I live in an apartment, currently using my HX Stomp for all my electric playing and I’m a bit tired of headphones and I am hoping to get into some rehearsals soon and think I would prefer an amp behind me than all PA.
I think the HT5 Mk II could be quite useful for me; 4 voices over 2 channels, reverb, footswitch included, 0.5w setting for playing at apartment level but still has headphone out for the evening, 5w hopefully enough for rehearsal rooms but if not I can send to the PA while still having my amp volume (same could be done for gigs), USB recording also a bonus. Effects loop so I could use my HX Stomp for effects in the loop or even use the modelling into the effects return...
In theory it seems to be a great amp for my needs but I can’t try one out locally. Anyone on here own one or tried one out?
Comments
It's also bloody loud in 5W mode, but the volume pot taper is good. I tend to play it more on 5W mode more than lower power mode - but I live in a detached house. Low power mode can go very quiet, so you should have no problems there.
Effects loop sounds good. And yes I've used it for modelling power-amp in use and it works well for that too.
Sometimes I find the dirt channel a little dark, but I've a cheap EQ pedal in the loop that sorts that out.
Something like an Orange Rocker 15 will give you a proper valve amp that you can use at bedroom levels and small gigs.
Might have a look at the Rocker 15, loved my old Rocker 30.
I do also own a Laney Cub 12R. That's a fabulous sounding amp too. But in terms of build quality and reliability the HT5 is likely a better bet. Also the Laney doesn't have a headphone output or any kind of USB/XLR/Line Out options for recording or going into a PA.
I've got a Mk 1 Boss Katana 100 combo too and it sounds amazing. However I think the headphone out sounds better on the HT5 Mk2.
I had the first HT5 head, and while I know the MKII is supposed to be a lot better, I can't imagine for a moment that it's as good as the Helix>poweramp>cab approach, which sounds fantastic.