Blackstar Artisan Series 15H 15W Guitar Amp Head (Burgundy)

Blackstar Artisan Series 15H 15W Guitar Amp Head (Burgundy) Review

The Blackstar Artisan 15H is a deceptively simple guitar amp head in operation and yet highly flexible in functionality and tone—keeping with its classic design.With the emphasis on simplicity and sonic purity, every feature of the 15W Blackstar Artisan 15H has been refined to provide you with the widest range of reference vintage tones. This is achieved by the design of electronic circuitry working in harmony with the finest components and materials available.The Blackstar Artisan 15H is built to last a lifetime. This Blackstar amp head effortlessly combines vintage style and rugged, road tested reliability. The point-to-point tag board construction, welded steel chassis and finger-jointed birch-ply cabinet are complemented by beautiful vintage red Tolex and etched aluminium panels. Power AmplifierThe Blackstar Artisan 15H power amplifier uses 2 EL84 power pentode tubes in Class A and operates in two modes, namely push-pull (15W) or single-ended (5W), depending on the setting of the Power Amplifier Mode control.In push-pull mode the power amplifier takes on the characteristics of a low wattage vintage British combo. The single-ended mode allows the generation of the critical power amplifier harmonic distortion at a much lower volume, in the same way as the early American low-wattage amplifiers. In either mode the Blackstar Artisan 15H is an exceptional home or studio amplifier.The power amplifier is further enhanced by using a cathode coupled phase splitter to provide outstanding balance in the power amplifier drive which creates superb dynamic response. The EL84s are graded in terms of quiescent operating point and transconductance giving excellent hum performance and dynamic feel.In keeping with the vintage sonic signature of the Blackstar Artisan 15H amp head, the use of an EZ81 tube rectifier adds compression to the power amplifier response and is critical in generating its feel and responsiveness.With an amplifier that is built to last, reliability of th