Are there any benefits to getting only an amp head vs a combo?

[deanproxy]

I have been looking at the Blackstar HT-1R and the HT-408 cabinet. I have noticed that the head and the combo are almost exactly the same price with the head being a tad cheaper. With the combo, I of course get the added bonus of an 8" speaker and the ability to easily carry just that around if I go to a friends house or whatnot (although, I mostly just play at home).

The combo has a 4-16ohm output that I can connect the HT-408 cabinet to which disables the built-in 8" speaker and then outputs to only the cabinet. However, I'm wonder if there are any added benefits of just getting the head as opposed to the combo? It seems to me that with the combo only being about $25-$50 more, it makes sense to just get that and attach it to the cabinet for home use? Maybe the head provides something I'm not seeing in the feature spec?

Here is the info for it all:

The Combo: HT-1R Combo Guitar Amplifier - Blackstar Amplification
The Head: HT-1RH Head Guitar Amplifier - Blackstar Amplification
The Cabinet: HT-408 Extension Speaker Cabinet - Blackstar Amplification

Any help is appreciated! I feel like I'm missing something here...

[BuzzHaze]

I am going through the same thing as I want to get a Mesa Roadster, but do I get the head and cab or the combo? I guess it depends on a number of things for me. The twin is easier to carry and transport in a car vs a head and cab. Most med/large clubs have "in-house" PA's and a soundman so a twin is great. The advantage of the head/cabs are they can fill a nice big stage with sound, you can mix and match cabs from different companies, and another thing I like about cab/head units.....they sound AWESOME!!! like a wall of sound.

There is also the option of buying the head with a smaller 2x12 cabinet. It's easy to carry and fits in the car. I used to think heads were better because the tubes were right side up and could vent heat better, but since I've had the same twin for over 30 yrs, I guess it doesn't matter if the tubes are upside down.

[Red2112]

Easier to transport, optional speaker cabs...different speakers, cab build quality. To name a few...

Care

[chupe442]

I have been chubbing for the HT5 set up and am having the same issues. Other than easier expansion with speakers by going the head/cab way, the Blackstar combo is top a access as the head is front access. Thats my main pull for the head/cab as I like my amps off the ground a bit. Not a deal breaker but then I can pick up a used combo cheaper than a head/cab and not sure I will be happy with it that way.
Good luck....

[2themax]

I've been slowly (and I mean at a turtles pace) trying to get a home recording area set up and it finnally dawned on me to consider building a sound box (actually soundproof box) so that I can run my amp up to volume without blasting myself out of my small space. I saw a you-tube of a guy who built one in his closet. That would be one advantage to having a head and cabinet setup - you can have the head outside the box with access to the controls and have airflow.

Just a thought for consideration...

[TeaForTwo]

When possible, I prefer the heads seperate....

[deepblue]

Some combos rattle. I prefer the separate head.