All user reviews of 4/5 for the Blackstar Amplification HT-1R

1W tube amp: 1xECC83 and 1xECC82
8" speaker
2 channels: clean - overdrive
Speaker simulation
Line Input
ISF to alternate between a British and US sound
8 ohm output
Reverb



USE

Easy to use. You only need to turn it on...

SOUND

I have been playing classic rock/blues for quite a few years with different guitars: An '80s Epiphone Les Paul, a Fender Stratocaster USA and a custom-made Les Paul with Benedetti (a pickup, in case you don't know).
The clean sound is truly good as long as you stay at reasonable levels. It's way better than many simulation amps. There's no comparison.
As soon as you drive it too much, the 1W reach their limit and surpasses the capabilities of the 8-incher, so you'd better stay at reasonable levels: It was conceived for that.
I tested it with a 12" speaker and the sound is warmer, but don't get your hopes high, it's still only 1W.
Other than that, the amp respects the nuances of the guitars and you can find a nice crunch without fatiguing your ears.
The Overdrive channel is pretty good.
With a good pair of headphones, the speaker simulation is really VERY nice.


OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for about 4 years. Back then I was looking for an amp for home use. I bought a laney Lionheart (great sound) but it was 5w, it was way too much for my place (or I had to use it at very low levels and the sound was frustrating, so I had to crank it up...it was real pain)
With this one I get 1W while still enjoying a quality sound and without the need to use cans.
I tested quite a few ones (junior, valbee,...) and I don't regret my purchase.
What's more, you can jam with acoustic instruments without masking them. It's exactly what I was looking for.
On the other hand, it can't be heard when playing with drums, unless you crank it all the way up, in which case the sound gets dirty.

Features: View the data sheet.

UTILIZATION

Using ultra simple, minimalist settings. Pallets with proper sound ISF even if it's not worth a real EQ 2 or 3 bands.
You can easily find the types of sounds the most common.

SOUNDS

I want to clarify that I used mainly as a head amp connected to two 12-inch celesion hp old and I play an SG with two P90. I do not use very rarely 8 inch internal HP because if it can help when traveling, we must admit that the sound that comes out is far better to give this little 1W. This is simply the day and night when you plug it into a cab (2x12 in my case) or the quality and volume are then available tenfold. Even at low volume there is no photo. After playing discreetly I recommend using a good headphone and there with the stereo reverb, the sound is really immersive. However, the headphones the sound is synthetic but the quality of the stereo reverb decorates enormously rendering. The headphone jack can also play on an amp or register HIFI stereo.

I play a little of everything from blues, rock, pop-rock, a little old hard rock, punk rock and I find its usually pretty clear and correct especially in very nice crunch for blues or rock. The true sound of lamps, with the progressive saturation of the grain very soft.

The single register or TFR shows its limits is highly crystalline sound on because you can not push the treble, however you can have fun in the register of jazz but using the tone knob on the guitar .

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 months now and I am generally satisfied (given the prices used).
My previous amps: an old Marshall Valvestate 2 * 40W cab which I use now with this cable:
Roland cube xl and 40w more versatile but I use less and months as the effects it's nice and modeling correct but the crunch and saturated nothing beats lamps. What is amazing is that in terms of the volume 1W lamp connected to 2 hp 12 inch seems as powerful as the cube 40w. hp and 10 inches.

Compared to most other small lamps:
- Input for MP3 backing tracks (stereo headphones)
- Outpout emulated output (high-quality stereo reverb)
- 4-8-16 ohm output to use head and have a real good sound.
- Manufacturing quality and the look.

Cons:
- The HP 8 inches nasal and saturates quickly enough amount sound.
- No footswitch
- The volume between two different channels depending on the gain setting.
- No real equalizer.

Tip: If you try to store take a headphone with you and ask to plug it into a cab (1x12, 2x12 or 4x12!)

I am in love with this little amp. I small compact tube amp that gets 1 watt of power and will drive a solid tube tone from your guitar and fingers is where its at. The tone from this little thing was very impressive. It is voiced for the American and British tones.

It doesn't have a tone of controls. Just gain, volume, eq, and reverb. It also has a output for headphones and a MP3 line input so you can jam along with your favorite songs. Just a great little practice amp!


UTILIZATION


Blackstar HT-1R Tube Combo Amp Features:

* Innovative 1 Watt valve combo
* 1xECC83 and 1xECC82 tube complement
* Unique push-pull power amp design
* Based on award-winning HT-5
* Two channels
* Reverb
* 8" speaker
* Patent-Applied-For Infinite Shape Feature (ISF)
* Perfect for studio or practice
* Speaker emulated output
* Stereo MP3 / Line input
* External speaker output

SOUNDS

I love the tone of this unit. I natural tube sound and feel in an amp that will fit in your bag or purse. I like the ton you get from this amp with a Strat or even a Gibson Les Paul. You will feel more gerth with the tone of the Les Paul and the Strat will be nice and chimey. The amp really works the tubes very hard and produces a very musical tone.

OVERALL OPINION

What a great tool to keep in your gear arsenal. If you need a quiet rehearsal amp that can be used very quietly in a bedroom or office this is the one. If you don't like amp modelers and need that tube feel and tone than this is the amp for you.

At new these units come in at around $300 which is a great price for a tube amp. I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a solid practice amp and wants the tubes in there. You can plug you iopd in there and be ready to jam along.