These two amps have been established in their respective brand catalogues for a few years now and sit around the same price point. But which is better and what exactly are they good for? Let’s find out.
Just brought home an origin20 this evening. I was really disappointed at first. Quickly growing on me as I figure out what settings I like on it. Think I’ll keep it.
Got mine recently, too. The key to the Origin is understanding what it is supposed to be. I was torn between it and a DSL. The issue is I play a lot of clean to dirty blues which it does great on its own. The DSL just doesn't do that as well as the Origin. Now, if all you play is high gain tones, go for the Blackstar or DSL. I recent went the cheap route and bought a Donner blues drive and reverb for a little extra kick. I also picked up the Joyo Chopper Z and a Berhinger SF300. The Chopper can really push some gain though at the pre or power amp side. That SF300 is a doom monster though. Sounds great with the origin though my randall 4x12.
The Blackstar is definitely easier to dial in a good tone. I am now using my Origin simply as a power amp and speaker for my valve preamp pedals and it’s a match made in heaven!