Should I do it?

skyydogg01

skyydogg01

New member
I'm highly contemplating bringing my Blackstar HT Studio 20 combo to Guitar Center and trading for an Orange Micro Dark head. I'd need a cab, so I'd convert my old crate GT-65R combo (1x12) into a cab.

I've come close to my sound with the Blackstar but I cannot NAIL it. I think I can do it with the Micro Dark. And I'm not one to argue with tube vs. solid state. If I can get my sound with it, I don't care what's in it.

Thanks

edit: Also, I am intending on getting a new speaker for the crate.

Also, I'm into heavy rock ... i.e.: Deftones, old Incubus, Trust Company, etc.
 
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Re: Should I do it?

It sounds like you have already though through what want to do. It doesn't matter what we say. Its your rig and your cash. If you want it, then go for it.
 
Re: Should I do it?

Have you played through the Micro Dark head already? If so, what did you think.

Keep in mind that tubes make the difference. If you don't like the sound you're getting, do some research - maybe a tube swap is order.


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Re: Should I do it?

skyydogg01 said:
I've come close to my sound with the Blackstar but I cannot NAIL it.

I am intending on getting a new speaker for the Crate.
Click to expand...

Before you do anything else, identify the stock loudspeaker inside the Blackstar. (No doubt, it will have Celestion printed on the label but that counts for very little these days.)

I have a mk1 Blackstar HT-5H mini stack. It sounded a whole lot better after I fed it European valves and an Eminence Legend series loudspeaker.



This post has been brought to you without using the C word.
 
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Re: Should I do it?

Those Orange Micro amps really depend on a good cab to sound their best. I would trade in the Crate, keep the Blackstar and run the Micro Dark as a preamp into the Blackstar's effects loop.
 
Re: Should I do it?

Empty Pockets said:
Those Orange Micro amps really depend on a good cab to sound their best. I would trade in the Crate, keep the Blackstar and run the Micro Dark as a preamp into the Blackstar's effects loop.
Click to expand...

I first played one with the 1x8 Orange cab and was underwhelmed. I got a Micro Terror for Christmas and the thing screams through my Marshall 2x12. The cab is the great equalizer with those amps.
 
Re: Should I do it?

well, I've just come up with some more cash. I'm thinking about the Orange PPC112 along with the Micro Dark.

But, considering the above comments, I may just change the speaker in the Blackstar. It's got a Rocket 50 right now. I'm thinking maybe a Celestion V-Type or WGS Veteran 30. Which one would you guys go with?
 
Re: Should I do it?

The Celestion Rocket 50 is a budget Chinese-made item. Almost anything would be an improvement.
 
Re: Should I do it?

I've read way too often that the Eminence Swamp Thang excels at making amps sounding bigger than what they are. Huge bass, apparently.
So that's what I'd go with.
 
Re: Should I do it?

skyydogg01 said:
well, I've just come up with some more cash. I'm thinking about the Orange PPC112 along with the Micro Dark.

But, considering the above comments, I may just change the speaker in the Blackstar. It's got a Rocket 50 right now. I'm thinking maybe a Celestion V-Type or WGS Veteran 30. Which one would you guys go with?
Click to expand...

Get the Micro Dark and Orange 1x12 then run it in stereo with the Blackstar. Problem solved.
 
Re: Should I do it?

thanks guys,

I think I'm going with an Eminence Governor. I've always liked the tone of a Vintage 30 but I don't want to pay for one right now. I've heard nothing but good things about the Governor and I really like the sound clips of it.

thanks again

edit: ehh, on second though, I'll try to find a used Vintage 30
 
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Re: Should I do it?

Securb said:
I first played one with the 1x8 Orange cab and was underwhelmed. I got a Micro Terror for Christmas and the thing screams through my Marshall 2x12. The cab is the great equalizer with those amps.
Click to expand...

Empty Pockets said:
Yeahh the cab and the speaker are a lot more important than most folks realize.
Click to expand...


If possible, test drive candidate replacement loudspeakers from the output socket(s) of your amplifier.

The Eminence sound clips are only applicable to your situation if the HT 20 enclosure construction is of similar quality to whatever Eminence used in their demonstration recordings. For my HT-5H, I wanted a more "F" voicing. The blue label Legend model delivered this. If you seek a decidedly "M" voicing, the red label models are the way to go.

A 20w valve combo with a good D.I. output is always going to prove useful under home and studio circumstances. With a top notch loudspeaker, the Blackstar should become a keeper. Think of the upgrade as an investment.
 
Re: Should I do it?

Funkfingers said:
If possible, test drive candidate replacement loudspeakers from the output socket(s) of your amplifier.

The Eminence sound clips are only applicable to your situation if the HT 20 enclosure construction is of similar quality to whatever Eminence used in their demonstration recordings. For my HT-5H, I wanted a more "F" voicing. The blue label Legend model delivered this. If you seek a decidedly "M" voicing, the red label models are the way to go.

A 20w valve combo with a good D.I. output is always going to prove useful under home and studio circumstances. With a top notch loudspeaker, the Blackstar should become a keeper. Think of the upgrade as an investment.
Click to expand...

I actually put in an order for a Celestion V-Type this morning. I didn't want to spend too much and it seems like the V-Type is a "best of both worlds" kind of speaker. I expect it early next week.

Thanks for all your help.
 
Re: Should I do it?

Actually, it came out great!! The V-type is really a nice speaker. It corrected all the issues I was having. I can't wait till its finished breaking in.
 
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