Blackstar HT100? Owners? Opinions? Other options?

[napalmdeath]

I had a Blackstar some years back, and remember liking it, but it's been probably 5 years ago. It was the Stage 60 2x12 I remember thinking it sounded a lot like a JCM800 2205, as I'm sure they were aiming for that modded/JCM800 kinda thing.

I'm looking at the HT100 head, and can get a great deal. I also have another 5150III mini on the radar, as well as a Peavey 3120. The 3120 is ugly as shit, so I may look for a used Triple XXX.

I play mostly 80's thrash, to Drop-D and some blues. I could care less about cleans. Tonally, I'd like to be between Priest, Mercyful Fate, to Testament and maybe sudgier COC. I'm really leaning towards the Blackstar, which I have most questions about.

 

[cujo]

Tried it several times, my opInion of it is a fizz box.no depth very thin. Another shitbag marshall to me.

I tried it out a few times diff cabs n guitars. Same result. But maybe you will like.

Peavey will outshine it any day.

 

[napalmdeath]

Tried it several times, my opInion of it is a fizz box.no depth very thin. Another shitbag marshall to me.

I tried it out a few times diff cabs n guitars. Same result. But maybe you will like.

Peavey will outshine it any day.

Yeah, it may come down to EVH or Peavey. Might even save up for an Engl.

 

[shred-o-holic]

They sound OK I actually like the 50 watt version better but yeah after you try one several times they are meh compared to most other things. Dude both Sam Ash (Tampa and Clearwater) have HT 100's in their shops btw. I just played one last week in Clearwater DNW

 

[napalmdeath]

They sound OK I actually like the 50 watt version better but yeah after you try one several times they are meh compared to most other things. Dude both Sam Ash (Tampa and Clearwater) have HT 100's in their shops btw. I just played one last week in Clearwater DNW

Yeah, I may pass on the Blackstar.

 

[cujo]

EVH 3 is a great amp. Peavey 6505 is a great amp but I'm pissec at how they treat their employees
Engl fireball 100 now that is an amazing wrecking machine as well as the prs Archon !

 

[nigelpkay]

Blackstar sounds great in the room when you first plug it in, but when you compare to other amps the weakness in tone becomes way more apparent, especially in a band or recorded mix. I had an Ht100 once and it's a good amp, but the tone is a bit lifeless, it's like halfway between Marshall and Mesa while lacking the character of either (even with the ISF knob). There's a synthetic sound to it.
They make awesome practice combos, but I could never use it as my main tone.

 

[cujo]

Blackstar sounds great in the room when you first plug it in, but when you compare to other amps the weakness in tone becomes way more apparent, especially in a band or recorded mix. I had an Ht100 once and it's a good amp, but the tone is a bit lifeless, it's like halfway between Marshall and Mesa while lacking the character of either (even with the ISF knob). There's a synthetic sound to it.
They make awesome practice combos, but I could never use it as my main tone.

You just hit the nail on the head !!!