• Hardware
  • Practice amp recommendations (p.3)
2016/11/16 16:52:56
Magic Russ
The one I played was the Spider IV 15, and it had four models - Clean, Crunch, Metal, Insane.  Your 150 has a lot more options.
2016/11/16 18:57:40
Cactus Music
Like I say I sat there and tried all the major brands, I pulled a US Strat off the wall, I tried for sure a   Vox, Roland, Fender, Line 6 and a Boss.  All were the smaller versions as I, like you, wanted just a practice/studio amp.   I  chose the Blackstar because it's clean tone was very close to a Princeton all tube amp. I find no point in testing amps with the distortion on full blast, I can do that with pedals.  They had the re issue of my Princeton sitting there so I also used that to tune my ears to what I want.  
Of course I did try the overdrives as well but for me clean punch comes first. I also looked for simplicity of dialing in the effects, Some only had pre sets that I think you needed software to change.
I found they each had faults, like to heavy, Noisy, sounded like pooh and mostly lacked the punch I like, I need that speaker to respond instantly when I hit the strings. I wanted to hear that Strat ring like a bell.  
 I did like the Vox 2nd best for punch. Sorry I cannot recall which exact models of most, I do remember the Fender was the Mustang.
And I think I remember the Boss being the worst and the most pricy. Could be wrong.
But this is the only way to shop as far as I am concerned. Looking up reviews is pointless for me because I think I'm spoiled by always having  Fender tube amps all my life.
We each have a sound we go for, so that's why only you can sit and listen and decide.
2016/11/17 09:30:50
Jim Roseberry
Cactus Music
Seems the OP has not responded so we are now in talking to ourselfs mode... That's OK lots of interesting stuff. But gee, $500 for a stomp box!!,,  That's the beauty of the Blackstar, They are very good bang for the buck. 



If you're talking about the Amplifire, it's a whole lot more than just a stomp-box.
With IEMs or FRFR monitors, you can play a gig with it.
It's similar to an AX8 or Helix (albeit more spartan on the EFX).
 
I had a BlackStar HT-100.
Nice sounding amp... especially given the cost.
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