Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $554
Standard/Professional
$300
$801+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Blackstar HT-5RH MK III 5-watt Tube Amplifier Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Meet the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III, a 5-watt tube amplifier head that redefines versatility and performance for guitarists. Engineered for both home and studio environments, the HT-5RH MK III packs a punch with its CabRig DSP technology, delivering studio-quality speaker simulation without needing a microphone. The amplifier's dual channels—clean and overdrive—are enhanced by Blackstar's patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), offering a seamless transition between American and British tonal landscapes.
The HT-5RH MK III is as flexible as it is powerful. Its power scaling feature lets you dial down to 0.5 watts, providing that rich tube saturation at volumes that won't disturb your neighbors. Meanwhile, the built-in effects loop ensures effortless integration of your favorite pedals, and the USB-C port adds modern digital versatility, functioning as a 2x2 audio interface for direct recording.
Equipped with an ECC83 preamp tube and a 12BH7 power amp tube, the HT-5RH MK III guarantees an authentic tube-driven sound. The dedicated Voice controls for each channel, along with a 3-band EQ, give you unprecedented control over your sound, from crisp cleans to roaring distortions. Whether you're jamming, recording, or performing live, this amplifier head is designed to adapt to your musical needs.
Key Features:
- 5-watt tube amplifier with power scaling down to 0.5 watts
- Dual channels with dedicated Voice controls
- CabRig DSP technology for top-notch speaker simulation
- Patented ISF control for versatile tonal shaping
- USB-C for direct recording and audio interface functionality
- Tubes: 1 x ECC83 preamp, 1 x 12BH7 power amp
- Effects loop for pedal integration
- XLR, headphone, and USB outputs for diverse connectivity options
Owner's manual
Blackstar HT-5RH MK III 5-watt Tube Amplifier Head User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Tube |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Power | 5W RMS (0.5W setting) |
| Preamp Tubes | 1 x 12AX7 |
| Power Tubes | 1 x 12BH7 |
| Reverb | Digital Reverb |
| EQ | Tone, 3-band EQ, ISF Control |
| Amp Modeling | American, British |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (line in) |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" (8 ohm) 2 x 1/4" (16 ohm), 1 x XLR (line out), |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" (phones, line out) |
| Effects Loop | Yes, adjustable level |
| USB | 1 x USB-C |
| Footswitch I/O | 1 x 1/4" (channel, voice) |
| Footswitch Included | Yes, Blackstar FS-16 footswitch |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Features | CabRig DSP Cabinet Simulation |
| Software | CabRig, Architect |
| Construction Material | Black Tolex |
| Power Source | Standard IEC AC cable |
FAQs
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III amplifier?
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The Blackstar HT-5RH MK III offers a versatile tonal range with its American and British amp modeling. Its 3-band EQ and Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) allow for precise tone shaping, from clean tones to rich overdrive, making it suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III loud enough for gigging with a drummer?
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While the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III is a 5-watt amp, it is primarily designed for home practice and studio use. It may not provide enough volume for larger gigs without additional amplification, but it offers a 0.5W setting for quieter practice.
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Does the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III take pedals well?
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Yes, the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III is equipped with an effects loop, making it compatible with external effects pedals. This feature allows for greater flexibility in shaping your sound with various effects.
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What connectivity options does the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III offer for recording?
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The Blackstar HT-5RH MK III includes a USB-C output for direct computer connectivity, an XLR line out with CabRig DSP cabinet simulation, and a headphone output. These features make it easy to record and monitor your sound.
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Is a footswitch included with the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III?
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Yes, the Blackstar HT-5RH MK III comes with a Blackstar FS-16 footswitch, allowing you to switch channels and voices easily during performances or practice sessions.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT-5RH MK III 5-watt Tube Amplifier Head.
User experience
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Reports of cracking and popping noises even after changing power tubes; previously praised for its tone before issues arose.
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Owners appreciate its ability to achieve high gain at bedroom volumes, making it ideal for home practice without sacrificing sound quality.
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Owners report that while the amp's built-in overdrive resembles a pedal, it excels with clean tones, which respond well at high volumes.
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Comparisons
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A user found a used HT-5RH head sounding like digital garbage, unlike their previous HT1 which had great sound, suggesting potential unit variability.
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Some users preferred the HT-5 to the Marshall DSL5 and Blackstar HT20 due to its distortion characteristics.
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Users compare the amp's functionality favorably against larger models like the HT40 MKII, appreciating its versatility for both quiet and loud settings.
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Use cases and applications
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Suitable for rock/metal tones; may require a boost pedal, like a tubescreamer, to achieve heavier metal sounds akin to Metallica.
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The amp is reported to handle styles from rock to metal well, with sufficient distortion for heavy riffs like Meshuggah's.
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The amp is considered suitable for metal-focused gain, though some users rely on pedals to achieve desired overdrive, noting the amp's clean nature.
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Value and pricing
Features and functionality
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The ISF knob allows tonal shifts from American to British sounds, providing versatility in tone shaping.
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The amp is praised for its clean tones, especially when paired with delay or reverb effects for added depth.
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The amp offers a 0.5-watt mode, ideal for bedroom practice without excessive volume, balancing tube and transistor benefits with features like headphone and USB outputs.
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Critic Reviews
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