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Average Price: $439

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Description

Unleash your inner rock star with the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp, a powerhouse in a compact package that redefines studio and practice sessions. With its unique 5-watt push-pull design featuring a 12BH7 valve, this amp head offers immense tone at any volume, making it perfect for both intimate home setups and professional studio environments. The HT5RH MKII boasts revoiced Clean and Overdrive channels, giving you pristine clear tones and aggressive overdrives reminiscent of both American and British signature sounds.

The amp's patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) allows for unparalleled tonal versatility, shifting EQ curves to provide everything from tight American tones to the classic British roar. Add to this a studio-quality reverb that enriches your sound without overwhelming it, and you have an amp that matches — if not surpasses — the tonal quality of amps costing significantly more.

But the features don't stop there. The HT5RH MKII includes player-friendly elements like USB audio output, XLR D.I. output for direct recording, and a power reduction circuit that takes your wattage down to a whisper-quiet 0.5 watts. Whether you're practicing late at night or laying down tracks in the studio, this amp is designed to meet all your needs with style and substance.

Key Features:

  • 5-watt all-tube guitar amp head with a unique 12BH7 valve
  • Revoiced Clean and Overdrive channels for versatile sound
  • Patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) for flexible EQ control
  • Studio-quality reverb for depth without washout
  • USB and XLR D.I. outputs for pro-grade recording
  • Power reduction circuit down to 0.5 watts for quiet practice
  • Footswitchable voice modes for both channels
  • Effects loop and MP3/Line In for seamless integration
  • Includes a 2-way footswitch for easy control

Product specs

Brand Blackstar
Model HT-5RH MKII 2-Channel 5-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) 5
Power Tube Type None
Powered Unpowered
Reverb Digital Reverb

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp?

The Blackstar HT5RH MKII offers versatile tones, from clean and bright to saturated overdrive, thanks to its two channels and ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) control, which allows you to dial in British or American tonal characteristics.

Is the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp loud enough for gigging?

With its 5-watt output, the Blackstar HT5RH MKII is best suited for home practice and small venue performances. It offers enough volume for intimate gigs but may require additional amplification for larger venues.

Does the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp take pedals well?

Yes, the Blackstar HT5RH MKII is known for handling pedals effectively, making it a great choice for guitarists who want to use effects pedals to shape their sound further.

What are the main connectivity options for the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp?

The Blackstar HT5RH MKII features a single input, an emulated output for silent practice or recording, and speaker outputs to connect to 16 or 8-ohm cabinets, offering flexibility for various setups.

Does the Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp have built-in effects?

Yes, the Blackstar HT5RH MKII includes a digital reverb effect, allowing you to add depth and ambiance to your sound without needing an external reverb pedal.

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

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Video thumbnail for HT-5R MkII | Little amp, big sound! | Blackstar by Blackstar Amplification

HT-5R MkII | Little amp, big sound! | Blackstar

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Video thumbnail for HT-5RH MkII and HT-212VOC MkII | Little amps, big sound! | Blackstar by Blackstar Amplification

HT-5RH MkII and HT-212VOC MkII | Little amps, big sound! | Blackstar

Blackstar Amplification

Blackstar Amplification

Video thumbnail for Blackstar HT-5RH MkII sound demo (no talking) by Vili Rantanen

Blackstar HT-5RH MkII sound demo (no talking)

Vili Rantanen

Vili Rantanen

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2019 | Blackstar HT-5RH MkII w/ Steve Marks by Evenstad Music

NAMM 2019 | Blackstar HT-5RH MkII w/ Steve Marks

Evenstad Music

Evenstad Music

Video thumbnail for Blackstar Limited Edition HT-5RH MKII in Bronco Grey - The Coolest Looking Blackstar Amps by PMTVUK

Blackstar Limited Edition HT-5RH MKII in Bronco Grey - The Coolest Looking Blackstar Amps

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent reverb, cleans, and distortion tones

  • Versatile sound suitable for country, classic rock, and blues

  • .5 watt setting ideal for bedroom practice without losing tone

  • Takes pedals well, enhancing its sound capabilities

  • Comprehensive feature set, including DI options for recording

  • Lightweight and portable for easy transportation

  • High-quality construction with durable tolex

  • Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) allows tone shaping from American to British

  • Effective with a wide range of guitars, from Tele to Les Paul

  • Offers a wide range of volume options, including a headphone out for silent practice

CONS

  • 5 watts may not be sufficient for all gigging scenarios

  • Not ideally voiced for modern metal without additional pedals

  • Requires some effort and additional gear (pedals, EQ) to fine-tune sound

  • Does not come with a cabinet, which may be a con for some users

  • Price may not represent the best value without a warranty or on the new market

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp.

Features and functionality

  • The amp includes a headphone out and USB out, merging tube amp warmth with modern digital connections for versatile practice and recording.

    Source
  • The amp can operate at 0.5 Watts, making it suitable for quieter practice sessions without sacrificing tube tone quality.

    Source
  • The HT5RH MKII includes a MOSFET-based phase inverter, which maintains certain solid-state components for achieving desired gain levels.

    Source
  • The new model offers alternate voicings, providing more tonal flexibility than its predecessor, which is a significant selling point for potential upgraders.

    Source
  • The addition of reverb and a direct output (D.I.) makes the MKII model more appealing for recording, although some users still prefer mic'ing their cabs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its compact size, the HT5RH MKII is noted for its loudness, suitable for metal-focused gain settings.

    Source
  • The 1W mode on the HT5RH MKII likely adjusts B+ and bias voltages, enabling lower output with increased distortion, beneficial for practice settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Users highlight that the built-in overdrive is solid-state, functioning more like an overdrive pedal rather than achieving natural tube overdrive.

    Source
  • The cleans on the amp maintain a natural tube response, especially at higher volumes, though achieving natural distortion requires supplementary equipment or pedals.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners feel the older HT-5H model has a preferable sound, suggesting subjective tonal differences between the two models that may influence upgrade decisions.

    Source

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Genre Usage

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1 alternative for Blackstar HT5RH MKII Tube Amp, curated by the Equipboard community.

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