Need help choosing low watt tube amp!

[Fang]

So I finally saved up enough money to afford a new TUBE practice amp. However, I really could use some suggestions on what amp/how to go about this.

http://www.blackhearteng.com/bh15112.html

This amp has a lot of what I'm looking for. Only 7/15 watts (switchable), separate drive and master volume controls, 4 EQs, relatively low price ($450 new) etc. Definitely a flexible, although missing reverb. However, from clips on YouTube and one or two times trying it out, i wasn't blown away, just sounded a little thin/dry. From what I understand, the Chinese stock tubes are **** and some guys told me that changing the tubes makes a night and day difference! Is that really possible? I don't want to have to change out a speaker or something on principle. I should be able to at least work with the tone stock, not completely mod a boutique amp.

And also, it says it's "American voiced". Would this kind of amp do well boosted? I THINK I like British tones, I like Paul Gilbert's current sound on the Vintage Moderns and think I like power tube distortion. Thick, smooth, saturated whatever. Definitely like my cleans though, love bell tones too.

Sorry about the rant, anyway please, please help me understand this stuff/suggest some amps to look into? I really want to practice with some GREAT tone.

[indeedido]

Check out the Blackstar HT-5. 5 watts, head and two cabs with Celestian 10s. I played one at my Guitar Center, killer tone. Footswitchable channels too. there are some good youtubes too

[Darin]

Egnator Rebel

You will LOVE it

[markg5150]

The new Blackstar 5 watters are meant to be excellent.

I have a Laney Lionheart 5w combo which is fantastic too

[wjs1820]

Check out premierguitar.com they've got a good article about differences in tubes this month.

[ColinMmmmm]

Maybe a used THD Univalve?

[Lefty Robb]

save yourself some money and get one of these:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone...75-i1275082.gc

I have never heard anything bad about them other than to change the tubes. A lot of people just throw a distortion pedal in front of it.