Blackstar has expanded its Doug Aldrich signature lineup with the new DA5 Ruby, a 5-watt all-tube combo designed to deliver the character of Aldrich’s 100-watt DA100 Ruby in a format built for home practice, recording, and smaller studios. Rather than creating a simplified practice amp, Blackstar has transferred much of the original amplifier’s architecture into a compact package aimed at players who still want authentic tube response at manageable volumes.
Built on Blackstar’s award-winning HT-5R Mk III platform, the DA5 Ruby uses a genuine push-pull power section featuring a single 12BH7 power tube and ECC83 preamp tube. Unlike many low-wattage designs that rely on single-ended circuits, the push-pull configuration is intended to reproduce the feel and dynamic response of a larger stage amplifier. A built-in power reduction switch drops output from 5 watts to 0.5 watts for quieter playing without sacrificing the amplifier’s overall character.
The amplifier features two channels with four selectable voices derived directly from the DA100 Ruby. The Clean channel includes dedicated Volume and Tone controls, while the Overdrive channel adds Gain, Volume, Bass, Middle, Treble, and Blackstar’s patented Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) control for additional tonal flexibility.
Modern recording capabilities are equally central to the design. The DA5 Ruby incorporates Blackstar’s CabRig speaker simulation technology with three user-configurable presets, along with USB-C stereo recording, an XLR CabRig direct output, stereo headphone output, digital reverb, and built-in load protection for silent recording when the internal speaker is disconnected. An included FS-22 footswitch allows players to switch between channels and voices during performance.
Visually, the amplifier carries over the deep ruby red aesthetic of Aldrich’s flagship head with matching control knobs, premium hardware, and a brushed black control panel. Each limited-edition amplifier also includes a signed certificate of authenticity and a selection of Doug Aldrich’s personal Dunlop picks.
“It’s killer! It’s got all the tones from the original DA100 Ruby but in a 5 Watt combo and I love it so much!” — Doug Aldrich
The Blackstar DA5 Ruby is available now through authorized Blackstar dealers with a U.S. street price of $849.99.
Key Features
- 5-watt all-tube combo with 0.5-watt power reduction
- Push-pull power section using a 12BH7 power tube
- ECC83 preamp tube
- Two channels with four selectable voices
- Infinite Shape Feature (ISF) tone control
- Custom 12-inch Doug Aldrich 50 speaker
- CabRig IR speaker simulation
- USB-C recording interface
- XLR direct output
- Stereo headphone output
- Studio-quality digital reverb
- FS-22 footswitch included
- Limited edition with signed certificate of authenticity
Learn More
For complete specifications and availability, visit the Blackstar Amplification website
