controls

For an affordable and compact tube combo, HT-5R brings a pretty large number of controls. Not only that, but you will also find some rather unique features here. The first cluster you run into is the clean channel volume and tone control. Next is the channel select button followed by an overdrive cluster with its gain and volume knobs. Here's where things get really interesting. Most Blackstar small tube combos feature only their ISF EQ that allows you to go from a more American type tone to a fully British flavor. Not this one, though. Instead, you get a full three-band EQ and the ISF combined. Last but not the least, there is a built-in reverb level knob. All things considered, this is quite a lot of tone-shaping potential.

Features

Blackstar HT-5R offers some 5 Watts of power being delivered by one 12AX7 in the preamp stage and one 12BH7 in the power stage. What is really neat about the HT-5R is its speaker. Blackstar went with a sweet 12 Inch Blackbird 50 custom voiced unit for this amp. The effects loop comes as standard, as well as the 8/16 Ohm speaker outputs. However, there is more. For those situations where you need to practice without causing too much noise, Blackstar has built in a cab emulation output. This way you have access to either a 4×12 or 2×12 setup running straight to your headphones. There is also a line in for your MP3 device as well as a foot switch input.

Performance

Even though its features are pretty good considering the price and what this amp was designed for, the performance it offers is still its best attribute. They have tailored those tubes to give you a pretty authentic vintage tone that is rarely heard in this segment of the market. The cleans are so crisp and defined while the overdrive brings a perfect amount of grit to the signal. With both the standard three-band EQ and the ISF control, you can dial in a wide range of tone colors without ever needing to use
guitar effects pedals. Even when you plug in your headphones, the quality of tone is just impressive. Finally, that reverb that comes with the amp is one of the better built-in effects out there, as limited as it is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEJkksyqzN4

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Blackstar HT-5R is one of the first success stories of the compact tube amp segment. Even though it has had several iterations, its core performance hasn't been changed all that much. It is still considered to be the best choice in this segment of the market. If you are looking for a good tube practice combo with a bit of a punch, look no further.

For more info about the Blackstar HT-5R, click here.
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