This is not another thread about budget amplification. This is gospel.

Anyone looking for big sound at low price would do themselves well to look into the Blackstar HT-5. 5 watts but is louder than the VOX VT50 at 50 watts. Not that volume matters. But all the guys at GC started to crowd around and compliment me on the sound that came out the cute little mini stack I was standing in front of. It was just over four feet tall, but sounded like an amp twice its size and well over twice the price tag.

I didn't like the clean channel too much, it didn't have too much headroom and sounded a little sterile, but then again I didn't really play around with the clean channel too much. The distortion channel kicks some serious ass. It was bassy but not boomy and well defined but not harsh. I only had it turned up to 3 but it was plenty loud. It also has a ISF knob which takes it from American Metal to British Crunch and all settings in between.

Don't believe me? Try it for yourself, this thing kicks.