Blackstar HT-1 1W 1x8" Guitar Combo Amplifier (Discontinued)

91
GEARANK

91 out of 100. Incorporating 100+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$260
Blackstar HT-1 1W 1x8" Guitar Combo Amplifier

Gearank High Notes

On October 18 2021 we announced the results of our annual analysis of guitar amp brands - Blackstar ranked #6.

Gearank Recommendation

The HT-1 appeared on our recommended list for Guitar Amps Under $300 from March 2018 until April 2019 when it was removed due to a lack of availability.

Before that it also appeared on our list for Guitar Practice Amps from September 2017 until April 2019.

Overview

More often than not, you have to drive tubes hard to get it to sound great. The Blackstar HT-1 lets you do just that, while keeping your volume levels manageable without having to buy an expensive guitar amp attenuator because it is rated at just 1 Watt.

This compact amp houses an ECC83 preamp and ECC82 power amp tube, both of which work together to produce Blackstar's high-gain friendly tones, which would normally be hard to get in a bedroom or small studio setting.

It comes with Blackstar's ISF (Infinite Shape Feature) knob, which adds American or British amp flavors to your sound.

For quiet practice, you can plug a pair of headphones into the amp's speaker emulated output. You can also use the same output to send your amp signal straight to a recording console or a PA system.

The Blackstar HT-1 is an affordable and accessible way to enjoy Blackstar's brand of distorted/overdriven tones.

Specifications

  • Power: 1W
  • Speaker: 1 x 8"
  • Preamp Tube: 1 x ECC83
  • Poweramp Tube: 1 x ECC82
  • Effects:
  • Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" TRS (Line)
  • Outputs: 1 x 1/4" TRS (Headphones), 1 x 1/4" (Speaker)
  • Weight: 13.2 lbs.

Alternatives

Unfortunately it's no longer available new at music stores, so if you're looking for alternatives then take a look at these guides:

Demos

The following videos demonstrate the sounds of the Blackstar HT-1:

About Blackstar

Founded by former Marshall employees, Blackstar has grown to be a reputable amp manufacturer with its own identity. These days, it is able to go toe to toe with the biggest brands in the industry, thanks to the innovations they introduced into their designs. Their most popular innovation is called ISF or Infinite Shape Feature, a single knob that lets you shift the voicing of your amp from American to British amp flavor, and covering everything in between. Blackstar is well received for their amps' high gain tone, which works well with modern rock and metal styles. Richie Sambora, Neil Schon, Jon Gomm, Sammy Haggar and Ozzy Osbourne are just a few of the many popular artists that use their amps.