NAD: Blackstar HT-Studio 20

[richardlpalmer]

Well, I've been playing through an HT-5H for a while now and have it tweaked to where I really enjoy the tone I get. I was wanting more headroom & overall volume though, so started searching. The Mesa TA-15, Blackstar HT-Studio 20, Carvin V3-Micro were at the top of my lists.

I ended up with a Carvin V3-Micro and was super stoked about it because of the 3 channels and variable wattage switching. But I just couldn't get on with the tone -- just wasn't enough separation for me.

The TA-15 is out because of no FX loop -- and the cost difference to jump to the TA-30 is a bit much (I'd have to start considering a whole bunch of different amps at that point). So, I just received a Blackstar HT-Studio 20 in the mail and so far so good. It's definitely different than the HT-5, though.

I started off running it through the same cab I'd been running the HT-5 through (Carvin G212 -- basically V30 clones) but before I even got the settings dialed in I bought a new cabinet (Avatar G212H Premier loaded with Greenbacks). So while I'm breaking in the speakers I'm also working through the settings of the amp.

It seems more susceptible to EQ changes than the HT-5. I mean, a small amount of EQ change seems to make a big difference. I also never really heard the "processed" sound of the HT-5 that some have commented on. And while I still think it's mainly in the ear of the beholder, after hearing the HT-20 I can kind of get it. The HT-20 sounds much more like a "full grown" amp, for lack of a better wording...

I'm reserving judgement for a bit -- at least until I get some playing time under its belt as well as breaking in those speakers a bit more. But so far it looks like it could be a fantastic amp with great tone...