HT-5H w/ Cabinet vs HT5 Combo

[Alanhj]

Hey Gang,

My teenage son is in a band and I am considering a HT-5H Head w/cabinet and the HT5 Combo (w/ 12" speaker) but I want to make the right choice. The amp will be used to practice and small gigs.
To be honest, the main reason I am considering a separate head is because it just looks cool . I guess it will also be easier to transport to gigs too.

1) Other than the obvious (separate vs all-in-one, weight) is there anything else I should consider?

2) A mini-stack of HT-110 (10") cabinets looks cool but what is the point? The volume is just distributed but not any louder than the HT-112 (12") cabinet since the amp puts out the same power, correct?

Other than price, what else should be considered in making a decision?

Thanks

[thephantum]

I personally prefer heads and cabs. Yes, it will cost a little more than a combo will, but they give me more options. I can use different heads with different cabs, giving me different tones. In addition, if I know there is a working cab onsite all I need to do is bring a head.

While the mini stack will not be any louder in terms of dB, the sound will be spread out more...making it sound "wider".

[Alanhj]

Cool, good points. Appreciate the comments.

I would like to start off with on 12" speaker (instead of 10") with the option of adding another 12" cab later.

Will the amp effectively push/make use of 2 x 12" cabinets or are 2 X 10' cabinets the way to go?

[thephantum]

I routinely run my HT5 through a 2x12 cab and it sounds great.

Another option is the HT-408 cab. It has 4 - 8" speakers in it and, when you mic it up, you cannot tell the difference between it and 100w of full stack power. The issue is that it's designed for the HT-1 head. While it can easily handle the power (it's rated at 60w), the Blackbird speakers it comes with have a midrange raspiness to them that I did not like.. Putting different speakers in solved the problem (I used Eminence 820h's), but that's adding a lot to the cost. The really cool thing is that everyone thinks it's the best 12" cab they've ever heard until I let them in on the secret...and I usually have to make them look at the back of it for them to believe me.

[Alanhj]

Ok cool, so with your comment, "I routinely run my HT5 through a 2x12 cab and it sounds great." your are confirming starting with a HT 112 (1 X 12") cab and adding another later is good option. My wife sometimes complains how much money I spend on equipment for myself, I mean my son (LoL), so I don't want hear her complain if I buy 2 cabs at once.

FYI we currently have a 96' American Strat, Les Paul Standard, pedal board and only a small Marshall, and Roland amp. Back in the 70's I played a Gibson SG and my friend (actually his dad's, pro musician) had a Fender Twin - I still remember how sweet that tube amp sounded when we had a jam sessions (Hendrix, Led Zep, J/Edgar Winter, etc.). My son has never played his guitars through a tube amp and I amp sure will be amazed how sweet the Blackstar sounds. Also when he gets a 7 string - next purchase, wife doesn't know yet, haha. The reviews are awesome and for Backstair gear, and it is reasonably priced.

Thanks again!

[thephantum]

Yes. It will sound great though dual 1x12" cabs. I specifically run mine through a 2x12" cab, but I've also run it through a 4x12" cab with great results.

[Alanhj]

AWESOME, THANKS!

[Arcadio]

The combo is pretty small and doesn't weight all that much more than the head. I can easily lift it with one hand, throw it in my car, etc. Unless you're in a small space or really like the looks of the head, I don't see the advantage.

[thephantum]

The HT-5RC (12" speaker) is 27 lbs (12 kilos). The HT-5RH is 16 lbs (7.5 kilos). That makes the combo 40% heavier...so it's quite a bit of difference.

[Arcadio]

The HT-5RC (12" speaker) is 27 lbs (12 kilos). The HT-5RH is 16 lbs (7.5 kilos). That makes the combo 40% heavier...so it's quite a bit of difference.

yeah that 11 lbs. could be the difference between total comfort and a visit to the hospital. Be safe out there!