Review of the Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo amplifier. Where to buy it?

I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of the Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo amplifier. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar amplifiers so you can compare.

  • Dynamic 200 watt power amp, can be limited to 20 or 2 watts
  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
  • Speaker components: 1 x 12″ Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
  • Thiele/Small cabinet enclosure
  • All parameters except ‘Master’ can be stored in the up to 128 presets
  • Bluetooth streaming and 3.5 mm jack input for the playback of playalongs
  • The pure analog and accurate-in-the-details behaviour of a classic tube circuit
  • The first analog amp with adjustable power amp sagging for continuous power-amp-overload-effect usage
  • Integrated Red Box AE+ with 8 speaker emulations – balanced XLR
  • Can be connected to any any speaker
  • Free iOS and Android app enables remote-controlled wireless usage of the Black Spirit via iPad or tablet and offers unlimited storage space
  • Built-in effects: Reverb, Tap Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo
  • IDB (intelligent dual breakpoint) noise gate
  • Serial FX loop
  • Bluetooth
  • MIDI remote control
  • AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • 128 Storage locations
  • Headphone/Line output: 6.3 mm Jack, Stereo, 50 Ohm
  • Speaker output: 8-16 Ohm, guitar cabinet is switchable to full-range mode
  • MIDI input: 7-Pin
  • Phantom power: 20 V DC (150 mA)
  • MIDI output/thru: 5-Pin
  • Max. power consumption: 300 W
  • Automatic 100 V – 240 V multi-range power unit – can be used for all voltages worldwide

review hughesampersandkettner-black-spirit-200-combo

This amplifier usually has a price around 825.00 €

Now that we’ve seen the features of this amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo watch these related videos to learn more.

Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 combo amp demo

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Some comments from people who come to the forum about this model:

Comment:

All my time I’ve used the good old Marshall’s JCM valve family of amp heads with cabinet – robust, powerful and that amazing sound that made my drummer cry to lower it down. So when I did the decision to move for the Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo (in the meantime I’ve sold all my Marshall gear), it was like – get a good sound at the home studio, have the flexibility for more tone alternatives, and DI to the DAW for mixing without mics. On top, if I needed to take to the stage it would solve me any PA issues.

And let me tell you, it worths every cent I’ve spent.

What I did like:
– sound (yeah, from clean to more powerful, it will be good, don’t worry)
– flexibility for studio, rehearsal and stage (plenty of outputs for all tastes)
– iPad app (not the best but cool enough)
– that blue colour 😉

What I would like to be better:
– buttons quality (as I said, I’m used to Marshall heavy duty inputs… and this one feels a little more "handle with care or it will break")
– weight… well, it’s not the end of the world, but the cabinet version is a little overweight
– price… it’s still a little high compared to alternatives, but comon… it’s a Hughes & Kettner

In sum listen to it (there are plenty of reviews on youtube) and make your choice. I’m delighted with mine.

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo vs Koch Amps Studiotone 20 Combo

The amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo is usually 14 € cheaper than Koch Amps Studiotone 20 Combo, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo

Koch Amps Studiotone 20 Combo

The secret behind the sound of the Black Spirit 200 is its completely new technology developed especially for sound uction: Bionic Tone Generating. Here the complex dynamic processes of classic tube circuitry has been reuced and optimised with new analog circuitry principles. From this comes the special playing feel of the Black Spirit 200 as well as the tube-amp sound quality.

  • Dynamic 200 watt power amp, can be limited to 20 or 2 watts
  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
  • Speaker components: 1 x 12″ Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
  • Thiele/Small cabinet enclosure
  • All parameters except ‘Master’ can be stored in the up to 128 presets
  • Bluetooth streaming and 3.5 mm jack input for the playback of playalongs
  • The pure analog and accurate-in-the-details behaviour of a classic tube circuit
  • The first analog amp with adjustable power amp sagging for continuous power-amp-overload-effect usage
  • Integrated Red Box AE+ with 8 speaker emulations – balanced XLR
  • Can be connected to any any speaker
  • Free iOS and Android app enables remote-controlled wireless usage of the Black Spirit via iPad or tablet and offers unlimited storage space
  • Built-in effects: Reverb, Tap Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo
  • IDB (intelligent dual breakpoint) noise gate
  • Serial FX loop
  • Bluetooth
  • MIDI remote control
  • AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • 128 Storage locations
  • Headphone/Line output: 6.3 mm Jack, Stereo, 50 Ohm
  • Speaker output: 8-16 Ohm, guitar cabinet is switchable to full-range mode
  • MIDI input: 7-Pin
  • Phantom power: 20 V DC (150 mA)
  • MIDI output/thru: 5-Pin
  • Max. power consumption: 300 W
  • Automatic 100 V – 240 V multi-range power unit – can be used for all voltages worldwide

The amps of the Dutch company Koch are no longer an insider tip. Nice tube sound, at the same time flexible and settled in a fair price class – these are the most important infos in advance. The studiotone combo could attract all guitarists who want to use the warmth and distortion of a power amplifier at tolerable volumes. On the other hand, this amp with its 20 W also has clean reserves, which should be sufficient in most cases.

Which brings us to the clean channel, which has quite Fender-like qualities: You can choose from fat to sparkling sounds here, with 2 voicing switches (2x for mid, 3x for treble), which effectively modify the sound. The overdrive channel on the other hand really takes off – strong, warm tube sound located between the rough British and settled American sound. The gain will be enough for most people. The Overdrive Boost channel, boosts the same sound even stronger and thus also hi-gain applications are covered. The 3 sounds share one equalizer – in the studio no problem anyway. But also for live applications it is no problem, because the gain staging between clean and overdrive is already set.

The 12″ VG12 Koch loudspeaker installed here is built in cooperation with Jensen and it fits perfectly to this small power cube. A highlight not only in the studio, but also when you have a quite delicate situation with the volume live: A recording-out with two simulated speaker types and microphone positions is located at the back. If you have to play silently, one can switch on the power soak and send the signal directly to the mixer – completely without any noise. Excellent tube sound with many useful features – not just for the studio!

  • Power: 20W
  • Equipped with: 1x 12″ VG12-60 Koch loudspeaker
  • 3 Channels: Clean, overdrive, overdrive boost
  • Class A
  • Tubes: 2x EL 84
  • Passive bass – mid – treble equalizers
  • 2 Vocing switches: Mid shift (2-way), bright (3-way)
  • Separate loudspeaker outputs: 4, 8, 16 ohm
  • Speaker on/ off switch
  • Recording output
  • Effect loop
  • Reverb
  • Headphone output
  • Dimensions: 45 x 24 x 44 cm
  • Weight: 17.5 kg
  • Incl. FS2-ST foot switch

And then a video of the amplifier Koch Amps Studiotone 20 Combo

Koch Studiotone 20 Head. A great choice for home recording and gigging.

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Koch Amps Studiotone 20 Combo review

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo vs Vox AC30 C2

The amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo is usually 27 € more expensive than Vox AC30 C2, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo

Vox AC30 C2

The secret behind the sound of the Black Spirit 200 is its completely new technology developed especially for sound uction: Bionic Tone Generating. Here the complex dynamic processes of classic tube circuitry has been reuced and optimised with new analog circuitry principles. From this comes the special playing feel of the Black Spirit 200 as well as the tube-amp sound quality.

  • Dynamic 200 watt power amp, can be limited to 20 or 2 watts
  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
  • Speaker components: 1 x 12″ Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
  • Thiele/Small cabinet enclosure
  • All parameters except ‘Master’ can be stored in the up to 128 presets
  • Bluetooth streaming and 3.5 mm jack input for the playback of playalongs
  • The pure analog and accurate-in-the-details behaviour of a classic tube circuit
  • The first analog amp with adjustable power amp sagging for continuous power-amp-overload-effect usage
  • Integrated Red Box AE+ with 8 speaker emulations – balanced XLR
  • Can be connected to any any speaker
  • Free iOS and Android app enables remote-controlled wireless usage of the Black Spirit via iPad or tablet and offers unlimited storage space
  • Built-in effects: Reverb, Tap Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo
  • IDB (intelligent dual breakpoint) noise gate
  • Serial FX loop
  • Bluetooth
  • MIDI remote control
  • AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • 128 Storage locations
  • Headphone/Line output: 6.3 mm Jack, Stereo, 50 Ohm
  • Speaker output: 8-16 Ohm, guitar cabinet is switchable to full-range mode
  • MIDI input: 7-Pin
  • Phantom power: 20 V DC (150 mA)
  • MIDI output/thru: 5-Pin
  • Max. power consumption: 300 W
  • Automatic 100 V – 240 V multi-range power unit – can be used for all voltages worldwide

  • 3 Preamp tubes 12AX7 (ECC83)
  • 4 Power amp tubes EL84
  • Power: 30 W
  • 2x 12″ Celestion G12M Greenback speakers
  • 4 Inputs high and low (top boost and normal)
  • Controls for normal volume, top boost volume, treble, bass, reverb effect tone, level, tremolo speed & depth, tone cut, master volume
  • Rear side: 2 Outputs for external speakers (extension and external)
  • FX send and FX return
  • Impedance selector switch 8/16 Ohm
  • Foot switch socket (tremolo and reverb)
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 702 x 265 x 556 mm
  • Weight: 32.2 kg
  • Optional foot switch (198735 LEAD FOOT FS-2)

And then a video of the amplifier Vox AC30 C2

Vox AC30c2 | Review | Guitar Interactive

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Vox AC30 C2 review

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo vs Orange Rocker 32

The amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo is usually 54 € cheaper than Orange Rocker 32.

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo

Orange Rocker 32

The secret behind the sound of the Black Spirit 200 is its completely new technology developed especially for sound uction: Bionic Tone Generating. Here the complex dynamic processes of classic tube circuitry has been reuced and optimised with new analog circuitry principles. From this comes the special playing feel of the Black Spirit 200 as well as the tube-amp sound quality.

  • Dynamic 200 watt power amp, can be limited to 20 or 2 watts
  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
  • Speaker components: 1 x 12″ Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
  • Thiele/Small cabinet enclosure
  • All parameters except ‘Master’ can be stored in the up to 128 presets
  • Bluetooth streaming and 3.5 mm jack input for the playback of playalongs
  • The pure analog and accurate-in-the-details behaviour of a classic tube circuit
  • The first analog amp with adjustable power amp sagging for continuous power-amp-overload-effect usage
  • Integrated Red Box AE+ with 8 speaker emulations – balanced XLR
  • Can be connected to any any speaker
  • Free iOS and Android app enables remote-controlled wireless usage of the Black Spirit via iPad or tablet and offers unlimited storage space
  • Built-in effects: Reverb, Tap Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo
  • IDB (intelligent dual breakpoint) noise gate
  • Serial FX loop
  • Bluetooth
  • MIDI remote control
  • AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • 128 Storage locations
  • Headphone/Line output: 6.3 mm Jack, Stereo, 50 Ohm
  • Speaker output: 8-16 Ohm, guitar cabinet is switchable to full-range mode
  • MIDI input: 7-Pin
  • Phantom power: 20 V DC (150 mA)
  • MIDI output/thru: 5-Pin
  • Max. power consumption: 300 W
  • Automatic 100 V – 240 V multi-range power unit – can be used for all voltages worldwide

  • Power: 30 W RMS
  • Equipped with: 2x 10″ Voice of the World Gold Label speaker, 16 ohm
  • Clean channel controls: Volume
  • Dirty channel controls: Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Volume
  • With tube-buffered mono / stereo FX loop
  • Half-power mode (15 W)
  • Preamp tubes: 4x ECC83 (12AX7), 2x ECC81 (12AT7)
  • Power tubes: 4x EL84
  • Speaker outputs: 2 x 16 Ohm (stereo)
  • Connector for footswitch (channel switch) Orange FS-1 (not included)
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 58 x 46 x 29 cm
  • Weight: 23.3 kg
  • Colour: Orange

And then a video of the amplifier Orange Rocker 32

Mason Music Demo Lab: Orange Amps Rocker 32

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Orange Rocker 32 review

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo vs Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV

The amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo is usually 26 € more expensive than Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV, but the difference is so small that this can vary..

Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV

The secret behind the sound of the Black Spirit 200 is its completely new technology developed especially for sound uction: Bionic Tone Generating. Here the complex dynamic processes of classic tube circuitry has been reuced and optimised with new analog circuitry principles. From this comes the special playing feel of the Black Spirit 200 as well as the tube-amp sound quality.

  • Dynamic 200 watt power amp, can be limited to 20 or 2 watts
  • 4 Channels: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Ultra
  • Speaker components: 1 x 12″ Celestion G12H-75 Creamback
  • Thiele/Small cabinet enclosure
  • All parameters except ‘Master’ can be stored in the up to 128 presets
  • Bluetooth streaming and 3.5 mm jack input for the playback of playalongs
  • The pure analog and accurate-in-the-details behaviour of a classic tube circuit
  • The first analog amp with adjustable power amp sagging for continuous power-amp-overload-effect usage
  • Integrated Red Box AE+ with 8 speaker emulations – balanced XLR
  • Can be connected to any any speaker
  • Free iOS and Android app enables remote-controlled wireless usage of the Black Spirit via iPad or tablet and offers unlimited storage space
  • Built-in effects: Reverb, Tap Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Tremolo
  • IDB (intelligent dual breakpoint) noise gate
  • Serial FX loop
  • Bluetooth
  • MIDI remote control
  • AUX input: 3.5 mm stereo jack
  • Bluetooth audio streaming
  • 128 Storage locations
  • Headphone/Line output: 6.3 mm Jack, Stereo, 50 Ohm
  • Speaker output: 8-16 Ohm, guitar cabinet is switchable to full-range mode
  • MIDI input: 7-Pin
  • Phantom power: 20 V DC (150 mA)
  • MIDI output/thru: 5-Pin
  • Max. power consumption: 300 W
  • Automatic 100 V – 240 V multi-range power unit – can be used for all voltages worldwide

  • Hot Rod series
  • 3 Channels: Normal, Drive and More Drive
  • Power: 40 W
  • Equipped with: 1x 12″ Celestion A-Type
  • Tubes: 3x 12AX7 and 2x 6L6
  • 2 Jack inputs – input 2 with -6 dB
  • Controls for Presence, Reverb, Master Volume, Middle, Bass, Treble, Drive, Select Switch, Drive Volume, Bright Switch
  • Chicken head style buttons
  • 2 Speaker connections: Internal and external
  • Preamp out
  • Power amp in
  • Case made of solid light pine
  • Dimensions: 47.6 x 59.7 x 26.7 cm
  • Weight: 18.59 kg
  • Design: Black textured vinyl and slightly aged silver-coloured front fabric
  • Includes 2-way footswitch and protective cover

And then a video of the amplifier Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV

Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV Valve Combo - New Features, Review & Demo

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV review

Where to buy this amplifier Hughes&Kettner Black Spirit 200 Combo

Thomann

  • Free Shipping.
  • Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
  • 100% reliable payment.
  • Leader in trouble-free shipping.
  • Usually Best price.
  • Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalogue and information.

Amazon

  • Free Shipping and possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
  • Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
  • Sometimes better price.
  • He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

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Jaime Echagüe

Hi! I'm Jaime Echagüe, a musician and an authentic fan of musical instruments. With this blog I want to give general information about musical instruments in an easy, direct and honest way. I hope you enjoy my website and that you find it very useful.

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