this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2024
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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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[–] Cignul9 3 points 8 months ago (1 children)

I love my Positive Grid Spark Mini. It’s become my favorite amp just from the portability aspect. The sound is surprisingly good from a tiny little box, too.

[–] fluxx 1 points 8 months ago (2 children)

Do you think there's anything to be gained from going one size up? It's stereo, perhaps near-field, it might sound better with some stereo effects? Currently, I'm thinking either Spark or Nux Mighty space. Spark is a lot cheaper, though.

[–] Cignul9 2 points 8 months ago

I don’t really know, tbh. I’ve never played or even heard a 40 in person. I got the mini because it was cheap(ish) and I wanted the portability. The sound quality was a pleasant surprise because I wasn’t expecting much. But it’s great for carrying around to different rooms if I want to change scenery while I’m practicing.

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

Although I see you’ve already made your decision, I can answer this question as I have both. For its size, the Spark mini sounds pretty good, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the sound quality of the 40. I’m going to have to research the Nux, if you chose it over all the features of the Spark. I hadn’t heard of it before today so you’ve peaked my curiosity.

What makes the Spark perfect for me is the ability to download any guitar sound I want. There’s a huge community that create custom sounds, most based on the specific sound of a specific artist and song. So when I want to sound like AC/DC Back in Black I just search in the app for cloud tones of AC/DC (or Back in Black), preview a few (which can be done without actually downloading them but you can still play your guitar to hear the tone) then pick my favorite to add to the amp.

Edit: The Nux looks like the better deal as you get the features of a Spark, but with a free wireless guitar jack. I had to buy a wireless system to be able to use my Spark without a guitar cable anchoring me down and will never go back to using cables. So it looks like you made the right choice (or at least the one I would have if I had never heard either IRL).

[–] fluxx 1 points 8 months ago

Honestly, I feel I would probably be happy with any of those, probably even something entirely different too. And given I have not tried anything similar, Nux is just an educated guess.