I'm so happy with my HT-5 that I would consider a larger Blackstar if I need another amp. I considered an Orange amp but found the HT-5 just suited me better. When I start playing I don't want to stop. I haven't felt that way for a LONG time. I know I gave this thing top scores all the way but this is the first time my EXPECTATIONS have been exceeded in all areas.

Sound
I got this amp because I missed my old Marshall that really "roared" when it was cranked up. I've had several other amps that all had their great qualities but none quite replicated the vibe the Marshall gave me, until this little monster. The Blackstar HT-5 combo positively SCREAMS, without the hearing damage associated with a 100-watt stack. But this amp is SO much more than that. The clean channel at first didn't impress me until I REALLY started to tweak the tone controls that actually WORK... turn it up past halfway, which is still not too loud, and you get a nice, natural slightly overdriven break-up that is more obvious when you pick harder but retains clarity while picking lightly. You can really fine-tune your sound, tailoring it to what you need for just about any given scenario. The ISF control seems pretty subtle when adjusting most settings, that is, until you dial in a scooped heavy tone, then the differences between both extremes become much more obvious. The HT-5 can fit most any type of music by itself but if you really want a crushing, over-the-top HEAVY… read more metal sound you'll need to add a pedal, which this amp accommodates VERY nicely! I wish it would have just a bit more gain.... but not enough to penalize it because it doesn't!

Features
Search for a 5-watt, all-tube amp that has an effects loop.... go ahead.... this is the only one I've found. Then see if you can find one with 2 channels... go ahead.... this is the only one I've found. I've read other people complaining about the length of the cord attached to the footswitch.... mine's about 10 or 11 feet long, plenty for a little combo. Like I said, the tone controls actually WORK. I can CARRY this thing without hurting my back. I like the way it looks, LOVE the way it sounds... the features are exactly what I was hoping to get, nothing more, nothing less. I'd rather not have a mediocre reverb built in to the head. I bought this amp for the TONES.

Ease of Use
Sculpting the sound to your liking doesn't get much easier than using the HT-5. Everything does what you would expect. I get great tones from this amp and the actual sound of the guitar plugged into it really comes through; the better guitar you play, the better it will sound, although I got my daughter an VERY inexpensive guitar (to start learning)and it sounds AMAZING in my HT-5.

Quality
There's not a mark anywhere on this amp. It operates extremely cleanly, knobs function smoothly and quietly.... everything just plain WORKS. It's a bit larger than I expected a 5-watt amp would be but that's a happy surprise. It feels very solid, well-built. The covering looks better than expected, as does the fabric in front of the speaker. I couldn't be more pleased and I wouldn't think twice about gigging with it.

Value
This is some of the biggest bang for the buck I've ever gotten from musical equipment. I'm thrilled with the purchase. Zzounds got it to me pretty quickly, too.

Manufacturer Support
I've got no reason to ding Blackstar for support because I haven't needed to contact them. I have read reviews, however, that wax very enthusiastically concerning customer support from them so I'm confident if I ever have an issue that it would be resolved.

The Wow Factor
It is absolutely a practical addition to my arsenal. I hope to use this for recording projects as well as just practicing. You know, honestly, of course there are better amps out there, but for what I wanted, and needed THIS TIME, I haven't found one to top it. It fit my wishes to a "T".

Musical Background:
used to gig a lot back in the day, not so much nowadays

Musical Style:
Rock, mostly of the Hair Band variety, some metal, some classic rock read less