MikeM
Blackstar is a cool amp. Eziestman can fill you in about them. But be aware 20watts isn't so "little".
ezietsman
Take2 is a perfectly respectable business, I've (and many other here I guess) have dealt with them. Bare in mind, if you buy an amp from the "More USA" page you'll get a 110V amp and you'll need an additional step-down transformer to make it compatible with our electric grid (otherwise the magic blue smoke will erupt from your shiny new amp and you'll cry).
I am not familiar with Egnater amps, although from the little I've seen of them they seem really good. I'm not sure if they are available in ZA. Maybe Music Connection will have some, I have not asked. Someone else here may now about that, I know Singemonkey told me he's interested in the 20 watt Rebel 20 I think.
The HT20 is, like MikeM said, not your garden variety small amp. They're very loud enough for gigging and getting over drums (so people say). The HT20 has the 'boutique' clean and 'modern' voices on its clean and overdrive channels. This means that at high volume, the clean will start to overdrive a bit. The Overdrive channel is a beast and will do metal with ease. In fact, as far as I can see I'm one of the few people who like the Blackstars for their classic sounds and most people want them for their br00talz. ? The last price I saw for the Combo was around R7500 at the Music Co in Mellville. I tried to find out prices in early December but they sold out all the HT20 and HT40 models. They are the importers so thats where you can find them. Check out the Blackstar Youtube channel for demos.
I'm going to get the HT40 Combo whenever they have stock again. This has additional features like 2 modes per channel (Boutique and Fender clean , Classic and Modern Overdrive) as well as light and dark reverb (the HT20 only has one kind of reverb). Its only about R1500 more and sounds better. I played both but I don't play metal so your mileage may vary.
These are quality amps, I have the HT5 and I'm very happy with it.
P.S. It would be nice if any of the other Blackstar owners here show us their goodies and give us some opinions. I know there are some out there.
aja
Richard_ (a good friend of mine) has the artisan 30 2x12 combo - extremely nice amp indeed...
Although he hardly posts anymore. It has a very nice clean - warm and dark but not without treble
Isis
This video sold me on the Blackstar:
This is all I need. I'm not interested in another 100 watt tube monster. 20 or 40 watt should be more than enough.
Vick
I have played the ht-20...and there worth the 7500, without a doubt, not entirely my thing...but I can see how that amp can make alota guys happy...the artisan 30 on the other hand,I think is on a different league,and with the price tag,it better be...
I know a guy that stays in pietersburg that has the rebel 20 egnater head...interesting features and stuff like that,looks to be built well and yea,with the tube blending,its like,even when your completely to the 6v6 side,its still as if its a bit of a compromise,you know,where the amp shines is when your blending the preamps imo...but yea, a lota guy that know a lot more then me love those things on any setting,o and egnaters are switchebil between 100v,115v and 230v....so no transformer for them... ?
Dinosaur-Snr
I can vouch for Take2, recently bought an amp from them, excellent service and excellent packaging of the goods. (Probably due to them ordering from AMAZON)
Just two things to keep in mind:
* Delivery time- Up to 29 WORKING days
* Power source
I vote for the Egnater! Excellent and versatile amp!
singemonkey
I'd vote for the Egnater 'cos it just GASses me up. Go to the site and check out the reviews for the Rebel 20 - they rave - (which can take 110V and 230V) and if you want one, but off one of the high rated sellers off ebay, I reckon, as the cheapest route. That's what I'd go for if I decided to get one. Don't have the scratch though and won't for the foreseeable future.
Hammeron
@ Vick, I disagree vehemently with your signature! >☹
Hammeron
......and when I get my next amp its gonna be one of these 2 for sure....! ?
Vick
That's why its in my sig and not in yours.... ?
Charlie4
I'd say the Egnater wins hands down because of the switchable voltage feature, meaning I can buy online, - definitely an amp I would buy, if I had the cash, Egnater Rebel 30 2x12. 8)
