Blackstar HT-20R MKII 20-watt 1x12" Tube Combo Amp w/ Reverb

91
GEARANK

91 out of 100. Incorporating 125+ ratings and reviews.

Street Price: 

$750
Blackstar HT-20R MKII 20-watt 1x12" Tube Combo Amp w/ Reverb

Gearank Recommendation

The Blackstar HT-20R MKII appeared on our recommended list for Tube Amps from November 2019 until September 2020 when it was removed due to being out-ranked by other tube amps.

Overview

The HT-20R MKII is a 20-watt 1 x 12" combo tube amp with Blackstar's ISF (Infinite Shape Feature), which provides sonic versatility without resorting to digital modeling.

While the versatility of its all-tube overdrive channel is its strong suit, it does have a boutique amp inspired clean channel.

Another cool feature of this amp is its built-in power attenuator, which lets you switch between 20W and 2W, taming the amp for practice or recording.

To meet the demands of today's players, Blackstar equipped this amp with USB output for direct recording, built-in digital reverb, an MP3 line in, and a speaker emulated output.

What's even cooler is that it you don't have to buy a footswitch separately because it is already bundled with the amp.

With its sonic versatility and good connectivity options, its hard to go wrong with the Blackstar HT-20R MKII.

Specifications

  • Power Rating: 20W, 2W (Via Power Attenuator)
  • Preamp Tube: 2 x 12AX7
  • Poweramp Tube: 2 x EL84
  • Speaker: 1 x "12
  • Input:1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x 1/8" (line in)
  • Output: 1 x 1/4" (16 ohms), 2 x 1/4" (single 8 ohm, 2 x 16 ohm), 1 x XLR (DI out), USB
  • Cabinet: Rear Ported
  • Control Knobs: Clean: Volume, Tone / Overdrive: Gain, Volume, 3-Band EQ, ISF, Reverb, Master
  • Weight: 35.7 lbs

Blackstar HT-20R MKII Front & Rear Panels

Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available which you can see in our guide to The Best Combo Tube Amps.

Demo

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.

About the Author

Alexander BrionesAlexander Briones

I have been writing about and researching music gear for many years, all while serving as a music director at my local church. I engage in guitar playing and singer-songwriter stints, in addition to mentoring young musicians and teaching guitar and bass.