Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Unfortunately, and this was the case with the other Sparks, firmware updates for the amp cannot be transferred via the app. You need to do it by connecting to a computer via USB with the bundled-in cable. Make sure Spark GO remains disconnected from all other devices through Bluetooth before proceeding.
The hallmark of the original Spark 40 amp was its size-defying sound. It’s easy to forget looking at its baby brother that the Spark 40 – a reference to the 40W speaker – was the OG little amp that could. For a practice amp, it has no right sounding as refined as it does at high and low volumes. It was even loud enough for some light gigging or an open mic without losing fidelity. I loved it and have it five stars. Just like the middle child, the Spark Mini, the new Spark Go amp does all of that, but without the need to tether to the mains. It has a rechargeable battery, making your amplified guitar playing truly portable. In this case, even clipped to your person.The temptation with the GO is to ask, ‘Well how small is next year’s model going to be?!’ and maybe Positive Grid will surprise us again down the line with something even more compact and remarkable. But that shouldn’t detract from what a remarkable achievement the Spark GO is – a truly go-anywhere amp for electric guitarists that feels as rugged and durable as any bluetooth speaker, with a sound fit for an amp 10 times its size. For the price, if you don’t already have one of these in your gigbag, what are you waiting for? Key Features Positive Grid has played another blinder with the Spark Go. The Spark Go requires compromises in terms of sound quality, but the amp still outperforms its physical limitations. For users seeking ultimate freedom in terms of portability, wearability of the amp, and on-the-go battery power, it may be the perfect solution. Those app-based features do so much of the leg work, but it’s still remarkable so much can be squeezed into a product the size of one single effects pedal. While this is definitely improved by pointing the amp in your general direction, we do find ourselves regularly hearing the ‘cuh-chunk’ string mute noise that signals you’ve got the guitar volume up to maximum when using some of the cleaner and more low-output signal chains. It’s still plenty loud enough to enable its likely primary use as a bedroom practice tool, but if you’re struggling to be heard in a noisy environment, might we recommend headphones? Yes we know, for many guitarists using headphones to play guitar is a complete anathema, but the GO is one of the most impressive headphone amps we’ve encountered – and a real step up on the Mini. With plenty of volume and a directness of sound that makes you feel less like you’re listening on cans and more like you’re standing in front of an amp, it’s a very viable option – even if you usually wouldn’t countenance such a thing. And with up to eight hours battery life from a full charge, you’ve got the freedom to take it out and about.
Positive Grid says that the battery is good for eight hours of use on a full charge, and while it might not have quite got there on our tests, it was more than enough to enable many hours of playing, listening to music and recording. The mobile experience has always been intrinsic to the Spark amps, transforming the products from standard (albeit over-performing) practice amps to a limitless world of tones and functionality that’ll have a stab at replicating any guitar sound. From your guitar heroes, to a completely custom sound that works with what you’re playing. If you encounter any issue or error message that prevents you from completing the update process, make sure to try again after shutting down Spark GO.I found it helped me with my timing a lot. When you’re noodling away on your own, it can get a bit all over the place. This kept me disciplined and in rhythm with the drummer. After updating the firmware, if you have previously connected your phone/tablet to Spark GO, please ensure that you access your device's Bluetooth settings, forget the previous connection with Spark GO Audio, and then proceed to pair it again. Because of its design we didn't always have to worry about having a table or surface in front of us to sit the Spark GO on – sometimes we'd place the Spark on our leg while playing because you can lay it flat (we'll get to that). We're not sure Positive Grid even has this in mind for use but it soon became second nature to us – and that rubber casing means it doesn't slide around easily. While the rechargeable internal battery of the Spark Mini freed players up to choose where they wanted and needed to play, the GO takes that idea further. Because it's so small and ruggedly built with its grippy rubber casing, it's easy to take with you in a gigbag but it also affected how we used it in the house compared to the Mini and Spark 40. Let us introduce the concept of… the leg amp! The Spark Go is an ultra-compact amp that's going to surprise a lot of players with how big it sounds. The tones we experienced are expansive and rich in ways an amp this tiny should have no business delivering."— MusicRadar
The Spark Go isn’t anywhere near as loud as the Mini and again, the limitations of the smaller speaker become more noticeable in its smaller form factor. However, I think the Spark Go makes the Mini a little redundant. It’s much, much smaller, has the same battery life and access to smart features. It’s also worth noting that the rubber sleeve of the amp is easily removable – given that all previous Sparks have come with different colour options down the line, we wouldn’t bet against Positive Grid coming out with some phone case-esque swappable sleeves in different patterns and colours down the line. If, like me, you don’t have the time, finances, or expertise to finely tune a guitar sound via the amp or a big grand pedal board, this is where the Spark range truly comes into its own. The Spark Go is around the size (125 x 85 x 45 mm) of a Coke can and at 346g, weighs about the same too. As guitar amplifiers go, it’s tiny and can even fit into your pedal board. Much smaller than the Spark Mini and a fraction of the size of the Spark 40, which itself is renowned for its compact size.This is the first Spark amp that can be positioned in two distinctly different ways for varying response The Spark Go does a decent job of maintaining consistent design language with the replaceable speaker plate matching the other two models. Positive Grid also gives you an alternate option in the box.
Great Deal 
New Comment