I have the THR10ii and you can save more than 5 tones in the app and can name them whatever you like. The 5 pesets are just what you can save to the amp to be pulled up whenever you want with or without using the app. When you tweak settings to your liking, tap the name and it will let you input whatever and then hit save. You can recall your saved patches by tapping the load preset and they will all be listed. Just save your top 5 for instant access.
I own both of these amps. This is a good video and he did a nice job at covering the features. The spark is obviously much more robust in terms of features and the design of the app is beautiful BUT I do not like the sounds it makes. It's hard to tell in this video because of the way the audio was recorded. Here's what you do- cover your mouth with your hand and start talking. If that sounds good to you then you might like the Spark amp. If not I recommend the Yamaha.
@Lancelot Link I used to watch your show on Saturday mornings. There’s no better way to wake up on a Saturday morning than with some hilarious apes that do all kinds of crazy shit, then jam out a couple of tunes. Lancelot Link and The Evolution Revolution +4-EVER!!!*
@@GearGasms Really? I saw the mic but it sounded to me like all the audio was coming from the camera mic. It sounds very muffled for a sm57 so close to the amp and I'm surprised it picks up the unamplified strings so we'll.
Been on the fence for awhile, watched tons of reviews on spark v Yamaha and they all suck!! Your review is fantastic!! After watching it I’m going for the spark. Thanks man!!!
Man, I didn't have the same experience you did with the Spark. It's a muddy fartbox. Turning all the bass knobs down and all the trebble knobs up still didn't keep the low end from totally dominating the high end. I like a lot of low end from my guitar, but this was a droney flabby mess. The app was wonky and didn't work well. I think the Spark 2.0 will be a very very good amp, once they're able to address the issues. But it just felt to me like they pushed the Spark out the door to placate the rage of the pre-orders who were angry they didn't have the amp yet and apparently don't understand what pre-order means. I couldn't sell my Spark fast enough.
Ordered my Spark only two weeks ago, and it arrived today! Seems like the long waiting days are over. 2 weeks! 😀 Plus, I got free shipping to Hawaii too, which is virtually unheard of. Can’t wait to fire it up!
I have a spark. I see in all these videos that people go through the sounds flawlessly. Mine freezes and kicks back to a preset and sometimes loses connection. I dunno if I’m doing something wrong but mine definitely does not work as fluidly as everyone I see on TH-cam. The app crashes all the time too.
I bought a Spark in Jan. Took until June to arrive. Worked for one week and then just static and howling. Not the power supply hum issue. I've seen a number of other users with this same experience. PG issued a RMA and said they'd send a replacement. That was 8 weeks ago. I've contacted support numerous times and rarely get a reply. I've requested a refund and still crickets. I've put in a complaint with the BBB in the hopes I can at least get my money back. I did enjoy the Spark when it worked. I appreciate that defects happen. But considering how it didn't last and support is virtually non-existent, I can't recommend the Spark.
How did it play out? My pearl spark arrives tomorrow, but I'm way to novice. Bought it to replace my Mustang v4 v2 since they axed fender fuse and I can't be bothered to go out of my way to get new tones. I'm a simple guy. But I'm sorta worried since I've saw alot of people saying the spark craps out pretty quickly. Like the belt clip amps are known to do.
great review dude, i had the desktop version of positive grid for awhile and got burned out on fiddling with UI on everything, thats why i went with the Thurston howel reverb (thr) in the end.
LOL you read my mind! I'm currently thinking about getting a new practice amp, and the Spark and the Mustang are my top two candidates. How Mr. Barnes does a video of that.
I’ve never played that one or the Katana! I have to buy all of my own gear so I’m limited in that regard. Have you ever tried the Vox? If so, what did you think? Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks Mario! 🎸🤘🏻
GearGasms I bought the Vox because the specs seemed similar and I got tired of waiting for the Spark to arrive and cancelled the order. The amp sounds good, I don’t like that you cannot select delay and reverb at the same time as modulation and delay are all in one. Also no distortion or compression effects. It is Bluetooth, so you can jam to songs.I did re order the spark a few days ago as I hear positive grid is caught up and shipping. 🤞
I've got the slightly older THR 10x ( also the spark 40 ) and as mentioned in another video comparing the amps the spark just lacks in sound overall for rock / metal stuff yamaha is the better brands for these " practice " amps I just hope Positive grid can work out the issues and make a better unit for the next version
got a small update recently on the PG facebook page I commented on a post about the spark amp gave honest feedback on the positives / negatives of the amp and suggestions for the next version and well they just deleted my comment and basically disregarded it great way to treat a customer
Very good video and exactly what I wanted - a straight forward general comparison. I have the spark and getting the Yamaha as well might be a little redundant unless I can get a good deal on it. Yamaha sounds better in high gain though so that is something. The look and the slick layout of the spark interface is very nice. Awesome review!
Great review Alan....I have the Spark and have done a couple of backtracks and then play over....have some hum or buzz on the amp because its not grounded....contacted Positive Grid and its been 3 weeks and they have not mailed me a grounded cord....the amp took 5 months....so maybe the cord will too.....really nice amp but I think their customer service and business ethics are a little shady....love the product but not the company....maybe all the fun I have with the amp will allow me to forgive the company.....nope!
Inside the pg community, someone put a link on amazon for a $15 toshiba laptop replacement cable. Bought it and the hum is gone. Here was the item. currently unavl (I guess a lot of other spark users bought it) DTK 19V 4.74A 90W for Toshiba Ac Adapter Laptop Computer Charger Notebook PC Power Cord Supply Source Plug (75W, 65W Compatible), Connector: 5.5mm x 2.5mm
Good review! You're absolutely right about the effects being way too extreme, and I hope Yamaha fixes that in new software releases. One point: you can certainly save custom presets in the Yamaha app. I do it all the time. There are two options: "Save Current Preset" and "Save Current Preset to THR Slot x". The first one lets you save it to your local device (phone/tablet or PC), and there's a whole toneshare community out there for THR users. To rename it, just tap in the name at the top, and type the new name. I personally like the simplicity of the THR - I can dial in amazing tone just using the knobs on the unit, without needing to play around in the app. The spark seems like "death by options" and I would spend more time messing with the app than actually playing!
The Spark isn’t really death by options. I saved 4 tones that I love and mostly just use those. I’m sure most people do the same. Both good practice amps. I own a spark and have used the older THR. Both good options.
Martin Poulin totally agree. I ended up selling the Yamaha “green” amp, which was based on Metal Amps, because I just couldn’t get a workable tone. Their effects are too pronounced,and even just using a little of their FX seem to overpower the base tone of their amps. I just couldn’t get anything usable for more lead work, but for rhythms, those amps are suited better for.
I really liked you saying you didn’t need the app. I woukd like to use the Yamaha for busking and setting a great tone in a carpeted room in a home will not translate to playing outdoors, thus the need for an easy way to adjust things! Besides, I will be using outboard effects as well.
Nice work! Both sound like small speakers, but I think the spark designers tried to compensate for that with bass and it works well. For me I need to learning tools so I am excited to get my spark next week. Two weeks total time.
Hope all is well! Just curious if you have found any more pros/cons in comparing the 2 of these amps since Aug. I'm looking for another practice amp and was thinking of the Yamaha. Thanks!
I haven’t had much more time with the Yamaha because my son had his out at college but he’s staying home next semester so I will have more opportunity to play it. Merry Christmas!
Hi all, I like my spark, but I am curious. It does not sound loud enough for 40 watts. Any thoughts? It seems less volume than some 20 watt amps I have (Spider, Fender Mustang )
That’s how I interpret it in this case. Watts have always been a strange unit of measure to be used for volume. Watts are just power consumption. That power will be different into different speaker impedance. And tube watts are way different than SS watts.
Yeah I was surprised because one of my favorite channels uses it for VH tones and it sounds great! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word! Thanks
Alan if you had to rate the quality of the accuracy of tube/valve modeling on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate each amplifier? There are so many companies that are offering solid state amplifiers with tube signal path replication like Fender's Mustang and Tone Master twin, BlackStar's Silverline deluxe, the Boss Katana series, Roland's Blues Cube, and the Mini Beatle by Vox and some do a better job recreating the feel and tonal characteristics of tube/valve circuitry than others how do you rank the Spark and the Yamaha in that? Great side by side wish more reviewers ventured to do these type of videos.
That’s a really tough one. To me the heart and soul of real tube tone has always been most evident in mid-breakup range and Spark wins there. Both clean up with volume and dynamics well
Spark is so fucking muddy it’s Driving me to sell! Thanks for your reviews! Mine sounds like a pillow is over the speaker with bass all the way down And when I use the play along it’s even worse
Thank you for making this video! Great job. I ordered the Spark a week ago. Not sure when it'll get here but not worried about it. If it comes within the next year I'll be happy lol. Meanwhile I'll jam out on my NUX Mighty 20BT which sounds amazing!
Glad I could help! They are coming out a lot faster these days so you should be good to go! Hope you'll subscribe and let us know when you get it! thanks!
Ive now spent £70 on 10 inch tablets fpr the App, and already had a Kindle, it doesnt work on the kindle, Fire it doesnt work on the android 7., it doesnt work on an android 8, WTF does it work on???
Im not surprised it doesn't work on 7, we're up to Android 11 now so that's 4 iterations behind. A very quick Google and look on the positive grid website tells me the app is supported by Android 8.1 or later.
The biggest plus for the Spark? I showed it to my wife and she okayed it for living room use 😂 Only the Pearl White one. But that’s great. Ordered it today, black Friday deal, couldn’t say no. Can’t wait 😊
@@GearGasms btw, how’s the regular Bluetooth functionality? Is it an acceptable Bluetooth speaker? We’re gonna use that as our primary music source too. My wife and kids are definitely not gear snobs, so it needs to be acceptable, not incredible 😊
@@GearGasms Hard to say...I tend to lean toward the Yamaha for overall sound quality but the Spark definitely has more amp models and pedal choices. So my fav...the Katana MK II 100W 1X12? :)
@@GearGasms I should qualify my statement...I meant for the money the Katana is awesome. However, a tube amp, a butt load of pedals, an attenuator, a killer speaker cab...THAT is the way to go...but then you also spend a BUTT load of $$$. :)
I sold my Spark after 4 days. It's little more than a toy with lots of options. The thing does not sound like a real amp, whatsoever. It, literally, sounds like you're playing through a typical bluetooth speaker. It's sound quality being shockingly low for what is supposed to be an amp. I bought a THR30II to replace it and never looked back. The sound quality is night and day. Even with 10 less watts the Yamaha sounds absurdly better. (Like a real amp) True, it doesn't have the 12 million tonal options the Spark has, but what good are those when they're not very good quality and sound like you're playing them through a small moniter speaker?
I'm planning to travel for a couple of months to SE Asia when this pandemic clears up. I'm looking to bring the Steinberger Spirit GT headless guitar. (I plan on swapping out the pickups.) I'm looking for some sort of amplifier that I can put in my luggage and doesn't weigh a ton and sounds good. My options as I see them are: Physical units: 1. Yahama THR 2. Positive Grid Spark 3. Blackstar ID:Core 4. Boss Katana Air 5. ??? Software 1. Guitar Rig 2. Positive Grid Bias FX 3. ??? I would appreciate any feedback if you've used these units.
Thanks for the responses. I went with the Spark. Yesterday was the last day of their "introductory" sale. A selling point for me was the user interface and the ability to download tones. It's pretty small and it sounded better than the THR in the videos I saw. I figure if it doesn't work out I can sell it for about what I paid for it, seeing as the price is going to go up as of today.
Mike Austin I have the Spark, THR 10 ii, THR 10 c and the THR 10 x. I like the Spark a little better than the THR 10 ii. The 10 X is great but no blue tooth interface. The Spark is only going to get better with the firmware upgrades. Lots of tones to be had though many need some work. Mine took a few months to arrive.
I believe THR30ll is better comparison. The Spark is typically over complicated for me with its 100,000 tone options and has you doing more searching than playing. Reality is the Yamaha ‘s 15 options is more than enough for most of us bedroom wannabes. Small detail is the warranty, 1 year on the PG Spark and 5 years on the Yamaha THS! Kind of says it all in the quality stakes!
GearGasms it’s no coincidence the algorithm that TH-cam uses to serve ads looks at your history so if you’re logged in you’ll get ads tailored to you if they’re available
I've been leaning toward getting the Spark, but I've heard a lot of people complain that there's too much bass, & some complain that it has a muffled sound. I wish I could play them side by side before I decide
@@greenmonster9913 The Spark is amazing once you play with the knobs or presets. It is bass heavy but you can tone that down. I just sold my THR10X and play my Spark constantly.
I liked the Spark amp too, back when it actually worked. I mean it was always buggy, and I had to constantly re-pair it with the app every 10 to 15 minutes, but sounds did come out of it. Now it's just a big $250 paperweight with a cord. The lights come on but that is all it does now, and it's out of warranty. Big disappointment. I found this video while looking for something to replace it with. The search continues...
While the general complaint about Spark being bass heavy is valid, same for the noise gate, IMHO it still wipes the floor with the new thr versions especially when it comes to feel and high gain stuff. Much more possibilities to shape a preset, easy to find a preset you like and actually usable effects. You can actually place foam strips inside the spark and stuff a bit of padding in the woofer to calm its bottom end reflection and you end up with a far more capable practice unit. If you want wireless you can always stick a laptop charger to the back of the spark and get a boss wl20 pair without exceeding price the thr30 goes for. If you don't need that, you don't have to pay for it to still get full 40w.
At this point, after owning the older Yamaha TH version and now owning a Spark. Spark simply blows Yamaha away. The sound from Spark speakers is way more realistic when changing between amps. Also, the experience of using the Spark feels way more current. Yamaha seems like it's stuck the early 2000s. And for $224 US, what you get in the Spark is just amazing value. I even sold my Boss Katana 50 MkII, and replace it with the Spark.
You axed your Katana for the spark!!?? That is a very bold move. I don't care for anything but the artist model of the Katana line. I played the Silverline Deluxe 2x12 next to the Katana MKII 2x12 and while the Katana offered more customization with its app and available effects the Silverline sounded better and it allowed you to select the valve style you wanted to use. The Katana was also a considerable bit louder but again the Silverline let me dial in the tube sound much better. The Artist single Waza equipped 100w is a tonal beast and the best sounding of the Katana line IMO. I like that the spark allows you to tweak so many parameters of the signal chain but how does it compare to the feel and sound of the tube amps that it is modeling?
@@killacoiler1707 I only was using the Katana 50 for bedroom amp. The Spark is plenty loud enough. I have a Fender 68 Deluxe Reverb and '93 Fender Vibroverb Reissue. Oh and a Vox VT40+ that I keep thinking of selling, but everytime I go back to it, the CaliClean setting is amazingly good.
Ha , I also sold my Boss Katana 100 watt . I hated bosses distortion from that amp. but my spark i absolutely love . Sounds way better in everyway than the Katana and does way more for inspiring me to play and jam along .
GearGasms I’m sorry to bother you with this but I’m hoping you can help. I see that the spark amp has a headphone jack. Could I play and listen to the feedback on the headphones? This would help so much with a new baby coming to the family next month lol
Yamaha quality sounds are way way way better than the Sparks' that is really muddy ... doesn't matter the number of effects, Yamaha is better in all kinds ... including overdrive that you can set with using the EQ . And let's be honest (and I have tons of pedal effects and multi effects) ... how many different sounds do we use on average ? under ten in my opinion that the Yamaha delivers without any issue ... so if you are after great sounds, pick the Yamaha, if you want to play with an app ... pick the Spark ..
Great video man! Thanks for the comparison. I feel better now lol. After a week and a half with the Spark, I’m honestly blown away. I’ve been playing a lot more because of it. It’s just convenient and everything is ready to go. I would like to know how the two compare to each other cranked up? Is there a significant difference in volume? Thanks for the videos on the two buddy.
Great comparison. Something I've been wondering too. I have the Spark but haven't play it long enough to explore everything. So far I'm just using it for practice/jam with backing track. A few things I noticed: 1) The Spark is not usable without using the built-in noise gate pedal due to excessive hum. And if I set the threshold until it's noiseless, the sustain would suffer because the sound will suddenly go zero. Not progressive in term of volume. 2) The Spark high gain tone, from the amp tiny speakers, lacks the bottom end we get from a regular amp (e.g. 12" combo). It sounds like it's coming from a studio monitor instead of an amp. But that's probably the intention of this amp. I wish there's a line-out to a cab and disable the cab emulation/separate the cab from the amp sim, like the Boss Katana Head. I haven't try the USB interface. So much to explore.
Not sure how your recording the sound. To me it sounds like your using a Mic that is to far from the amp. There is no possible way I could tell which is better from this video. I was thinking about getting the spark . If you set up each amp as usb audio interface and record it that way, I think we could hear better how each amps sound. I still may get the spark anyway.
You can plainly see the mic in the video. And I have no interest in using the usb for either amp in my personal setup as I have an expensive interface. Windows only allows one sound card and when I hook an amp up like that, I can no longer hear it through my monitors. But I agree that it may sound better that way on the video. Sorry!
@@GearGasms I'm sorry if I'm coming off ragging on your video. Just from watching other videos, they'll have the amp Mic'd like the Mic draped over the amp speaker, or direct in the computer via as a usb interface which both of those amps do. I have a older THR10X. If you use OBS, it will let you bring in multiple audio sources at one time. In the end though, Ill go by what you have to say about the amp, not necessarily what I'm hearing. If you haven't tried OBS (Open Broadcast Software) I think you like it and its free. What ever your doing you have great video production.
I had two amplifi 150’s both were awesome but eventually blutooth connectivity would start being a hassle ... I really liked the tones (close enough to any tone for this adhd sufferer) ...am now researching for next similar and see spark everywhere but the Yamaha I accidentally found on amazon similar items section only...anyways led me here
I just discovered you and have subscribed,I love anything with the word gasms in it, anyway your demos are the most precise and easy to understand, you cover everything and I love the screen shots of controls,Ive had everything from the old Fender G Dec,line 6 modelers ,TC electronic Nova System etc etc and for the most part they"re good for what they do, but they're going to sound like digitally simulated amps ,pedals, thats where Fractal Audio Axe FX and othersare changing the game, but thats expensive shite!Ive been using IRig 2 /Amplitude ,which is pretty much on par with The Spark with design, looks and capabilities, cant stand the noise gate on it though.I like both the Yamaha and The Spark,both have their strengths,and you did a great summation of that,but I think for a beginner or intermediate player looking for a practice tool, The Spark is the way to go, its a good value for the price with more options to keep a player motivated,The Yamaha is lighter and sounds more like a real tube amp to my ears,and maybe more geared for professionals that aren't looking for a lot gimmicky bells and whistles, they know what they want and can dial it in, and personally for myself,I rarely use pedals these days, just my fingers, amp and guitar,Ive grown old and simple and grumpy, take care
So you had no idea this amp would run on batteries, and be totally portable, therefor somewhat limiting the cpu and amp structure? Or forgot to read the manual, or consider the purpose? I own a spark finally. I own the last gen Yamaha. I take it camping, or a quick jam or fast go over the parts. For the battery feature it kills the spark. For East plugged in spark kills. Try reading the little manuals.
This amp doesn’t have the batteries. The next level up does - the 10ii wireless. So you almost got me! That’s an interesting point about limiting things to allow for longer battery life in the higher models though. But still- even the manual wouldn’t say that
I prefer the th30ii for one important reason - it has line outs. This let's you create a send/return effects loop with the aux in using a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. Being able to use something like a digitech trio plus properly is priceless. You can use free software loopers with both amps, but I prefer hardware solutions for the simplicity. Having send/return opens up a world of possibilities that you normally only get in larger amps. I'll take a physical effects loop over using digitized internal effects all day.
Issue is and I own both the spark and the newer Yamaha thr 30II wireless is that the spark which now has an eq btw with the newest update sounds better in my opinion so having the line outs isn't a bonus if the sound isn't great 🤷
So from where im sitting the spark sounds further away or over affected and its so damb complicated. It also seems you have to tap out a tempo with your finger to jam with it. I can keep a tempo with my foot or my strumming but im not a finger Tapper. On the other hand if your a tech nerd the spark is the winner
I think all modelers have somewhat exaggerated presets with too much effects in order to cut through the Guitar Center din. Yes and you are the first person to mention the stupid metronome !
@@GearGasms Thank you for the video. Based on your last video I was a bit worried I made a bad move. I'm a new sub, and when I get it I may have some question if you and your other subs don't mind helping with. I'm an Ironworker, and about your age, so apps, and modern tech. are not my specialty at all.
Lessons and trial and error. Legitimately I remember trying to play stuff by ear and debating a friend whether that was it or not haha. Weird times, but also made us stronger in some areas. Though I imagine a dedicated player for 5 years today probably would have taken 10 years back then because so many ways to see how something was done and you can learn everything almost.
No kidding ... I started guitar lessons back in 1976, and my teachers were pretty clueless. I wanted to learn Kiss and Black Sabbath and thet were into James Taylor. It took me years before I really learned how to play.
you can get the spark through ebay if you want it quicker....for a little more money, but you can get it right away...Im still on the fence about getting the spark...Id use it mainly as a amp I can jam with...but when I saw the "Dave" jamalong feature, I thought to myself, Ill wait till they get it out of the bossanova playback mode
I have both plus a Katana air. The is no comparison if what the objective is is tone. The Yamaha blows everything out of the water in terms of sound. It’s a hi-fi audio unit with unmatched amp sims that gives amazing tones immediately. It is the closest one can get to a plug and play feel as if plugging straight to a tube amp rather than endlessly fiddling with the apps to try and get a sound. It lacks the bells and whistles but makes up for it with being a simple, plug and play, amazing sounding unit.
Great videos! Makes me watch them all the time. But please, playing a single cord a dozen times doesn't really give away anything about how it sounds musically. Just play nice guitar for 30 seconds instead of changing the sound every 5 seconds and showing everything.
Something about the yamaha thr sound bothers me. It did in the first one, and I passed up on a good deal on a used one because I hated it in real life. My spark hopefully comes in a few weeks. It sounds good on YT.
Wish the Yamaha came in Black (not the high-gain version) because I'm into "Pristine Cleans" - for practice especially. Yamaha sound better vs. all the other small desktop amps (thus far). Lets face it . . . they all want to emulate a Fender Princeton Reverb (thats the gold-standard).
Yeah my son loves his and it’s the perfect size for his dorm room! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! I have more THR content if you’re interested!
Here are differentiations for the Spark never mentioned: 1. Terrible hum on Spark because of ungrounded power supply. 2. Control knob for amp selection cuts in and out without warning. 3. Turning reverb off still leaves slight reverb effect. 4. many smaller issues when using app. 5. Terrible customer service. Hundreds of people globally have reported these problems, and I've tried to get Positive Grid to address just the power supply issue and they refused. Is this a "PAID in some way" review?
Watch the first four minutes of this link and ask again if PG pays me to review their stuff. I understand your frustration th-cam.com/video/yPV9sJ4l8k0/w-d-xo.html
And what a comeback for the Spark after your first video on it hah. I know Spark has to be a good product because seems like 9 out of 10 people when they actually get it are happy. Thanks for this review, it will really help a lot of people decide.
Thanks so much for this video, it was really helpful, still I'm going for the yamaha I don't like that Positive Grid puts in priority marketing rather than its clients. Plus I like Yamaha's Cleans Better, I need an amp with a battery so i can take it to trips and i hate having to use an app to get the tone I desire. Keep it up man!
Curious to see how the spark reacts to real pedals in the signal chain, particularly overdrive and amp in box pedals. Any feedback on that? Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
GearGasms looking forward to that video! I have been using my Spark with dirt pedals like the Bjf Honeybee, Bearfoot CAF, PPF, PGC and so far they sound great! I have also used an RMC Wah Wah and aI have been using the Spark as a fairly clean base for pedals with all the effects off! Another thing I have liked about using physical pedals over the Spark gain effects is that I get considerable less noise with my physicals pedals even though I don’t have any noise suppressor. I find the dirt pedals in Spark have way too much noise and the noise gate kinda kills the dynamics! One downside I have noticed Is that not all amp models in the Spark take pedals as well.
Yamaha and line 6 are alot better than people think imo but you have to do some dialing in. I love charvel too I got a metallic deep purple pro San dimas. I can't really see your charvel that great.
bought a katana air ... its alright but downloading patches is a bitch.... Spark kills it ... if the spark was wireless like the katana it would OWN the market imo
Thank You for the comparison! This is one of the fews, what contains recordings by microphone. I think the review could have been more fair :-) with the THR30 II. (Larger speaker diameter, and box).
Yeah but the 10 is what I could afford to buy for my son. I’m sure the 30 sounds louder but I’m guessing overall sound is the same. The THR series is pretty cool
@@GearGasms yeah unless you need a bit more from a practice amp (maybe small gig) then the THR10ii is going to be more than fine for bedroom/apartment practice. You might be able to do a small gig with the bigger THR30ii with light drums, but I don’t see the point in the 30ii. Unless you use it on a PA system for maybe a church or something the THR10ii will give you basically the same sound for low volume practices. It’s stereo so it’s probably pushing 10w to each speaker and the bigger is pushing 15w to each speaker with is very comparable. There’s a convenience factor with the 30ii with more physical buttons but I don’t see that being worth almost twice the price IMO. I’m no way saying the THR30ii is bad or not a good value but for most people it’s unnecessary for bedroom practice. If you want more sound and usability I would personally get a Boss Katana MKII 50w for like $279 but the smaller form factor and useable mobile app is worth it for me. I don’t own a working PC so I’d rely on my iPhone and if needs a quick firmware update I’d have to take it to my brother’s or the office. Hopefully it doesn’t because I’m definitely getting the THR10ii and I’m using a 3w Roland Micro Cube GX which is great mostly for clean tone and some crunch. I really want a 3-band EQ and the THR10ii has everything I need and it’s a upgrade either way for sure for my new Olympic Pearl Fender Player Plus Strat… can’t wait!
Spark wins if only you don't mind its bass heavy, or even muddy sound. I got one and sold after 3 months. I was not able to got use to it... and I play bass, but my guitar sounds better on a bass amp than on Spark.
I have the spark and the katana 50 mk2. I swear the katana sounds way better. The spark is just so bassy. I'm thinking about returning both the katana and the spark and getting the THR.
Both amps are great. The Yamaha I like because when I play guitar I’m trying to get away from my phone with all the apps. I just want to play guitar and Yamaha is more of and old school amp with it’s settings. If you want to play with your phone to get all the sounds while playing guitar the spark is your best choice.
Sorry your mic is really too far from amps and there are too many reverb... I use thr with all my recordings and i just put my phone and record like this and trust me the sound are totally different. Good work to do what you have done just be careful of the sound of your videos. You can visit me to hear how my thr 10 old version sound with my method of recording
I don't know where to get LSD anymore, either. I don't think anybody is making it so if one wishes to trip, one must take a walk through a cow pasture. 😂
I really like that Yamaha did not use traditional amp names to label the presets. I also agree with you, that not having amp names on the presets makes you use your ears and not your head. Thank you for this comparison shootout and I've been waiting.....great video Every player is different, what I might do on a high gain amp might not be the same for someone else.
Love these small desktop practice amps? If you do - here’s a whole playlist of them!
th-cam.com/play/PLJ7bQFZhdVlPfIz44gSheSSV8TMZNR3l9.html
I have the THR10ii and you can save more than 5 tones in the app and can name them whatever you like. The 5 pesets are just what you can save to the amp to be pulled up whenever you want with or without using the app. When you tweak settings to your liking, tap the name and it will let you input whatever and then hit save. You can recall your saved patches by tapping the load preset and they will all be listed. Just save your top 5 for instant access.
That’s good to know! It’s my son’s and he probably won’t use that function but I wish I’d known about it while I was reviewing it.
I developed my musical taste years ago on acid. So I appreciate Yamaha's effects.
Lol - must be a thing!
The Spark does more things, but what the Yamaha does it does much better than the Spark at least to my 60s ears.
I own both of these amps. This is a good video and he did a nice job at covering the features. The spark is obviously much more robust in terms of features and the design of the app is beautiful BUT I do not like the sounds it makes. It's hard to tell in this video because of the way the audio was recorded. Here's what you do- cover your mouth with your hand and start talking. If that sounds good to you then you might like the Spark amp. If not I recommend the Yamaha.
I think the spark just has too many " bells / whistles " to compensate for the average sound quality
yamaha really nailed these types of amps good
you are a fucking hero
@Lancelot Link I used to watch your show on Saturday mornings. There’s no better way to wake up on a Saturday morning than with some hilarious apes that do all kinds of crazy shit, then jam out a couple of tunes. Lancelot Link and The Evolution Revolution +4-EVER!!!*
I loved that show!
Not now after they've updated and added an eq to the spark that blanket effect is gone and it's a whole new ballgame.
Ordered the Spark on August 6 and it arrived today (August 21),
so it looks like they have finally caught up to the demand.
That’s awesome to hear David!
Yup, me too! And I’m in Hawaii!
Little too much reverb wash to really hear what’s going on with the amp sims.
Oops. I usually just bring the preset in as it’s initially set
It sounds like all the audio is recorded with the camera mic.
SM57
@@GearGasms Really? I saw the mic but it sounded to me like all the audio was coming from the camera mic. It sounds very muffled for a sm57 so close to the amp and I'm surprised it picks up the unamplified strings so we'll.
That’s because I’m still learning how to mic properly. I ran the amp too low and the mic too hot so it’s picking up my clacking garbage from my pick
Been on the fence for awhile, watched tons of reviews on spark v Yamaha and they all suck!! Your review is fantastic!! After watching it I’m going for the spark. Thanks man!!!
Well I sure appreciate that! They are both cool! Let me know how you like it! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks
Man, I didn't have the same experience you did with the Spark. It's a muddy fartbox. Turning all the bass knobs down and all the trebble knobs up still didn't keep the low end from totally dominating the high end. I like a lot of low end from my guitar, but this was a droney flabby mess. The app was wonky and didn't work well.
I think the Spark 2.0 will be a very very good amp, once they're able to address the issues. But it just felt to me like they pushed the Spark out the door to placate the rage of the pre-orders who were angry they didn't have the amp yet and apparently don't understand what pre-order means.
I couldn't sell my Spark fast enough.
That’s a bummer!
Yeah, I really wanted to love it.
I have to agree 100% with what you are saying here. It's hard to tell by this video but the Yamaha sounds much much better.
The Yamaha looks like a vintage kitchen appliance.
The Spark 40 actually looks like an amp and is very well constructed.
Yeah it’s got a weird look for sure but it’s pretty cool when lit up.
Hi brother! Can you review Spark 40 vs Spark 2 soon please! I’ve been dying to watch something like that!!
Yeah if they ever send me one!
9:37
"That's not for me. I don't take LSD."
Lmao
Glad to be of service! 😜
Can you replace the battery on the Yamaha when it loses it’s capacity after a couple of years?
This one doesn’t have the battery but I’ve seen others ask that same question
The comparison videos are cool, keep doing them.
Thanks brother!
Ordered my Spark only two weeks ago, and it arrived today! Seems like the long waiting days are over. 2 weeks! 😀 Plus, I got free shipping to Hawaii too, which is virtually unheard of. Can’t wait to fire it up!
I ordered mine a month ago and still haven't received it. Very strange...
That’s great to hear!
@@RogerThat902 I ordered mine a week and a half ago and it's supposed to deliver on Monday.
@@jodybasham5351 Interesting. I'll have to email them. Thanks for letting me know.
@@jodybasham5351
Have you received it?
I have a spark. I see in all these videos that people go through the sounds flawlessly. Mine freezes and kicks back to a preset and sometimes loses connection. I dunno if I’m doing something wrong but mine definitely does not work as fluidly as everyone I see on TH-cam. The app crashes all the time too.
What are you running the app on? Do you have the latest Firmware and app? Mine doesn’t have those issues at all. Holler
iPhone se2 and yes it’s up to date.
Sometimes when I try to connect the spark to my phone the app just shuts down completely.
That should run it I would think. Don’t know if you’re on Facebook but they’ve got a good Spark Owners group that you might want to ask
I’m going to go with my Standard IT suggestion to uninstall and reinstall the app. Sounds buggy
I bought a Spark in Jan. Took until June to arrive. Worked for one week and then just static and howling. Not the power supply hum issue. I've seen a number of other users with this same experience. PG issued a RMA and said they'd send a replacement. That was 8 weeks ago. I've contacted support numerous times and rarely get a reply. I've requested a refund and still crickets. I've put in a complaint with the BBB in the hopes I can at least get my money back. I did enjoy the Spark when it worked. I appreciate that defects happen. But considering how it didn't last and support is virtually non-existent, I can't recommend the Spark.
Ugh that’s not good at all! Keep us all posted with how this plays out
How did it play out? My pearl spark arrives tomorrow, but I'm way to novice. Bought it to replace my Mustang v4 v2 since they axed fender fuse and I can't be bothered to go out of my way to get new tones. I'm a simple guy. But I'm sorta worried since I've saw alot of people saying the spark craps out pretty quickly. Like the belt clip amps are known to do.
Mine has been solid as a rock! Welcome to the family! I have a Spark video today!
great review dude, i had the desktop version of positive grid for awhile and got burned out on fiddling with UI on everything, thats why i went with the Thurston howel reverb (thr) in the end.
Love the Gilligans island reference! Lol
I’d love to see a comparison of the Spark to a Fender Mustang and a Katana
LOL you read my mind! I'm currently thinking about getting a new practice amp, and the Spark and the Mustang are my top two candidates. How Mr. Barnes does a video of that.
I'm also trying to decide between the Yamaha, Spark, and Mustang GTX. I need one that pays well with Android. Leaning towards Fender. Suggestions?
@@FilmFlam The GTX works great with Android
None from me as I’m an iPhone guy. Sorry!
@@SDisonYT Thanks. For me, that may be the deciding factor. How does the looper in the footswitch work?
Great video. Would love to compare spark amp with Vox audio gt air
I’ve never played that one or the Katana! I have to buy all of my own gear so I’m limited in that regard. Have you ever tried the Vox? If so, what did you think? Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks Mario! 🎸🤘🏻
GearGasms I bought the Vox because the specs seemed similar and I got tired of waiting for the Spark to arrive and cancelled the order. The amp sounds good, I don’t like that you cannot select delay and reverb at the same time as modulation and delay are all in one. Also no distortion or compression effects. It is Bluetooth, so you can jam to songs.I did re order the spark a few days ago as I hear positive grid is caught up and shipping. 🤞
Interesting- I’ll have to look more into the Vox. Thanks!
I've got the slightly older THR 10x ( also the spark 40 ) and as mentioned in another video comparing the amps the spark just lacks in sound overall for rock / metal stuff
yamaha is the better brands for these " practice " amps
I just hope Positive grid can work out the issues and make a better unit for the next version
got a small update
recently on the PG facebook page I commented on a post about the spark amp
gave honest feedback on the positives / negatives of the amp and suggestions for the next version
and well they just deleted my comment and basically disregarded it
great way to treat a customer
lol I do the same thing with comments! Yeah not sure their corporate culture matches the name. 😜
what bothers me about the Spark is that in 10 years will the cloud app still work?
Good point. My AMPLIFi is only 5 years old and they don’t update the app.
Very good video and exactly what I wanted - a straight forward general comparison. I have the spark and getting the Yamaha as well might be a little redundant unless I can get a good deal on it. Yamaha sounds better in high gain though so that is something. The look and the slick layout of the spark interface is very nice. Awesome review!
Thanks! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word!
Great review Alan....I have the Spark and have done a couple of backtracks and then play over....have some hum or buzz on the amp because its not grounded....contacted Positive Grid and its been 3 weeks and they have not mailed me a grounded cord....the amp took 5 months....so maybe the cord will too.....really nice amp but I think their customer service and business ethics are a little shady....love the product but not the company....maybe all the fun I have with the amp will allow me to forgive the company.....nope!
Inside the pg community, someone put a link on amazon for a $15 toshiba laptop replacement cable. Bought it and the hum is gone. Here was the item. currently unavl (I guess a lot of other spark users bought it)
DTK 19V 4.74A 90W for Toshiba Ac Adapter Laptop Computer Charger Notebook PC Power Cord Supply Source Plug (75W, 65W Compatible), Connector: 5.5mm x 2.5mm
Sorry to hear that!
@@keithconner9036 Thanks for the info on the cord solution Keith! Will have to check into that bud!
Spark wins as since you had yours your views have sky rocketed lol 😂
Great video as usual Alan
Thanks BGG. Ironically the Spark has been very very good to me! 😜
Good review! You're absolutely right about the effects being way too extreme, and I hope Yamaha fixes that in new software releases. One point: you can certainly save custom presets in the Yamaha app. I do it all the time. There are two options: "Save Current Preset" and "Save Current Preset to THR Slot x". The first one lets you save it to your local device (phone/tablet or PC), and there's a whole toneshare community out there for THR users. To rename it, just tap in the name at the top, and type the new name. I personally like the simplicity of the THR - I can dial in amazing tone just using the knobs on the unit, without needing to play around in the app. The spark seems like "death by options" and I would spend more time messing with the app than actually playing!
That’s good info about the presets - I was still very new to this amp when I shot this. I’ll let my son know that because it’s his! Thanks !!
The Spark isn’t really death by options. I saved 4 tones that I love and mostly just use those. I’m sure most people do the same.
Both good practice amps. I own a spark and have used the older THR. Both good options.
Yeah I’m the same. Have a handful of go to tones
Martin Poulin totally agree. I ended up selling the Yamaha “green” amp, which was based on Metal Amps, because I just couldn’t get a workable tone. Their effects are too pronounced,and even just using a little of their FX seem to overpower the base tone of their amps. I just couldn’t get anything usable for more lead work, but for rhythms, those amps are suited better for.
I really liked you saying you didn’t need the app. I woukd like to use the Yamaha for busking and setting a great tone in a carpeted room in a home will not translate to playing outdoors, thus the need for an easy way to adjust things! Besides, I will be using outboard effects as well.
Nice work! Both sound like small speakers, but I think the spark designers tried to compensate for that with bass and it works well. For me I need to learning tools so I am excited to get my spark next week. Two weeks total time.
You can feel the bass, it’s a really good speaker in the spark
You will love it! Thanks Tom!
Hope all is well! Just curious if you have found any more pros/cons in comparing the 2 of these amps since Aug. I'm looking for another practice amp and was thinking of the Yamaha. Thanks!
I haven’t had much more time with the Yamaha because my son had his out at college but he’s staying home next semester so I will have more opportunity to play it. Merry Christmas!
@@GearGasms Sounds good my man. Merry Christmas. Be good. Stay safe. And I look forward to your channel and vids in 2021!
Hi all, I like my spark, but I am curious. It does not sound loud enough for 40 watts. Any thoughts? It seems less volume than some 20 watt amps I have (Spider, Fender Mustang )
I think in truth it has two 20 watts in stereo instead of 40 watts. I believe that’s what I read.
@@GearGasms thanks. This is a dumb question but does that mean themax volume on a guitar (mono) would be 20 watts?
That’s how I interpret it in this case. Watts have always been a strange unit of measure to be used for volume. Watts are just power consumption. That power will be different into different speaker impedance. And tube watts are way different than SS watts.
9:00 min mark, just turn down the amount it is in the mix on the far right maybe? You didn’t adjust that.
You could bury the sound that’s not too usuable to make it more subtle I suppose but it’s still not good
I have a yamaha thr10x i just bought used for $150 and i think it blows both these away in terms of metal tones
Yeah I was surprised because one of my favorite channels uses it for VH tones and it sounds great! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word! Thanks
Can't the thr10ii do everything the x could do? From what I read the new thr ii is like all the three of the old models in one
Kinda sorta but apparently not. From what I understand the models in this are quite different
@@anthonypandolfi7807 Yes that's what they say, they are alike
You should redo this comparison with a wireless YamahaTHR30ii. I picked one up and it's pretty good - sold out everywhere now.
As soon as someone buys me one I will. Major companies don’t send me free gear
Is this amp also for non beginners?
Yes they both are
Alan if you had to rate the quality of the accuracy of tube/valve modeling on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate each amplifier? There are so many companies that are offering solid state amplifiers with tube signal path replication like Fender's Mustang and Tone Master twin, BlackStar's Silverline deluxe, the Boss Katana series, Roland's Blues Cube, and the Mini Beatle by Vox and some do a better job recreating the feel and tonal characteristics of tube/valve circuitry than others how do you rank the Spark and the Yamaha in that? Great side by side wish more reviewers ventured to do these type of videos.
That’s a really tough one. To me the heart and soul of real tube tone has always been most evident in mid-breakup range and Spark wins there. Both clean up with volume and dynamics well
O levels. Did you pass them? I bet 100 was not your score. 😜
Spark is so fucking muddy it’s
Driving me to sell!
Thanks for your reviews!
Mine sounds like a pillow is over the speaker with bass all the way down
And when I use the play along it’s even worse
Maybe you got a faulty unit because although mine is not bright by any stretch, it’s not muffled!
I have the original THR10, then I bought the Spark. Spark amp is a joke to compare. Only the clean sound is usable. I sold it.
Thank you for making this video! Great job. I ordered the Spark a week ago. Not sure when it'll get here but not worried about it. If it comes within the next year I'll be happy lol. Meanwhile I'll jam out on my NUX Mighty 20BT which sounds amazing!
Glad I could help! They are coming out a lot faster these days so you should be good to go! Hope you'll subscribe and let us know when you get it! thanks!
Ive now spent £70 on 10 inch tablets fpr the App, and already had a Kindle, it doesnt work on the kindle, Fire it doesnt work on the android 7., it doesnt work on an android 8, WTF does it work on???
I don’t know the Android world at all but I bought an iPad mini in part to use with this amp so I can imagine how frustrated you are!
Works on new Android phones.
Im not surprised it doesn't work on 7, we're up to Android 11 now so that's 4 iterations behind. A very quick Google and look on the positive grid website tells me the app is supported by Android 8.1 or later.
The biggest plus for the Spark? I showed it to my wife and she okayed it for living room use 😂 Only the Pearl White one. But that’s great. Ordered it today, black Friday deal, couldn’t say no. Can’t wait 😊
Welcome to the family!
@@GearGasms btw, how’s the regular Bluetooth functionality? Is it an acceptable Bluetooth speaker? We’re gonna use that as our primary music source too. My wife and kids are definitely not gear snobs, so it needs to be acceptable, not incredible 😊
It’s great- sounds amazing as just a BT player. Solid connection
Try comparing the THR30II with the Spark.
Ok - who is going to buy me one? 🤓
@@GearGasms Is the Spark your's?
Yes
Or the THR10x
The price range is too different
cool video...its nice to see a comparison between these amps. Thanks!
You’re welcome Mark! Which one do you like?
@@GearGasms Hard to say...I tend to lean toward the Yamaha for overall sound quality but the Spark definitely has more amp models and pedal choices. So my fav...the Katana MK II 100W 1X12? :)
Lol - I need to get my hands on a Katana
@@GearGasms I should qualify my statement...I meant for the money the Katana is awesome. However, a tube amp, a butt load of pedals, an attenuator, a killer speaker cab...THAT is the way to go...but then you also spend a BUTT load of $$$. :)
Yeah I still love my big iron but these little guys make it more convenient for just short practice sessions, which I sorely need!
I sold my Spark after 4 days. It's little more than a toy with lots of options. The thing does not sound like a real amp, whatsoever. It, literally, sounds like you're playing through a typical bluetooth speaker. It's sound quality being shockingly low for what is supposed to be an amp.
I bought a THR30II to replace it and never looked back. The sound quality is night and day. Even with 10 less watts the Yamaha sounds absurdly better. (Like a real amp) True, it doesn't have the 12 million tonal options the Spark has, but what good are those when they're not very good quality and sound like you're playing them through a small moniter speaker?
Yeah the 30 is better but not a fair fight. My son has the 10 and it’s closer to the Spark
I'm planning to travel for a couple of months to SE Asia when this pandemic clears up. I'm looking to bring the Steinberger Spirit GT headless guitar. (I plan on swapping out the pickups.) I'm looking for some sort of amplifier that I can put in my luggage and doesn't weigh a ton and sounds good. My options as I see them are:
Physical units:
1. Yahama THR
2. Positive Grid Spark
3. Blackstar ID:Core
4. Boss Katana Air
5. ???
Software
1. Guitar Rig
2. Positive Grid Bias FX
3. ???
I would appreciate any feedback if you've used these units.
Of those - THR goes in the luggage easier and is lighter. Sounds great too. For software I’d pick Helix Native
Blackstar Fly 3. Would be perfect for your needs. Look up reviews on TH-cam.
THR10II is lighter than the Spark. Smaller too.
Thanks for the responses. I went with the Spark. Yesterday was the last day of their "introductory" sale. A selling point for me was the user interface and the ability to download tones. It's pretty small and it sounded better than the THR in the videos I saw. I figure if it doesn't work out I can sell it for about what I paid for it, seeing as the price is going to go up as of today.
Mike Austin I have the Spark, THR 10 ii, THR 10 c and the THR 10 x. I like the Spark a little better than the THR 10 ii. The 10 X is great but no blue tooth interface. The Spark is only going to get better with the firmware upgrades. Lots of tones to be had though many need some work. Mine took a few months to arrive.
I believe THR30ll is better comparison. The Spark is typically over complicated for me with its 100,000 tone options and has you doing more searching than playing. Reality is the Yamaha ‘s 15 options is more than enough for most of us bedroom wannabes. Small detail is the warranty, 1 year on the PG Spark and 5 years on the Yamaha THS! Kind of says it all in the quality stakes!
I didn’t know that about the warranty. That’s interesting! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word! Thanks!
I had to watch a Spark comercial before I got to your video 🥂
Lol - I’ve noticed that they are running ads on the sides of the video on desktop too. Lol - it’s a small world after all! ❤️
GearGasms it’s no coincidence the algorithm that TH-cam uses to serve ads looks at your history so if you’re logged in you’ll get ads tailored to you if they’re available
I feel the yamaha tones are better quality and has better feel than the spark if it comes to amps. The rest spark is better.
I like the Spark better too!
Thank you. Great review. Unf, there is no way on Earth, I would wear a t-shirt with Geargasms on it. Maybe a 'smile or die' t shirt
Lol - yeah that darn name thing !
@@GearGasms You are so nice though. I think you reply to everyone. Glad to see the subs rising. You are funny as well.
Thanks Keith!
Nice comparison. I have the Yamaha thr10x and the spark. They are both fun to jam out with but the Spark just sounds better to me.
Thanks brother! Would love to have you subscribe if not already!
I've been leaning toward getting the Spark, but I've heard a lot of people complain that there's too much bass, & some complain that it has a muffled sound. I wish I could play them side by side before I decide
@@greenmonster9913 The Spark is amazing once you play with the knobs or presets. It is bass heavy but you can tone that down. I just sold my THR10X and play my Spark constantly.
I liked the Spark amp too, back when it actually worked. I mean it was always buggy, and I had to constantly re-pair it with the app every 10 to 15 minutes, but sounds did come out of it. Now it's just a big $250 paperweight with a cord. The lights come on but that is all it does now, and it's out of warranty. Big disappointment. I found this video while looking for something to replace it with. The search continues...
Take a look th-cam.com/video/Ea4f5YJvS7Q/w-d-xo.html
While the general complaint about Spark being bass heavy is valid, same for the noise gate, IMHO it still wipes the floor with the new thr versions especially when it comes to feel and high gain stuff. Much more possibilities to shape a preset, easy to find a preset you like and actually usable effects. You can actually place foam strips inside the spark and stuff a bit of padding in the woofer to calm its bottom end reflection and you end up with a far more capable practice unit.
If you want wireless you can always stick a laptop charger to the back of the spark and get a boss wl20 pair without exceeding price the thr30 goes for. If you don't need that, you don't have to pay for it to still get full 40w.
Those are all great points! Would love to have you subscribe if not already!
At this point, after owning the older Yamaha TH version and now owning a Spark. Spark simply blows Yamaha away. The sound from Spark speakers is way more realistic when changing between amps. Also, the experience of using the Spark feels way more current. Yamaha seems like it's stuck the early 2000s. And for $224 US, what you get in the Spark is just amazing value. I even sold my Boss Katana 50 MkII, and replace it with the Spark.
You axed your Katana for the spark!!?? That is a very bold move. I don't care for anything but the artist model of the Katana line. I played the Silverline Deluxe 2x12 next to the Katana MKII 2x12 and while the Katana offered more customization with its app and available effects the Silverline sounded better and it allowed you to select the valve style you wanted to use. The Katana was also a considerable bit louder but again the Silverline let me dial in the tube sound much better. The Artist single Waza equipped 100w is a tonal beast and the best sounding of the Katana line IMO. I like that the spark allows you to tweak so many parameters of the signal chain but how does it compare to the feel and sound of the tube amps that it is modeling?
I really need to try a Katana!
@@killacoiler1707 I only was using the Katana 50 for bedroom amp. The Spark is plenty loud enough. I have a Fender 68 Deluxe Reverb and '93 Fender Vibroverb Reissue. Oh and a Vox VT40+ that I keep thinking of selling, but everytime I go back to it, the CaliClean setting is amazingly good.
Ha , I also sold my Boss Katana 100 watt . I hated bosses distortion from that amp. but my spark i absolutely love . Sounds way better in everyway than the Katana and does way more for inspiring me to play and jam along .
Positive Grid, why no spring reverb? I don’t understand why it isn’t in there. 😡
Yeah that’s a great mystery to many of us! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks!
theres not much waiting anymore for Spark,,,they have it pretty much under wraps...
Just got mine today. Ordered only 2 weeks ago!
@@vectortonto1 Ordered mine on August 1 and received it on Aug 9.
@@vectortonto1 I ordered mine Aug 2nd, haven't received it yet for what it's worth. Atlanta, GA for point of reference.
@@vectortonto1 huh?
That’s awesome to hear! Let us all know how you like it! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word! Thanks!
Thanks for the video, So insightful! Going with the spark!
You’re welcome! Let us know how it goes!
GearGasms I’m sorry to bother you with this but I’m hoping you can help. I see that the spark amp has a headphone jack. Could I play and listen to the feedback on the headphones? This would help so much with a new baby coming to the family next month lol
Absolutely- it’s great for that! And congratulations on the impending birth!
GearGasms thank you so much!
Yamaha quality sounds are way way way better than the Sparks' that is really muddy ... doesn't matter the number of effects, Yamaha is better in all kinds ... including overdrive that you can set with using the EQ . And let's be honest (and I have tons of pedal effects and multi effects) ... how many different sounds do we use on average ? under ten in my opinion that the Yamaha delivers without any issue ... so if you are after great sounds, pick the Yamaha, if you want to play with an app ... pick the Spark ..
You are dead on about how many sounds do we really use! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks
Great video man! Thanks for the comparison. I feel better now lol. After a week and a half with the Spark, I’m honestly blown away. I’ve been playing a lot more because of it. It’s just convenient and everything is ready to go. I would like to know how the two compare to each other cranked up? Is there a significant difference in volume? Thanks for the videos on the two buddy.
Not a huge difference in volume but the Spark is louder
Great comparison. Something I've been wondering too.
I have the Spark but haven't play it long enough to explore everything. So far I'm just using it for practice/jam with backing track. A few things I noticed:
1) The Spark is not usable without using the built-in noise gate pedal due to excessive hum. And if I set the threshold until it's noiseless, the sustain would suffer because the sound will suddenly go zero. Not progressive in term of volume.
2) The Spark high gain tone, from the amp tiny speakers, lacks the bottom end we get from a regular amp (e.g. 12" combo). It sounds like it's coming from a studio monitor instead of an amp. But that's probably the intention of this amp. I wish there's a line-out to a cab and disable the cab emulation/separate the cab from the amp sim, like the Boss Katana Head.
I haven't try the USB interface. So much to explore.
You may want to try a new power supply. You can get a 19v laptop power supply that other people have gotten to fix the hum issues
get a new power lead and connect it up
I tried my laptop lead on the spark and it solved the issue ( still sounds average sound quality )
Not sure how your recording the sound. To me it sounds like your using a Mic that is to far from the amp. There is no possible way I could tell which is better from this video. I was thinking about getting the spark . If you set up each amp as usb audio interface and record it that way, I think we could hear better how each amps sound. I still may get the spark anyway.
You can plainly see the mic in the video. And I have no interest in using the usb for either amp in my personal setup as I have an expensive interface. Windows only allows one sound card and when I hook an amp up like that, I can no longer hear it through my monitors. But I agree that it may sound better that way on the video. Sorry!
@@GearGasms I'm sorry if I'm coming off ragging on your video. Just from watching other videos, they'll have the amp Mic'd like the Mic draped over the amp speaker, or direct in the computer via as a usb interface which both of those amps do. I have a older THR10X. If you use OBS, it will let you bring in multiple audio sources at one time. In the end though, Ill go by what you have to say about the amp, not necessarily what I'm hearing.
If you haven't tried OBS (Open Broadcast Software) I think you like it and its free. What ever your doing you have great video production.
Thanks - no worries! I appreciate the feedback!
I had two amplifi 150’s both were awesome but eventually blutooth connectivity would start being a hassle ... I really liked the tones (close enough to any tone for this adhd sufferer) ...am now researching for next similar and see spark everywhere but the Yamaha I accidentally found on amazon similar items section only...anyways led me here
Awesome! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks 🤘🏻🎸
I just discovered you and have subscribed,I love anything with the word gasms in it, anyway your demos are the most precise and easy to understand, you cover everything and I love the screen shots of controls,Ive had everything from the old Fender G Dec,line 6 modelers ,TC electronic Nova System etc etc and for the most part they"re good for what they do, but they're going to sound like digitally simulated amps ,pedals, thats where Fractal Audio Axe FX and othersare changing the game, but thats expensive shite!Ive been using IRig 2 /Amplitude ,which is pretty much on par with The Spark with design, looks and capabilities, cant stand the noise gate on it though.I like both the Yamaha and The Spark,both have their strengths,and you did a great summation of that,but I think for a beginner or intermediate player looking for a practice tool, The Spark is the way to go, its a good value for the price with more options to keep a player motivated,The Yamaha is lighter and sounds more like a real tube amp to my ears,and maybe more geared for professionals that aren't looking for a lot gimmicky bells and whistles, they know what they want and can dial it in, and personally for myself,I rarely use pedals these days, just my fingers, amp and guitar,Ive grown old and simple and grumpy, take care
Welcome to the family! 🎸
So you had no idea this amp would run on batteries, and be totally portable, therefor somewhat limiting the cpu and amp structure? Or forgot to read the manual, or consider the purpose? I own a spark finally. I own the last gen Yamaha. I take it camping, or a quick jam or fast go over the parts. For the battery feature it kills the spark. For East plugged in spark kills. Try reading the little manuals.
This amp doesn’t have the batteries. The next level up does - the 10ii wireless. So you almost got me! That’s an interesting point about limiting things to allow for longer battery life in the higher models though. But still- even the manual wouldn’t say that
I prefer the th30ii for one important reason - it has line outs. This let's you create a send/return effects loop with the aux in using a 1/4 to 1/8 adapter. Being able to use something like a digitech trio plus properly is priceless. You can use free software loopers with both amps, but I prefer hardware solutions for the simplicity. Having send/return opens up a world of possibilities that you normally only get in larger amps. I'll take a physical effects loop over using digitized internal effects all day.
Great point but I don’t think the 10 has that?
@@GearGasms No, just the 30 unfortunately.
Issue is and I own both the spark and the newer Yamaha thr 30II wireless is that the spark which now has an eq btw with the newest update sounds better in my opinion so having the line outs isn't a bonus if the sound isn't great 🤷
Truth! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! Thanks
@@GearGasms Done 👍
So from where im sitting the spark sounds further away or over affected and its so damb complicated. It also seems you have to tap out a tempo with your finger to jam with it. I can keep a tempo with my foot or my strumming but im not a finger Tapper. On the other hand if your a tech nerd the spark is the winner
I think all modelers have somewhat exaggerated presets with too much effects in order to cut through the Guitar Center din. Yes and you are the first person to mention the stupid metronome !
I ordered my Spark on 16AUG20 Fedex has a delivery date of 03SEP20, so I think the delay issue is fixed.
Yeah seems like they have sorted it out! Welcome to the family!
@@GearGasms Thank you for the video. Based on your last video I was a bit worried I made a bad move. I'm a new sub, and when I get it I may have some question if you and your other subs don't mind helping with. I'm an Ironworker, and about your age, so apps, and modern tech. are not my specialty at all.
Make sure you check out the Facebook page Spark Owners group as that is the best place to get questions answered!
@@GearGasms Thank for the info. It actually came today instead of tomorrow.
Make sure you check out my basic user guide video! Enjoy!
How the hell did anybody ever learn to play guitar before TH-cam and Smart Amplifiers?
Just asking for a friend....
Lessons and trial and error. Legitimately I remember trying to play stuff by ear and debating a friend whether that was it or not haha. Weird times, but also made us stronger in some areas. Though I imagine a dedicated player for 5 years today probably would have taken 10 years back then because so many ways to see how something was done and you can learn everything almost.
Elmo I agree! Or maybe some guy down the street knew some licks or chords that you didn’t know.
It wasn’t easy Matt! 😜🎸🤘🏻
No kidding ... I started guitar lessons back in 1976, and my teachers were pretty clueless. I wanted to learn Kiss and Black Sabbath and thet were into James Taylor. It took me years before I really learned how to play.
Turntables, dedication, and lots of weed.
HI! I want Yours presets to my Yamaha THR II. Where they are? :D
Your tones can be named and they can be backed up on the app for the thr
Thanks - I didn’t know that at the time I shot this. 🤘🏻🎸
Up at the top where it it says preset 1 in text just click
GearGasms no worries I only found it by accident 😂
you can get the spark through ebay if you want it quicker....for a little more money, but you can get it right away...Im still on the fence about getting the spark...Id use it mainly as a amp I can jam with...but when I saw the "Dave" jamalong feature, I thought to myself, Ill wait till they get it out of the bossanova playback mode
Lol - that’s a perfect way to put it!
I think you can name your own presets, at least if you click in the iPad app you can. Very good video!
That would be great! I haven’t dug in deep enough I guess. Thanks for info! Would love to have you subscribe if not already!
Needed a Bedroom Practice Amp. Finaly not shure: Yamaha30II or Spark 40. After this Video I bought me a (used) Spark. Thanks!
Welcome to the family! 🎸
I have both plus a Katana air. The is no comparison if what the objective is is tone. The Yamaha blows everything out of the water in terms of sound. It’s a hi-fi audio unit with unmatched amp sims that gives amazing tones immediately. It is the closest one can get to a plug and play feel as if plugging straight to a tube amp rather than endlessly fiddling with the apps to try and get a sound. It lacks the bells and whistles but makes up for it with being a simple, plug and play, amazing sounding unit.
🎸🤘🏻
Great videos! Makes me watch them all the time. But please, playing a single cord a dozen times doesn't really give away anything about how it sounds musically. Just play nice guitar for 30 seconds instead of changing the sound every 5 seconds and showing everything.
I hear you but it’s really difficult to do that on a shootout video and not have it be too long. Thank you Vikram!
Something about the yamaha thr sound bothers me. It did in the first one, and I passed up on a good deal on a used one because I hated it in real life. My spark hopefully comes in a few weeks. It sounds good on YT.
Yeah it’s a great little amp!
I was gonna give you a like anyway, but the Beetlejuice joke clinched it!
Awesome!
Wish the Yamaha came in Black (not the high-gain version) because I'm into "Pristine Cleans" - for practice especially. Yamaha sound better vs. all the other small desktop amps (thus far). Lets face it . . . they all want to emulate a Fender Princeton Reverb (thats the gold-standard).
Yeah my son loves his and it’s the perfect size for his dorm room! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! I have more THR content if you’re interested!
Here are differentiations for the Spark never mentioned: 1. Terrible hum on Spark because of ungrounded power supply. 2. Control knob for amp selection cuts in and out without warning. 3. Turning reverb off still leaves slight reverb effect. 4. many smaller issues when using app. 5. Terrible customer service. Hundreds of people globally have reported these problems, and I've tried to get Positive Grid to address just the power supply issue and they refused. Is this a "PAID in some way" review?
Watch the first four minutes of this link and ask again if PG pays me to review their stuff. I understand your frustration
th-cam.com/video/yPV9sJ4l8k0/w-d-xo.html
When watching a comparison video, the one that comes last is always the better choice, and in this case that was accurate.
Thanks for chiming in! Would love to have you subscribe if not already!
I think the yamaha is more like a main amp, the spark is 100% home practice amp. Besides the yamaha is twice the price of the spark. Great review!
Thanks Alan!
The vox adios smokes em both for tone. Again tho, effects canve extreme, use sparingly with these amps...
Indeed
And what a comeback for the Spark after your first video on it hah. I know Spark has to be a good product because seems like 9 out of 10 people when they actually get it are happy. Thanks for this review, it will really help a lot of people decide.
Thanks so much for this video, it was really helpful, still I'm going for the yamaha I don't like that Positive Grid puts in priority marketing rather than its clients. Plus I like Yamaha's Cleans Better, I need an amp with a battery so i can take it to trips and i hate having to use an app to get the tone I desire. Keep it up man!
Thanks brother! Would love to have you subscribe if not already! 🤘🏻🎸
Curious to see how the spark reacts to real pedals in the signal chain, particularly overdrive and amp in box pedals. Any feedback on that? Thanks for taking the time to make this video.
That’s a video I’m getting ready to make.
I found the Orange British 30 worked best with my pedals.
That’s a great tip- I’ll explore that in my video on it!
GearGasms looking forward to that video! I have been using my Spark with dirt pedals like the Bjf Honeybee, Bearfoot CAF, PPF, PGC and so far they sound great! I have also used an RMC Wah Wah and aI have been using the Spark as a fairly clean base for pedals with all the effects off! Another thing I have liked about using physical pedals over the Spark gain effects is that I get considerable less noise with my physicals pedals even though I don’t have any noise suppressor. I find the dirt pedals in Spark have way too much noise and the noise gate kinda kills the dynamics! One downside I have noticed
Is that not all amp models in the Spark take pedals as well.
Thanks - those are great tips that I’ll keep in mind!
Yamaha and line 6 are alot better than people think imo but you have to do some dialing in. I love charvel too I got a metallic deep purple pro San dimas. I can't really see your charvel that great.
Yeah the purple doesn’t show through so great on camera. 🎸🤘🏻
What no looping ability? Sad its the only thing making it like supreme amp
I have a video showing using Loopy with Spark that came out 6 months or so ago if you’re interested!
Yes yes yes! Exactly the comparison I’m looking for. Thank you sir!
You’re welcome!
I just subbed on the Beetlejuice/Groot/Lightfoot reference alone.
Welcome to the family! 😜🤘🏻🎸
Even tho you play like a 10 year old with 2 broken hands I love your show!!
Thanks? It’s gotten better! 🤘🏻
bought a katana air ... its alright but downloading patches is a bitch.... Spark kills it ... if the spark was wireless like the katana it would OWN the market imo
I just use my Xvive wireless. It’s great having such a clean set up! Would love to have you subscribe if not already and please spread the word!
Spark Looks COOL !!!!
its a blast..lots of fun..great price for a freaking practice amp!
Agreed
It is RG! Happy Friday brother!
Tones are far better on the Spark. I have the spark, my friend has Yamaha, Sparks tones are better, and options on pedals are far better.
Yeah I have to agree plus it’s cheaper!
Spark is a muddy fartbox, yamaha has the much better sound
@@Kenneth_9_1 you ears need checking, fart box ears you have.
Thank You for the comparison! This is one of the fews, what contains recordings by microphone. I think the review could have been more fair :-) with the THR30 II. (Larger speaker diameter, and box).
Yeah but the 10 is what I could afford to buy for my son. I’m sure the 30 sounds louder but I’m guessing overall sound is the same. The THR series is pretty cool
I think it’s fair… they’re in the same price point at around $300-$330
I agree!!! 🤓🤘🏻
@@GearGasms yeah unless you need a bit more from a practice amp (maybe small gig) then the THR10ii is going to be more than fine for bedroom/apartment practice. You might be able to do a small gig with the bigger THR30ii with light drums, but I don’t see the point in the 30ii. Unless you use it on a PA system for maybe a church or something the THR10ii will give you basically the same sound for low volume practices. It’s stereo so it’s probably pushing 10w to each speaker and the bigger is pushing 15w to each speaker with is very comparable. There’s a convenience factor with the 30ii with more physical buttons but I don’t see that being worth almost twice the price IMO. I’m no way saying the THR30ii is bad or not a good value but for most people it’s unnecessary for bedroom practice. If you want more sound and usability I would personally get a Boss Katana MKII 50w for like $279 but the smaller form factor and useable mobile app is worth it for me. I don’t own a working PC so I’d rely on my iPhone and if needs a quick firmware update I’d have to take it to my brother’s or the office. Hopefully it doesn’t because I’m definitely getting the THR10ii and I’m using a 3w Roland Micro Cube GX which is great mostly for clean tone and some crunch. I really want a 3-band EQ and the THR10ii has everything I need and it’s a upgrade either way for sure for my new Olympic Pearl Fender Player Plus Strat… can’t wait!
Yeah I think the 30 is overpriced honestly
Spark wins if only you don't mind its bass heavy, or even muddy sound. I got one and sold after 3 months. I was not able to got use to it... and I play bass, but my guitar sounds better on a bass amp than on Spark.
I’m getting ready to see if it sounds better through an amp. Would love to have you subscribe if not already!
I have the spark and the katana 50 mk2. I swear the katana sounds way better. The spark is just so bassy. I'm thinking about returning both the katana and the spark and getting the THR.
Yeah they all have their pluses and minuses!
Both amps are great. The Yamaha I like because when I play guitar I’m trying to get away from my phone with all the apps. I just want to play guitar and Yamaha is more of and old school amp with it’s settings. If you want to play with your phone to get all the sounds while playing guitar the spark is your best choice.
That’s exactly why I got it for my son - he didn’t want to fool with an app so much as just plug and play. Thanks!
@@GearGasms hope he likes it👍
He does. He took it out to college and it’s the perfect size and a good bt music player too
@@GearGasms very nice it is a good speaker that is like Bose?
Not Bose good but decent
The problem I had with the Yamaha was that there just wasn’t enough clean headroom. If you play clean you will be disappointed.
I haven’t pushed it that loud either way but my son took it to college with him so I won’t be getting any time with it any time soon 🤓
Sorry your mic is really too far from amps and there are too many reverb... I use thr with all my recordings and i just put my phone and record like this and trust me the sound are totally different. Good work to do what you have done just be careful of the sound of your videos. You can visit me to hear how my thr 10 old version sound with my method of recording
Sad that it is a competition in sound and the sound quality is so poor in the recording.
Your sadness makes me sad. Cheer up friend😜🤘🏻🎸
all the distorted sounds sound the same with different EQ.
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I'd love it if you'd help out the channel by subscribing! It's mostly amateur hour but I'm getting better!
Spark in Stock at Positive Grid...$224.00 - They sent me an email today.
Awesome!
@@GearGasms Just this weekend though.
I don't know where to get LSD anymore, either. I don't think anybody is making it so if one wishes to trip, one must take a walk through a cow pasture. 😂
Lol - cow farts are a helluva drug!
So I’ve heard! LoL
Its whats under the dung
It’s what grows out of the cow patties. I mean, dung.
I really like that Yamaha did not use traditional amp names to label the presets.
I also agree with you, that not having amp names on the presets makes you use your ears and not your head.
Thank you for this comparison shootout and I've been waiting.....great video
Every player is different, what I might do on a high gain amp might not be the same for someone else.
Thanks! I tried to keep the playing basic so people could focus on the amp and not on me missing bends! Lol
@@GearGasms Thanks, the playing can be very distracting, thanks for not trying to be a Guitar Monster. Lol...great comparison!
I like both 😌 😋
Me too!