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Buying advice for desktop amp (self.guitars)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by fluxx to c/guitars

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Hi! I hope you don't mind giving some advice on buying a desktop amp. I'm talking basically about those amp sims with full range mini-speakers. I've been playing for years, but I've been using amp sims. I've previously owned tube amps, but found them inconvenient for practicing and always ended up playing unplugged. I also tried vox amPlug, which was better, but I also dislike having headphones on while playing. So I primarily want a desktop amp that would inspire me to play more.

I've looked at various ones online (I don't really have an opportunity to try them live), which makes a decision very hard.

My list so far:

Yamaha THR30
Positive Grid Spark 40
Hotone Pulze
Nux mighty space

I also don't have great PC speakers, so maybe I could also use it as general speaker there. Do you have experience on any of those? Some others? Any advice?

Thanks!

Edit:

Ordered a Nux Mighty Space, it could take a week or two before it arrives. I'll post an update once I get it. Thanks everyone!

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (2 children)

In terms of price, you'd be better off with a regular 10" practice amp.

I also don’t have great PC speakers, so maybe I could also use it as general speaker there.

I'd assume most amps are voiced to make guitars sound good, not to make general audio output (especially music) sound good. If you prioritize this, you might as well buy an audio interface (behringer is fine) and some half decent active speakers, which would provide a whole world of digital amp+fx options. Though personally I'm not quite comfortable with turning my speakers up enough to drown out the pick noise, IDK if this is actually an issue though.

[–] fluxx 1 points 8 months ago

Regarding price, you're right, but I don't have room for a 10' combo and if I have to add a few pedals/fx, I think it would end up rarely being used. Though I agree these desktop amps are way overpriced. Like, I will likely skip Yamaha, just because I don't feel like giving $450 for a practice amp.

[–] fluxx 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I actually have a decent audio interface and I do have half-decent speakers, but they don't fit on my desk, so they sit on a shelf and rarely get used. Anyway, this may be a silly use case and I'm not that bound to it. I just figured - the amp has full range speakers and it does sit on the desk and the amp has an audio interface. But this is more like - nice to have.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) (1 children)

Well there's your issue, you need a bigger desk. Could fit both a 10" combo and your speakers.

[–] fluxx 1 points 8 months ago

I actually have a 2x12 cabinet sitting in a shed collecting dust, I haven't used it in years. It's just inconvenient for casual everyday practice. I'm a hobby player, with a small kid and a not too tolerant wife. What little practice/playing I get I need to be suuuper convenient, so I gather - desktop amp is a good choice. It's a dad amp, basically.