Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head

$498.45 to $649.99 Price Tier: Standard

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$649.99

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5.0 (10)

$498.45 11 available New

$329.00 7 available Used

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Average Price: $492

Standard/Professional

$300

$801+

Price Tier

In the Guitar Amplifier Heads category, Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

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Description

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Elevate your sound with the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head, a versatile powerhouse designed for musicians who crave rich, expressive tones whether at home, in the studio, or on stage. This dynamic guitar amplifier head combines iconic tube technology with modern features, offering you a palette of sounds that range from pristine cleans to gritty overdrives. Its EL84 power amp delivers responsive dynamics and tonal versatility that will inspire your playing, while the carefully crafted preamp ensures your sound remains lush and full-bodied.

The HT-20R MKii Head is equipped with two channels—each with a footswitchable voice mode—allowing you to seamlessly switch between classic American and British amp tones. Whether you’re after that clear, punchy clean sound or a searing, saturated overdrive, this amp has you covered. Dive deeper into your sonic exploration with Blackstar's patented ISF tone control, tailor your sound with precision, and add depth with the newly voiced studio-quality reverb.

For modern recording and performance demands, this amp head includes a USB output and balanced XLR outputs, ensuring that your tone is captured in pristine quality. Whether you’re practicing quietly at home or unleashing your full power, the power reduction switch makes it easy to adapt to any environment without sacrificing tone.

Key Features:

20-watt all-tube amp head with EL84 power tubes
Dual channels with footswitchable voice modes for versatile tonal options
Blackstar’s patented ISF tone control for infinite sound shaping
USB and balanced XLR outputs for professional-grade recording
Power reduction switch for adaptable volume control
Studio-quality reverb for added depth and ambiance

Product specs

Brand	Blackstar
Model	HT-20RH MKII 2-Channel 20-Watt Guitar Amp Head with Reverb
Finish	Black
Year	2019 - 2025
Categories	Guitar Heads
Built-In Effects	Built-In Effects
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Tube
Impedance	16 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	2 Channels
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	20
Power Tube Type	EL84
Powered	Unpowered
Reverb	Digital Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tubes does the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head use?: The Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head is equipped with EL84 power tubes, which are known for delivering a classic British tone with chime and warmth.
How does the ISF feature on the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head work?: The ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) allows you to adjust the tonal character of the amp, shifting from a British (Marshall-like) to an American (Mesa/Boogie-like) sound with a single control knob.
Is the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head suitable for gigging?: Yes, with its 20-watt output, the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head is powerful enough for small to medium-sized gigs, especially when paired with an efficient speaker cabinet.
Does the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head have built-in effects?: Yes, the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head features built-in digital reverb, adding depth and ambiance to your sound.
Can the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head handle pedals well?: Yes, the Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head is designed to integrate well with pedals, providing a versatile platform for effects to enhance your tone.

Videos

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Andertons Music Co

The all-new Blackstar HT-20 MKII Head and Combo are here!

Andertons Music Co

Blackstar HT-20 MkII Head & Combo Amp | NAMM 2019

Guitar Center

NAMM 2019 - Blackstar HT-20 MkII Head presentation and sound demo

TopGuitarPL

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent sound versatility from super clean to metal tones
Loud enough for bar gigs, handles heavy drummers well
2-watt feature is perfect for home practice
USB out provides fantastic sound for computer recording
Simple to use despite comprehensive features
Handles pedals well for varied tonal options
Improved high gain voice on overdrive from previous version

CONS

Does not replicate plexi tones well
Footswitch is plastic and feels lightweight

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head.

Features and functionality

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The clean channel works best when set to just breaking up, offering a great base for pedals.
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The ISF knob and EQ offer a broad tonal range, enhancing both clean and gain sounds, making it versatile for different styles.
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The 0.5W attenuation setting is effective for home practice without disturbing others, despite some users mentioning the amp goes down to 2 watts.
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User experience

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Users report difficulty in balancing the two channels, with one channel having excessive bass.
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The HT-20R MKii, paired with a Blackstar HTV112 cab, delivers warm, aggressive tones suitable for classic rock styles like AC/DC.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Owners find it ideal for home use but less suitable for band settings due to tonal imbalance.
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The 2-watt setting is highly effective for home use, allowing tube saturation without excessive volume, ideal for bedroom practice.
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Comparisons

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One owner switched to a Mesa Rectoverb after finding the HT-20R MKii lacking in group play scenarios.
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The Blackstar HT-20R MKii is noted to sound good but lacks the tonal quality of a Vox AC15, particularly when compared side-by-side.
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Users transitioning from a Bugera 1960 or Marshall JCM 900 find the HT-20R MKii warm and responsive, often eliminating the need for additional pedals.
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Mods and upgrades

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Some users consider adding a JHS Little Black Amp Box to manage practice volume more effectively without losing tone quality.
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Setup and maintenance

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The HT-20R MKii's solid-state integration in gain staging can complicate repairs, but enhances versatility if no issues arise.
Source

Value and pricing

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At $260 for the head and $125 for the cab, it's a cost-effective alternative to heavier, pricier full stacks.
Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Blackstar HT-20R MkII

guitar.com

The Blackstar HT-20R MKII Head delivers an impressive blend of versatility and performance, making it a solid choice for both small gigs and home practice. With features like footswitchable voicings, USB outputs, and a switchable power mode, it caters to a variety of playing styles. The amp's tonal range is commendable, excelling in both clean and overdriven sounds, thanks to its well-designed EQ and ISF controls. However, its lack of a presence control may leave some users wanting more in terms of high-frequency shaping. Overall, this amp stands out for its affordable price and robust features, though it may not satisfy everyone’s tonal preferences.

positive

Full Review

Blackstar HT20RH MkII Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Blackstar HT-20R MKii Head delivers impressive tonal versatility with dynamic sounds ranging from clean to high-gain. It features useful controls like the Infinite Shape Feature for American and British voicings, making it great for various genres. However, the absence of a standby switch and the limited reverb capabilities might disappoint some users. Overall, it shines as a flexible amp suitable for both stage and studio, offering excellent value for its price.

positive

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Artist usage

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Jim Davies

Guitarist

The Prodigy

Verified via guitarworld

Used on Headwars, as stated in this April 16, 2020 Guitar World interview and as specified in this March 27, 2020 Facebook post by Blackstar. It is visible in this August 19, 2020 Instagram post.

So did you end up using any amps at all?

“I actually used my Blackstar HT20 a lot. My studio setup is really basic, everything I need is in my computer. I don’t really use outboard gear or synths. I like coming straight out of the emulated output of that Blackstar head. I have my old Rocktron unit, which I dug out of the loft… it’s what I used on a lot of the Prodigy and Pitchshifter stuff and amazing it still works, though it’s just about hanging in there. It has all my old settings on it.

"Guitar-wise I’m not fussy. It doesn’t have to be a certain wood or set of strings. It doesn’t really bother me that much. I’m not really a purist or guitarist’s guitarist. That said, I really love the Blackstar stuff. I’ve known their artist rep, Joel Richardson, for a long time.

"I used to be with Marshall years ago and he gave me a shout early on when he was starting something new, asking if I was interested and the answer was yes. The HT20 is brilliant, you can crank it or play quietly and still get a good sound… I couldn’t do that with an old Marshall in the house. It just wouldn’t work.”