Upgrade From An HT-5

[Jeff5]

I have a Blackstar HT-5 and it is a pretty decent amp, especially with an EQ pedal in the effects loop. However, I'd like something with a bit more complex and modern high gain. My benchmark is my Tri-Axis/2:90 although I don't have expectations that a smaller amp will sound like that.

I play mostly metal from a lot of different sub genres (think Volbeat/Sword/Slipknot to early Maiden) but also dabble in classic rock, blues and country rock. So the amp must do all genres of metal great but be usable for other styles.

I'd prefer a head but am not adverse to a combo amp if it can be hooked up to my 1X12.

Things I'd like but aren't critical
-Effects loop
-Power scaling
-Two channels


Amps I'm considering
-ENGL Ironball
-H&K Tubemeister 18
-HT-5 Metal
-Orange Dark Terror
-Ornage Jim Root #4
-Mesa Boogie Mini Rectifier
-Laney Ironheart

I realize there is a big price deferential between many of these but I'm willing to save and wait if the amp is right for me.

Are there other amps I should consider that meet my criteria? Does anyone have experience with any of these amps?

Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dominus]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

The EQ in the loop will definitely help, but do you have an overdrive in front?

Alternatively, one of the AMT preamp pedals in the loop would give you another channel to play with. Something like the P1, R1, or S1 would do nicely.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Hi Dom,

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into those. At low volumes I use a Tubescreamer in front and with the EQ it does sound pretty good. I'm just looking for something better/different small amp wise.

 

[EET_FUK]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Alternatively, one of the AMT preamp pedals in the loop would give you another channel to play with. Something like the P1, R1, or S1 would do nicely.

Sorry for the thread jack but after a quick google search those pedals look pretty interesting. How do they compare with any other amp-in-a-box pedals, or any other OD on the market for that matter?

Also, I think the OP would do well with an Orange Dark Terror, especially with that EQ in the loop.

Edit: Nevermind, OP said 2 channels.

 

[alteredbeast]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I had an ht5h, liked it but felt something was missing. Sold it for 200 and copped that Randall rd20h. No power scaling but rocks either way. Ironball def has me a bit smitten tho.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Thanks AB. How is the Randall at lower volumes?

 

[alteredbeast]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Thanks AB. How is the Randall at lower volumes?

its not bad at all, def good at a tad above convo levels. the boost switch works nice too. im usually an OD dude all the time, but i feel it doesnt need it with boost. ive yet to play the clean channel.

 

[dominus]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Hi Dom,

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll look into those. At low volumes I use a Tubescreamer in front and with the EQ it does sound pretty good. I'm just looking for something better/different small amp wise.

Sorry for the thread jack but after a quick google search those pedals look pretty interesting. How do they compare with any other amp-in-a-box pedals, or any other OD on the market for that matter?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I "modded" my HT-5H by simply giving it a NOS Mullard ECC83. It records a treat.

 

[misterwhizzy]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I never could get my HT-5H to feel right. It has no grit to it, no real crunch. When you turn up the gain, it just compresses more and gets a whole lot more noisy. I can still get some tones I like out of it, but I play my Jet City much, much more.

 

[Jeff5]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I'm revising my search.

-While channel switching isn't critical, it is a nice to have.
-An FX loop however, is a big deal. I'm fearful of what my delay and other effects will sound like without it.
-I put the Min Recto back in the mix. Even though I'm trying to do something different than a Boogie, I think the Mini Recto is different enough from my Triaxis/2:90 set up.

 

[JOEBACCA]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I bought my Blackstar HT-5R Combo 2 years ago and am now getting the itch to sell mine. The Gain side of things ain't bad yet I feel It lacks in the "I can't wait to get home and play the sh!t outta my amp" factor & the cleans are just ok. I actually plugged in to the H&K Tubemeister 18 Head yesterday at my local candy store. What a killer little amp that is....blew my mind everything about it just rocks!! I know what my next amp for practice/jamming is going to be.... if anyone is interested in purchasing my Blackstar HT5R Combo send me a PM.

Jeff,
I would put the Carvin V3M on your list as well. 3 Channels plus FX Loop at $599 goes from 50 Watts Full Power down to 22 and 7 watts. Plus Carvin is throwing in the Footswitch for free and they knocked off $50 bucks. So your looking at a final price of $549.99!! Made in the USA Thats hard to beat!

 

[~Vintage~]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I just recently bought the HT-Metal5h and it freakin' rocks!( https://forum.seymourduncan.com/showthread.php?268200-NAD-HT-Metal-5h-content) WAY more gain than my HT-Venue Studio20h

The HT-Metal5h with the gain up all the way makes my Fender Lace Sensors feedback like they're a high output humbucker!

It also has an fx loop with selectable +4dBV/-10dBV level switch. From what I understand the -10db is what you use for everyday pedals and the +4db is for professional grade studio effects when recording.

It really is set up to be a studio/recording head as well as a heavy thrashing bedroom practice amp.:14:

 

[rumy22]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I bought my Blackstar HT-h5R Combo 2 years ago and am now getting the itch to sell mine. The Gain side of things ain't bad yet I feel It lacks in the "I can't wait to get home and play the sh!t outta my amp" factor & the cleans are just ok. I actually plugged in to the H&K Tubemeister 18 Head yesterday at my local candy store. What a killer little amp that is....blew my mind everything about it just rocks!! I know what my next amp for practice/jamming is going to be.... if anyone is interested in purchasing my Blackstar HT5R Combo send me a PM.

Jeff,
I would put the Carvin V3M on your list as well. 3 Channels plus FX Loop at $599 goes from 50 Watts Full Power down to 22 and 7 watts. Plus Carvin is throwing in the Footswitch for free and they knocked off $50 bucks. So your looking at a final price of $549.99!! Made in the USA Thats hard to beat!

Funny, I love the ht5r.

 

[JOEBACCA]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Funny, I love the ht5r.

Hey more power to you. I think the Blackstar HT Venue Series are good bang for the buck amps. But once you get a taste for other amps within the Blackstars price point you might be surprised at how much more amp you can get for the money. That H&K Tubemeister 18 is just awesome. The cleans were leaps and bounds better than the HT5R IMO plus the Lead Channel can cover a wider range of tones, then you hit the Boost feature which is almost like a third channel which gives up the High Gain goods. Plus Power Scaling from 18w,5w,1w & a balanced Red Box Out. The Blackstar HT5 doesn't compare IMO once you try the Tubemeister 18.

 

[rumy22]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Hey more power to you. I think the Blackstar HT Venue Series are good bang for the buck amps. But once you get a taste for other amps within the Blackstars price point you might be surprised at how much more amp you can get for the money. That H&K Tubemeister 18 is just awesome. The cleans were leaps and bounds better than the HT5R IMO plus the Lead Channel can cover a wider range of tones, then you hit the Boost feature which is almost like a third channel which gives up the High Gain goods. Plus Power Scaling from 18w,5w,1w & a balanced Red Box Out. The Blackstar HT5 doesn't compare IMO once you try the Tubemeister 18.

Thanks for the tip, I will check it out. No one amp does it all, in my opinion. I am lucky to have a few. I primarily use my fender blues jr for cleans but can get some nice rock dirty tones with an mxr superbadass in front. The blackstar does the bulk of my harder edged dirty sounds. I love that isp dial. The line 6 spider is for my son, who is 8. Lol. I have my eye and ear on Victory amps from the UK.

 

[ninerd7]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

I have a Jim Root Terror. Love the amp. I did change all the tubes. Little custom blend of tung sol, mullard and ruby...I actually prefer without an od in front. Using an American tele with pearly gates custom shop bridge pu...


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[Toe-Knee]

Re: Upgrade From An HT-5

Jet City JCA22H