The Best Blackstar Amps in 2024
When looking for the best Blackstar amps for your guitars, they spoil you for choice. Blackstar has dozens of different series and models to choose from which produce clear, crisp sounds and come laden with effects.
The best Blackstar amps produce excellent sound quality in a compact form and are easily portable without being too heavy to transport.
Blackstar Amps have certainly risen to prominence since their formation in 2007. The British company have used their industry knowledge to create some of the best amps in recent years. With that in mind, what are the best Blackstar amps on the market today?
The best Blackstar Amps available today
Top Pick: Blackstar Fly 3
- Refer the user manual below for troubleshooting
- Digital ‘tape’ delay effect; Patented ISF (Infinite Shape Feature)
- MP3/Line In for jamming along or listening to music
It may not be the top range product from Blackstar, but the Blackstar Fly 3 owns its particular share of the market. This small portable amp gives enormous sounds despite only being a 3W amp.
What gives it a massive feeling is that it still contains the Infinite Shape Feature that adjusts your sound quality to the style you are playing. Merging this with the Fly3’s Clean or Overdrive settings gives you great tones no matter how you are playing.
It’s also a very practical unit. For starters, it can be completely battery powered, meaning that you can use it when jamming at home or on the streets. Taking just 6XAA batteries,
it is something you can get working in just a few seconds. By weighing in at just 2.35lbs as well, it is lightweight and easy to transport. Throw in the fact that it supports mp3 plugins and offers a delay effect, too. This is a mini-amp that punches well above its weight.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Glorious sound
- Battery operated
Cons:
- Slight issues with higher frequencies
- No handle for carrying
Best Seller: Blackstar AmPlug2 Fly Headphone Amplifier
- The fully-analog circuit has been totally reworked for an even clearer and more present sound!
- Clean, Crunch, and Lead channels, giving you even more variety
- Selectable Chorus, Delay, and Reverb effects
- New folding plug mechanism rotates 180 degrees to fit any guita
- Play anytime, anywhere with up to 17 hours of battery life
If you need a small amplifier that you can use anywhere, Blackstar’s AmPLug2 Fly Headphone Amplifier is the one for you. This headphone amplifier attaches straight to your guitar with its universal jack slotting straight into any guitar headphone port.
When all synced up, the amp gives 3 channels of sound—Clean, Crunch (distorted) and Lead. This also comes with an additional 9 effects to play with, gives you perfect control of how you want to sound when jamming.
It’s an impressive output for something that connects straight to your guitar. The amPlug can run solely on just 2AAA batteries, making it something that is easy to use in just a couple of seconds. With an overall battery life of 17 hours too, you can use the amp for multiple sessions without worrying about it cutting out. It also comes with a 30-minute power saver mode, making it efficient and easy to transport. A great little amp for home use.
Pros:
- Universal audio jack
- Great battery life
- Excellent range of effects
Cons:
- Generates unnecessary noise
- Some build quality issues
Premium Pick: Blackstar Yidcore 100
- 100 Watts Stereo; 2×10″ Speakers
- 6 Voices – Clean Warm, Clean Bright, Crunch, Super Crunch, OD 1, OD 2
- 12 Super Wide Stereo Effects; Tap Tempo; Polyphonic Octaver Effect
- All new built-in Looper allows for unlimited overdubs
- USB Connectivity for pro recording; Includes INSIDER software & footswitch
One of the more powerful offerings from Blackstar, the 100W Blackstar IDCore 100 delivers big sounds in crystal-clear quality. This 100W amp comes with 6 different channels that easily change the sounds depending on if you want clean or distorted sounds. It is also completed by 12 effect modes giving multi-track options that can overdub your playing. You can also do this on multiple levels with the in-built Looper supporting unlimited layer numbers.
It’s a powerful system too, with the amp itself comprising 2×10’ speakers that can blast tunes loudly to any audience. It also supports almost any form of connectivity, as it contains USB ports and several plug-in slots for pedals and other gear. A great amp to get you impressing everyone at the local bar.
Pros:
- Glorious sound
- Universal connections
- Plenty of effects to try out
Cons:
- Sound quality varies with guitar models
- Preset buttons can be faulty
4. Blackstar HT-1R
- 2 Channels with reverb
- Preamps Tube: 1 x ECC83, 1 x ECC82
- Headphone and recording output with speaker simulation.
The smallest in Blackstar’s HT series, the HT-1r packs a massive punch for its size. This 1W amp comes with a 2-channel set-up, allowing you to switch easily between a clean or distorted sound.
Mixed with the company’s ISF platform, this offers an enormous feel for an amp that is on the smaller side of things. This setup gives you the chance to set up and play without needing to lug a big amp around and sacrificing sound for space.
It also is easy to use, and the USB outputs let you play along to what you want to jam to, whether it be from your phone or computer. The USB ports also allow you to switch between an assortment of different supporting effects gear, allowing you to perfect your setup when jamming from home. It is a magnificent combination that proves size doesn’t always matter!
Pros:
- Great sound
- Universal connections
- Easy to sync with other gear
Cons:
- Struggles with high volume
- Distortion modes may sound muffled
5. Blackstar ID: Core Beam
- Portable stereo combo amplifier with Bluetooth playback
- 6 guitar amp voicings and built-in effects including reverb, delay, and more
- Dual 10-watt power amps for true stereo sound
- 2 x 3″ speakers
- Patented ISF tone shaping lets you capture the sound of American amps, British amps, or a blend of both
For an all-around amp, very few devices do it better than the Blackstar ID: Core Beam. This 20W amp comes loading with 6 different channels supporting bass, acoustic, and electric instruments.
Not only that, but you can also save 12 custom digital modes through its Digital FX Programmable, allowing you to enjoy and save your favourite sound combos. Throw in dedicated modes for delay and reverb platform and this allows you to truly find your perfect sound set-up.
It’s also got excellent means of connecting to peripheral platforms too. Alongside support for both USB devices and mp3s, it also supports Bluetooth connections. This means you can sync the ID Core Beam up to any device and use it to play along with anything you can think of. An excellent offering for anyone needing to enjoy life loud in any setting.
Pros
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Modes for all models
- Excellent customisation
Cons
- No handle for carrying
- Bulky setup
What makes a good Blackstar Amp?
Size
Sound Quality
Look
FAQ
Are Blackstar owned by Marshall?
No – Blackstar Amps are a stand-alone company. They were formed by ex-Marshall employees looking to make their impact on the industry.
Where are Blackstar Amps Made?
Blackstar Amps are based in Northampton, England but are sold in outlets worldwide including in North America and Asia. Most of the amps are physically built in both the UK and Korea.
Do Blackstar only make amplifiers?
No – Blackstar has evolved its product offering to encompass many different guitar accessories. Alongside their amplifiers, they also make effect pedals for electric, acoustic and bass guitars.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best Blackstar amp for you will depend on what you want and where you are playing. If you are playing at home, then a device like the Fly3 or the amPlug Fly is perfect for jamming in a small space.
If you are looking for something to give a bit more oomph, then turning to either the ID: Core 100 or even the ID: Core Beam gives you a choice to go big and impress audiences with great, clean sounds.
Whatever choice you make though, you know that the best Blackstar amp for you will offer great sound quality and support allowing you to shine as a guitarist.
