I'm the vocalist and 6 string axe swinger with Hired Guns in Cornwall U.K
I own quite a few amps including Marshall JCM 2553, Marshall DSL50, Fender the Twin some tranny amps and of course a Blackstar HT20 and a Blackstar HT40 which i gig with at present.
I use an extention 1 x12 cab which fills out the sound. I also use a Boss GT8 pedal in manual mode utlising the 4 cable method which works seamlessly with the fx loop. We play classic rock on steroids and the Blackstars are really well matched for this. Ive worked in the music trade since 82 and have played sold and owned a fair few amps and guitars and can honestly say that Blackstar amps for the money are possibly the best amps around.
I started off with a HT5 head took it to practice alongside a Marshall TSL60 head, did a comparison going through the same cab and sold the TSL the following week in disgust
. Just goes to show all that glitters aint gold. 