All units in the Blackstar Amplification HT-5 series of all-tube amplifiers are now shipping and ready to rock. The new units include the HT-5R Combo, HT-5RH Head, HT-5RS Mini Stack, and the HT-112 Cabinet. All new models are equipped with a stereo digital reverb.

The HT-5R combo and HT-5RH head offer real tube sound in a compact format. While the preamp uses a  traditional 12AX7 tube, the power section uses the dual-triode 12BH7 tube wired in a push-pull circuit -- a configuration that, according to the manufacturer, produces the crunch and break-up characteristics of a traditional 100W amp, delivering a sound rich in tube harmonics and compression even at the lowest volume levels.

Likewise, the two-channel (Clean and Overdrive) HT-5R and HT-5RH amplifiers come complete with a channel-switching footswitch plus an additional Tone control that has been added to the Clean Channel. As with many other Blackstar models, the HT-5R and HT-5RH offer the Infinite Shape Feature (ISF), which works with the three-band EQ to provide new tone-shaping control, making the amps capable of creating both U.K. and USA "flavors" of sound.

The emulated speaker line output recreates the sonic character of either a 1 x 12" or a 4 x 12" speaker cabinet, providing a convenient way to record or to connect to a larger sound system. Blackstar notes that unlike other models, using the emulated line output will not cancel the internal or external speaker sound. This feature allows amps in the HT-5R series to  serve as a great monitor source. This same output can be used with  headphones for private practice.

In addition, the Series Effects Loop is equipped with a level switch to match the  signal of nearly any external effect processor. A line input is included, allowing you to jam along with CDs, MP3s, and so forth.

The HT-5RH Head amplifiers are compatible with Blackstar’s HT-112  extension cabinet, and each cabinet holds a single 12-inch, custom-designed Blackbird 50 speaker. This same speaker is used in the self-contained  HT-5R Combo. The HT-5RS Mini Stack is also available, which includes the HT-5R Head and two HT-112 Cabinets.

All models are now shipping at the following prices:

• HT-5R: 5W, all-tube combo amp ($569.99 MSRP)
• HT-5RH: 5W, all-tube head ($479.99 MSRP)
• HT-112: Single 12” Blackbird 50 Cabinet ($299.99 MSRP)
• HT-5RS: Mini Stack with HT5RH + (2) HT-112s ($849.99 MSRP)

For more information on HT-5 amps, visit blackstaramps.com.