The Studio 10 series of Blackstar we love at Klundert Music! Compact, traditional tube combos, affordable and in a range of two variants; EL34 and 6L6 (the KT88 version is -unfortunately- discontinued until further notice).
These amplifiers are based on the technique of a "single-ended" power amplifier. Here the power amplifier has only a single power amplifier tube operating in pure Class-A operation. It is the purest form of tube amplification and this produces a specific sound; creamy and super dynamic due to the relatively low headroom. What you put in, comes out. It is also logical that these amplifiers come in two variations. A single-ended power amplifier lets you hear the tube type in its purest form; the EL34 is a bit hotter and more caustic than the 6L6
The power is about 10 watts. That seems very little, but you can do fine with these amps in a band setting ahead, as long as you are aware of the fact of the dynamic operation of the Studio 10 amplifiers; are you looking for an amplifier that does not distort at high volume, then these may fall short. It's better to go for an amplifier with a bit more power and higher headroom.
The nice downside is that the Studio 10 amps sound very good at low volume and are therefore very suitable for home use.
In the pre-amp you have control over gain and tone. By experimenting with the settings of the pre-amp gain and master volume you can get more or less drive from the amp, but also with the Boost button the pre-amp can be kicked up a notch. Finally, the Studio 10 is complete with a reverb (digital).
All specifications in a row:
- Series: Studio 10
- Model: 6L6
- Amplifier type: tubes
- Power: 10 watt
- Speaker: 12 inch Celestion Seventy-80
- Pre-amplifier tube: ECC83
- Power amp tube: 6L6
- Channels: 1
- Controls: gain, tone, reverb, master
- Switches: drive, standby, power
- Input (6.3 mm jack; top side)
- 3x speaker output (1x 16 Ohm/1x 8 Ohm/2x 16 Ohm)
- FX loop send/return
- Emulated output
- Power cable
- Handle on top
- Dimensions: 251 x 473 x 421 mm (LxWxH)
- Weight: 14.7 Kg
- Included: One button footswitch (FS-4S)
- Sold separately: FS-8 footswitch for drive and reverb
