Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 Floor review

The German amp brand hits the floor with its latest amp, which combines digital control of analogue solid-state. A new benchmark? We plug in to find out…

Hughes & Kettner Black Spirit 200 Floor review
(Image: © Future / Olly Curtis)

Guitar World Verdict

For working players who are looking for a credible alternative to valves, Hughes & Kettner’s Black Spirit 200 Floor is a pretty compelling choice - what’s not to like?

Pros

  • +

    Great looks.

  • +

    Tough, ultra-lightweight casing.

  • +

    Huge versatility and superb tone.

  • +

    The sag control adds real valve-like dynamics.

Cons

  • -

    Remote app support needs attention.

  • -

    The standalone FS-432’s DC power outlet is missing.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Hughes & Kettner’s hugely successful TubeMeister range was topped a couple of years ago with the GrandMeister Deluxe 40 head, which added full digital control together with built-in effects and more. 

At the time, we wondered if there was anywhere left to go, but we weren’t kept waiting for long before Hughes & Kettner introduced the Black Spirit 200 head, essentially a rework of the valve-powered GrandMeister Deluxe on a solid-state platform. 

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Nick Guppy

Nick Guppy was Guitarist magazine's amp guru for over 20 years. He built his first valve amplifier at the age of 12 and bought, sold and restored many more, with a particular interest in Vox, Selmer, Orange and tweed-era Fenders, alongside Riveras and Mark Series Boogies. When wielding a guitar instead of soldering iron, he enjoyed a diverse musical career playing all over the UK, including occasional stints with theatre groups, orchestras and big bands as well as power trios and tributes. He passed away suddenly in April 2024, leaving a legacy of amplifier wisdom behind him.