Official Blackstaramps Forum

it should sound awesome. I use my HT-5 head with a partially closed back 1x12" cab with a Vintage 30. It sounds should sound, bigger, with more life. Tighter, and more present.

I've found the V30 to be a perfect speaker for the HT-5, but try yours first. If you like it don't worry about changing it.

I would think you would always use a looper in the effects loop of the amp. If you didn't you'd be capturing everything besides the amp's tone.

I'm not sure if you mentioned it, but the big thing, along with speaker changes in the HT-5 is swapping out the preamp valve. I put in a gold pin Tung Sol 12AX7 and was amazed at the difference it made. Much better sounding, more lively, more complex tone.

Well obviously a 12" speaker is going to have the same overall diameter as another 12" speaker.

The Vintage 30 will most probably have a much larger magnet than the Blackbird. Since it is a 12" speaker it will still fit though.

Some 12" speakers can fit the HT-5 combo, just make sure it's one with a smaller magnet. I think from memory the Greenback was ok. A Vintage 30 will be way too big! Maybe mod your amp, and get a reverb pedal, and it'll all be good.

I've got my V30 in a partially closed box and it sounds fantastic. I wouldn't worry about it.

Try a Tung Sol 12AX7, and a Celestion Vintage 30. That should do it for you.

The Spark Booster is an amazing pedal isn't it? I reviewed one recently, and loved it. Such a versatile pedal, that will suit players of all genres.

Try the new TC Electronic Spark Booster - that thing blew me away on the mid-boost setting for eighties type metal tones.