[Into_Oblivion]

I play modern death metal stuff like (Dying Fetus, Despised Icon, etc..) I play a LTD Viper 400 w/ active EMG's, tuned to B standard with 12 gauge strings.

I'm looking into getting a 2x12 combo, under $1000. Been looking at this Blackstar HT 60. Anyone have experience with this amp?

Buy Blackstar Venue Series HT Stage HT-60 60W Tube Guitar Combo Amp | Tube Combo Amps | Musician's Friend

or would I be better of with something like this Rocktron Vendetta.

Buy Rocktron V160R Vendetta 160w 2x12 Guitar Combo Amp | Hybrid Combo Amps | Musician's Friend

I'm looking for a used 5150 combo, but I don't know if i will find one.

 

[Drew]

Enter Josh in 3... 2... 1...

 

[Josh]

:fawk: to you Drew

I haven't tried the HT-60. I've only played the HT-5 and the HT-20, and both did some great chunky metal sounds on the drive channels. I don't play death metal, but I don't see why they wouldn't work for that :shrug:

 

[Into_Oblivion]

Alright, cool. I just wanted to make sure they had enough gain for death metal tone.

 

[Ryan]

I tested out the 5 and my 20 is en route. They can definitely hash out some mean metal tones. Useable ones too, not those top-fizzy or farty tones. With a TS in front and a heavy hand, think JFAC's Lords of Chaos.

 

[Josh]

Yeah, you shouldn't have any problems with a lack of gain.

 

[Into_Oblivion]

I tested out the 5 and my 20 is en route. They can definitely hash out some mean metal tones. Useable ones too, not those top-fizzy or farty tones. With a TS in front and a heavy hand, think JFAC's Lords of Chaos.

By TS, you mean Tubescreamer right?

 

[stealthtastic]

Buy Peavey 3120 120W Tube Guitar Amp Head | Tube Amp Heads | Musician's Friend

For 1k you get the head and cab.

 

[Into_Oblivion]

Yeah, I'm not really wanting a halfstack. Just alot of trouble to haul around, and I don't currently have a band.

 

[Ryan]

By TS, you mean Tubescreamer right?

Yeah thats what I mean. But not for extra gain.. Just for that coloring that makes heavy palming more satisfying.

 

[Into_Oblivion]

Alright, would you recommend the TS7 or TS9?

 

[Josh]

Alright, would you recommend the TS7 or TS9?

Pretty much the same circuit actually, and the TS7 is much cheaper (and in a more convenient housing imo.)

For that kind of 'chunk boost', set the Drive at zero or nearly zero, Level at around 3 o'clock, and tone to taste, with "Mode" set to TS9.

 

[Ryan]

^ words of wisdom..

 

[Into_Oblivion]

Alright, thanks guys.

 

[Drew]

Yeah, I'm not really wanting a halfstack. Just alot of trouble to haul around, and I don't currently have a band.

A large tube combo won't be much better though. That Blackstar is 67 pounds - I play through a head and a 2x12 which, admittedly, aren't MUCH lighter individually than the combo, but it's way easier to move a 40-pound head and a 50 pound cab in two trips than it is to move a 70 pound combo in one.

Also, 60 tube watts is LOUD. If you're "not in a band," you almost certaintly don't need that kind of power, and in fact really the advantage with tube amps is when you can drive the power section a bit. The HT-20 head (24 pounds) and a matching 1x12 or 2x12 cabinet would probably be lighter, easier to move, AND more suited to getting great tones at sane volumes, though probably would still have enough power to gig.

 

[Edroz]

A large tube combo won't be much better though. That Blackstar is 67 pounds - I play through a head and a 2x12 which, admittedly, aren't MUCH lighter individually than the combo, but it's way easier to move a 40-pound head and a 50 pound cab in two trips than it is to move a 70 pound combo in one.

Also, 60 tube watts is LOUD. If you're "not in a band," you almost certaintly don't need that kind of power, and in fact really the advantage with tube amps is when you can drive the power section a bit. The HT-20 head (24 pounds) and a matching 1x12 or 2x12 cabinet would probably be lighter, easier to move, AND more suited to getting great tones at sane volumes, though probably would still have enough power to gig.

:agreed:

2x12 combos are a bitch to lug around. i'll take a head and cab any day over a combo for ease of transportation.

 

[James]

While I've not tried the amp in question, I'll agree that heads & cabs are easier to haul than combo's. If you're not in a band, maybe grab a 1x12 or 2x12 to save space/expense, then you can always bag a 4x12 if you get a band going.

 

[Harry]

+111 to heads and cabs over combos.
Combos are just a fucking pain in the ass.

 

[Blankplank]

I'm using the HT5 and Laney 1x12 at home. Gonna grab a 2x12 for practice on for small gigs. It's actually a joy to take, besides the cab being heavier than a standard 1x12 for some retarded reason.

 

[Drew]

I LIKE combos, don't get me wrong, but if portability is a concern, a 2x12 combo is the last thing you should be looking at.