Hey guys. I'm in need of a new amp, and wanted some help/suggestions from you guys. My specifications are these:

preferably 400 or less
Decent EQ
Master volume (overdrive at low volumes)
Decent british tone
Can cut through drums decently

Two channels would be nice.

Right now I'm looking at the Blackstar HT-5 and the Blackheart BH15-112. I love the sound of both. I'm leaning towards the Blackstar because 1: it costs a little less, and 2: footswitchable overdrive. I do a lot of overdrive switching in the middle of a song, so that's really important. The only thing holding me back is power. The Blackstar puts out 5w through a 10" speaker. The blackheart puts out 15w through a 12". My biggest concern is that if i went with blackheart I'd need a drive pedal (tube screamer probably) and that would add another 100$ to the price which is a bit out of my preferable range.

If you all think 5 all tube watts through a 10" would cut through drums sufficiently, then I'll do that. If not, I'll cough up the extra cash and get the blackheart.

I would suggest a used Blues jr over anything in that price range you can find them used for around $300..But i must admit the Black heart Lttle giant is a very cool amp..

Go with the Blackheart and a Boss Blues Driver!

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

I'll keep that in mind. Do you think 5W through 10" would cut through drums though?

depends I guess - your drummer play loud? You plan on miking it? I keep mine on 3 watts, and mic it

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"Wait a minute, somethings wrong here!"

i would recommend the Blues Jr. great tone. at gigs mic it.
Rock On!

Blackstar defiantely.
It may be lower wattage, thats a good thing with valve amps. What you get is a boutique quality amp made by 2 of marshall's best designers. They tonaly crush anything in their price range and look better too. Blackheart may be decent but blackstar are legendary, it may be worth saving a bit more and getting the artisan.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Blackstar-Artisan-Series-15-15W-1x12-Tube-Guitar-Combo-Amp-104771324-i1395706.gc?source=4WFRWXX&CAWELAID=199553178

Neither fender, marshall, peavey or vox offer anything that sounds like this amp untill you go into the $2-3k range and above. Its my next buy as i need a amp that can do clean and drive convincingly without too much in the way of pedals.

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No no and no

Ok. Now I'm totally hooked on Blackstar. How do they compare to a blues junior?

I have an English Muffn and it does British tones pretty good.

I'm completely the wrong person to answer that as i loathe the blues faliure.
Its like comparing a aston martin to a austin alegro in my book.
Aston Martin
http://images.europeancarweb.com/events/0612_EC_02_Z+Aston_Martin_Vantage+front_side.jpg

Austin Alegro
http://www.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.channel4.com/4car/media/classics/austin-allegro/03-large/allegro-f3q-blue.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.channel4.com/4car/gl/gallery/gallery/458/1&h=305&w=440&sz=47&tbnid=Btq5aTIWPq2yCM:&tbnh=88&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Daustin%2Balegro&hl=en-GB&usg=__ehtBDs0NxVOhx_-H6ao7kYRxqNQ=&ei=fpovSq2AMKCUjAfN7e2JCw&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=2&ct=image

Theres no comparison.

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No no and no

Ouch! Somewhere on that page it says, "Leyland's plan for world domination" (from the 1970s). That's particularly ironic - the day after LDV finally went into administration...

+1 on what Niki says about Blackstar. Though the Artisan 15 is a lot more pricey, at around £799. My only concern about the HT-5 would be the volume. I think you just gotta go and try one out and crank it right up and make your own judgement on what you hear.

If the Artisan is a price hike too far just bear in mind that the HT-5 is also available in a ministack format, which may just give you what you want:

http://www.blackstaramps.co.uk/products/ht-5/ht-5s.html

And that's available for exactly £399. Someone's trying to tell you something...

Let us know how you get on!

Cheers - C

I just got a chance to play the ministack. I'm in love. That thing has absolutely amazing tone. Very reminiscent of a good ol' Marshall. I'm gonna go with that.

Get a used Hot Rod Deluxe. Great sounding amps..

Get The Twin ....aka the evil twin
im sure you can find one used for about $400 maybe more
depending on the condition.. i got one and it sounds badass..

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USA 1989 Clapton Signature Strat in 7up Green
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ESP Eclipse II w EMG 81/60
Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier & Road king 4x12