Let’s dive deep to Positive Grid Spark Amp. It’s a good amp but not for everyone. I received this amp for free from Positive Grid, but this review is entirely unbiased as I’m not being paid for this. Here, I openly discuss what I did and didn’t like about this amp.
Since recieving this amp, we have moved to completetly non-sponsored way of operating. We do not take free products. But we still have to publish these articles we promised to publish previously.
Positive Grid Spark
Summary
Pros:
-Increased Practice Time: The amp motivated me to play and practice more due to its vast and easy-to-use presets library.
-Ease of Use: It’s user-friendly with simple Bluetooth connectivity and straightforward controls.
-Sound Quality for Price: Offers great sound quality compared to other amps in the same price range.
-Versatility: Suitable for a range of uses, including practice, small apartments, and portability. Also suitable for many different genres.
-App Features: The Spark app provides a range of functions like smart jams with an AI drummer and well-organized backing tracks.
-Design and Build Quality: The amp scores high on aesthetics and build, especially for this price.
-Value for Money: At under $300, the amp is considered to offer excellent value, especially as a practice amp.
Cons:
-Bluetooth Dependency: Not suitable for those who prefer not to use Bluetooth. You can use the amp without bluetooth tho.
-Volume Limitations: With 40 watts, it may not be loud enough for some users, especially those needing more volume for performances or playing with a drummer.
-Not the Best Sound in Market: While good for its price, there are better sounding amps available, especially for professional use.
-Some Difficulty with Volume Adjustments: Minor issues in achieving the right volume with some presets.
-Potential for Connection Issues: Minor Bluetooth connectivity issues did happen in my uses, although they were not a significant drawback.
Who is this for?
–Practice Amp Seekers: Ideal for players looking for a practice amp.
Small Apartment Residents: Suitable for those living in smaller spaces due to its compact size.
–Portability Needs: Its ease of carrying around makes it a good choice for portability.
–Bluetooth Connectivity Users: Recommended for users who value or want the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.
–Budget-Conscious Players: A good option for those seeking a budget-friendly amp without compromising on quality.
–Versatility Seekers: It’s versatile and suits various playing styles, offering a range of tones and features.
Who this is not for?
–Non-Bluetooth Users: Not suitable for those who prefer to avoid using Bluetooth.
–Higher Volume Requirement: If you need an amp with more than 40 watts for louder environments or performance settings, this might not be sufficient.
–Top Sound Quality Seekers: While it offers great value for its price, there are better sounding amps available for those seeking professional-grade sound quality.
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I have spent more than 20 hours playing with various features of this amp, from smart jam to metronome and backing tracks. I have tested pretty much everything. So…
Do I Recommend This Amp?
Absolutely, and there are a few key reasons for this. Firstly, this amp has significantly increased my playing and practicing time, more so than my Boss Katana M50 MKII. The Spark Amp’s variety of ‘done-for-you’ presets on Positive Grid’s cloud servers are the main reason for this, since there are presets for a wide range of my favorite songs and bands.
If you want to see a video review, watch this:
Specs
| Category | Specification | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Specifications | Frequency Range | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Stereo/Mono | Stereo | |
| Maximum Sound Pressure Level | 109 dB (RMS), 116 dB (Peak) | |
| Cabinet Principle | Bass-reflex | |
| Power Amplifiers | 40 Watt Class D Amplifier | |
| Speakers | 2x 4″ Custom Designed Speakers | |
| Total Impedance | 4 ohms | |
| Controls and Connectivity | Top Panel Controls | Amp Type, Gain, Bass, Mid, Treble, Master, Mod, Delay, Reverb, Output Volume, Music Volume, Four Programmable Preset Buttons, Tap/Tuner Button |
| Rear Panel | USB Port, AUX in, DC in | |
| Onboard Effects | 33 Amp Models, 43 Effects (Noise Gate, Compressor, Distortion, Modulation/EQ, Delay, Reverb) | |
| Wired Connectivity | 1/4″ Guitar Input, 1/8″ Aux Input, 1/8″ Headphone | |
| Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth Audio | |
| USB Audio | USB Interface for Recording, 1 In x 2 Out | |
| Physical Unit | Dimensions | 350 x 180 x 190 mm (13.78 x 7.08 x 7.48 in) |
| Weight | 5.2 kg (11.46 lb) | |
| Covering | Black Textured Vinyl, Pearl Textured Vinyl | |
| Grille Cloth | Custom Black/Brown | |
| Handle | Removable Faux Leather Handle | |
| Included in the Box | Box Contents | Spark Amplifier, Power Adapter, USB Cable, Quick Start Guide |
| Power | Main Input Voltage | 100 – 240 V |
| Main Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
Features
These key features impressed me:
- Done-For-You Presets (my fav): The cloud-based presets tailored for popular songs and bands significantly boosted my practice efficiency and enjoyment.
- Ease of Use: The simple control and straightforward Bluetooth connectivity make it accessible for players of all skill levels.
- Portability and Versatility: Its compact size is ideal for small spaces or for traveling musicians. Additionally, it doubles effectively as both a bass and an acoustic guitar amp.
- Rich Feature Set: The amp comes packed with diverse amp models and effects, allowing for extensive sound customization.
- Great for Practice: Backing track, AI drummer, and Metronome are excellent practice buddies.
Here are most of the amps features listed:
Amps:
| Category | Amp | Inspired By |
|---|---|---|
| Clean | Silver 120 | Roland JC120 |
| Black Duo | Fender Twin Reverb | |
| AD Clean | Orange AD 30 | |
| MATCH DC | Matchless DC30 | |
| ODS 50 | Dumble ODS 50 HRM | |
| Glassy | Tweed Bass | Fender Bassman |
| AC Boost | Vox AC30 | |
| Checkmate | Teisco Checkmate20 | |
| Two Stone SP50 | Two Rock Studio Pro 50 | |
| Crunch | American Deluxe | Fender ’57 Custom Deluxe |
| Plexiglas | Marshall Super Lead 100 | |
| JM45 | Marshall JTM45 | |
| Lux Verb | Fender Deluxe Reverb | |
| Blues Boy | Fender Blues Junior | |
| High Gain | RB 101 | Bogner Ecstasy 101 |
| British 30 | Orange AD30 | |
| American High Gain | Mesa Boogie JP-2C | |
| SLO 100 | Soldano SLO-100 | |
| YJM100 | Marshall YJM100 Signature | |
| Metal | Treadplate | Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier |
| Insane | EVH 5150 III | |
| SwitchAxe | H&K Switch Blade | |
| Rocker V | Orange Rockerverb 50 | |
| BE 101 | Friedman BE100 | |
| Insane 6508 | Peavey 6505 | |
| Acoustic | Pure Acoustic | PG Original |
| Fishboy | Fishman Acoustic Amp | |
| Jumbo | PG Original | |
| Flat Acoustic | PG Original | |
| Bass | RB-800 | Gallien-Krueger 800RB |
| Sunny 3000 | Sunn 300T | |
| W600 | Eden WTP600 | |
| Hammer 500 | Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 |
Effects:
| Category | Effect |
|---|---|
| Gate | Noise Gate |
| Comp | LA Comp, Sustain Comp, Red Comp, Bass Comp, Optical Comp |
| Drive | Booster, Tube Drive, Over Drive, Fuzz Face, Black Op, Bass Muff, Guitar Muff, Bassmaster, SAB Driver, Clone Drive |
| MOD/EQ | Tremolo, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Vibrato, UniVibe, Cloner Chorus, Classic Vibe, Tremolator, Tremolo Square, Guitar EQ, Bass EQ |
| Delay | Digital Delay, Echo Filt, Vintage Delay, Reverse Delay, Multi Head, Echo Tape |
| Reverb | Room Studio A, Chamber, Hall Natural, Plate Short, Hall Ambient, Plate Rich, Hall Medium, Plate Long, Room Studio B |
Some of the other features:
- Metronome
- Tuner
- Backing track
- AI Drummer
- Done for you tone presets
- Guitar video creator/editor
Usability
Sparks many features can raise a question…it is easy to use? Based on my test, the usability of the Positive Grid Spark Amp is easy to use. Here’s why:
- User-Friendly Interface: The amp’s controls (control panel) are straightforward and simple. Even for those new to amplifiers, it’s relatively easy to navigate and use effectively.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connecting to Bluetooth is a breeze. It’s a feature that I think most users can handle without hassle, enhancing the amp’s overall accessibility. However it should be noted that Bluetooth connection issues can happen. I have had minor issues a couple of times.
- Versatility for Different Instruments: You can use Spark with electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass.
- App Integration: The Spark app is a standout feature and main selling point. The app is easy to use in my opinion. Of course, there are many features and this can feel overwhelming at first.
- Practicality for Home Use: Its size and volume range make it an ideal amp for home practice. It’s neither too large nor too loud for small spaces, yet it delivers a great quality sound with nice features.
Design & Build Quality
It’s a portable and nice-looking amp. Here are my thoughts based on using this amp a lot:
- Sleek and Stylish Design: The Spark Amp stands out with its modern, simple, and attractive design. It’s not just another amp – it has a certain flair that makes it a standout piece in any room or studio. I like that it doesn’t stick your eyes too much tho.
- Compact and Portable: Its size is a huge plus. It’s small enough to be compatible with pretty much any home setting yet large enough to pack a punch with its sound. The portability is an added bonus for musicians on the move.
- Sturdy Build: Despite its compact size, the Spark Amp feels solid and durable. It’s built to withstand regular use, making it reliable for both practice and recording sessions.
- Quality Materials: From the textured vinyl covering to the custom black/brown grille cloth, the materials used in the Spark Amp are really good to me. It doesn’t feel like a cheap amp.
Sound
Regarding sound quality, the Spark Amp has exceeded my expectations for its price range. While it might not be the absolute best-sounding amp on the market, it holds its own against amps like the Boss Katana M50 MK2 and Fender Mustang LT25, especially when it comes to practice sessions and casual play.
And the versatility is there. When you leverage the Spark app you have 100s of done for your presets to choose from. In addition to that, there are dozens of different amps and pedals to choose from when shaping your tone.
Do I use all these features…most likely not. But the price of this amp is still so competitive that even if I don’t use all the bells and whistles, it’s worth the money.
If you need more volume than Spark with its 40 watts has to offer, there are other options like Boss Katana 50 MKII available.
Check the full sound demo:
Value For The Money
In my time with the Positive Grid Spark Amp, its value for money has been a standout aspect. Here’s my take on why it offers excellent value:
- Competitive Pricing: Priced around $299, the Spark Amp sits in a sweet spot. It’s affordable enough for beginners and those on a budget, yet offers features usually found in higher-priced models.
- Feature-Rich for the Price: The wealth of features it packs at this price point is impressive. From various amp models, a multitude of effects, to smart jam functions and backing tracks – it’s a complete package.
- Great Sound Quality: The sound quality is more than satisfactory for its price. It competes well with more expensive amps, offering clean to high-gain tones, making it a versatile choice for various music styles.
- User-Friendly Experience: Its ease of use adds to its value. Whether it’s the intuitive app or the straightforward controls on the amp itself, it caters to users of all skill levels.
- Robust Build and Design: The build quality and design don’t feel compromised, despite its affordability. It looks and feels like a premium product.
- Suitable for a Wide Audience: This amp is ideal for a broad range of guitarists – from those needing a practice amp to those in small apartments or needing something portable. Its versatility enhances its value.
- Long-Term Enjoyment and Usefulness: With features like Bluetooth connectivity and a wide array of tones, it’s an amp that can grow with the user, making it a wise long-term investment.
Verdict
Amp Features and Ratings
- Features (5/5): The app’s features, like the AI drummer and the organized backing tracks, are exceptional for this price point.
- Versatility and Usability (4.5/5): Despite its feature-packed nature, the amp and the app are incredibly user-friendly. I encountered some minor issues, but they didn’t significantly affect the overall experience.
- Design and Build Quality (5/5): The amp boasts a great look and feels high quality, especially considering it’s a budget amp.
- Sound Quality (4.5/5): The versatility in sound from clean to high gain is impressive. Some presets may need tweaking, but the overall sound quality is solid for the price.
- Value for Money (5/5): Priced at just under $300, the amp offers amazing value, particularly as a practice amp.
Final Verdict Overall, I rate the Positive Grid Spark Amp at 4.7 out of 5. It’s an excellent choice for home and apartment use. While there are better-sounding amps available, the Spark Amp’s versatility makes it a near-perfect practice amp.
Alternatives
Fender Mustang LT25
The Fender Mustang LT 25 is a great practice/beginner guitar amp if you are on a budget.
It’s versatile, easy to use, and sounds good. You have a lot of tone options with the amp itself, plus if you use the Fender Tone app these tone options grow exponentially(connect via USB).
Personally, I think that this Mustang is the best under $200 amp for most players (note that this doesn’t have Bluetooth).
Check the full review of Fender Mustang LT25 here.
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BOss katana 50 mkii
If you want an amp that will serve you for a long time without you outgrowing it, Katana 50MKII is an excellent option. It can get loud, it’s versatile, it sounds good, and it’s extremely easy to use. If you do not want Bluetooth, but still want an amp for life, this is a great option.
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VOX Valvetronix 20
If you do not want Bluetooth, but want excellent modeled tube tones without buying a tube amp. This is the top dog. It’s not the easiest to use, but I regret selling this bad boy to this day.
Check the full review of VOX Valvetronix 20 here.
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Boss Katana Mini
If you are after metal tones and portability, I highly recommend you check Boss Katana Mini out ASAP (this is also cheap).
Check the full review of Boss Katana Mini here.
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FAQ
Is the Positive Grid spark worth it?
Based on my testing, Positive Grid Spark is worth it for players searching for a versatile practice amp with a Bluetooth connection.
Can you gig with a spark 40?
You might be able to hit some small performances or busking with Spark 40. But I wouldn’t recommend it for gigging. Speakers are not at their best with loud volumes.
Does the Positive Grid spark app require a subscription?
No. Apps features work for free with the amp. There are some paid tone preset packs on the app, but you do not need those in order to use the app.
Is Spark amp good for beginners?
For beginners looking for versatility, Spark is a good option. Beginners probably won’t use all the features of the amp, but it’s still a solid option.
Can you record on Positive Grid spark?
Yes. You can plug Spark into a computer via USB for recording.
Can you use spark without app?
Yes. The Spark 40 amp has a normal control panel and you can use it like a normal amp, you just can’t use the app’s features without the app.
Does Spark work without Internet?
Amps basic features and some features of the app work without the internet. You can not use cloud tone presets and backing tracks without the internet.
Hey! I was looking at some of the competitors for this amp and I found the Boss Katana but also the Yamaha one. Do you know if is it any good?
Hi dude! I love Boss Katanas. If you are talking about Yamaha THR5, I owned it once: https://blog.guitaristnextdoor.com/yamaha-thr5-review/ it was OK, but I prefer Spark and Katanas over this. Yamaha was solid with cleans tho. The Yamaha THR30 is a whole different animal, my friend has one and he definitely recommends it.
It’s nice to have QoL features like Bluetooth and cloud-based presets. I’ve always missed those on the Boss Katana. But I can’t really complain as I love the sound of my Katana.
Yes. Cloud presets are the main thing for me. It’s so easy to find tones suitable for the songs I’m practicing. So much fun. I also love the sound of my Katana, it’s an awesome amp.