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[Comparison] Positive Grid Popular home amplifiers: Differences and how to choose Spark, Spark MINI, Spark GO [What are the recommended uses?]

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Positive Grid Spark Series

For home practice or for taking out, etc."I want one!"Many people probably think this way.

This time, we will introduce such popular amplifiers.We've summarized the differences and features of the Spark series, as well as how to choose one!

table of contents

\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /

An older sister I often see

Please use Sound House again next time.

About Positive Grid | About the brand

Positive Grid is a California-based brand that produces software plug-ins and hardware.

Nowadays, they are extremely popular as home digital amplifiers and are often seen in hardware versions, but originally their strength was in the software field.

This manufacturer has developed famous plug-ins such as Bias Amp and Bias FX, which are used by professional artists and composers.

We are fully utilizing the know-how we have cultivated in the software field in our hardware, digital amplifiers, and are developing a series of popular products.

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Quick Comparison Chart

can scroll
モデルSparkSpark MINISpark GO
Size350 x 180 x 190 mm146.5 x 123 x 165 mm125 x 85 x 45
weight5.2 kg1.5 kg346 gr
Main functionsSmart Jam
Auto Chord
Tuner function
USB Audio Interface
Compatible with dedicated app
SoundModeling amps: 33 types
Effects: 43 types
*Added from time to time through updates
Operation systemAmp Type
Gain/Bass/Middle/Treble/Modulation/Delay/Reverb/Output Volume
Music Volume
4 programmable preset buttons
Tap/Tuner Button
Preset Selector
Guitar Channel Volume
Music Channel Volume
Preset Selector
Guitar Channel Volume
Music Channel Volume
Amplifier40W Class D Amplifier10W Class D Amplifier5W Class D Amplifier
Lecturer4 x 2-inch custom-designed speakers2 x 2-inch custom-designed speakers
Passive radiator: 1 unit
2 x 1-inch custom-designed speakers
Passive radiator: 1 unit
BluetoothSupported
terminal1/4″ Guitar Input
1/8" Aux Input
1/8″ headphones
1/4″ Guitar Input
1/8″ headphones
batteryincompatibleUp to 8 hours (*when the volume is medium or lower)Up to 8 hours (*when the volume is medium or lower)
UseFor practicing at home in an environment where noise to the surroundings is minimal
Mini Live Session
The most versatile balanced type
For home practice where you can produce some sound but need to be a little careful
A portable sub-machine
An apartment with thin walls
For practicing at home in an environment where it is almost impossible to make noise
A portable sub-machine
Reference price44,000yen(tax included)35,500yen(tax included)24,200yen(tax included)
Buy Amazon
Rakuten
Sound House
Amazon
Rakuten
Sound House
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Sound House
Comparison of each product

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Reference Video

Spark and Spark MINI

Spark MINI and Spark GO

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Spark Recommended Patterns

Spark Points

Pay attention here!
  • Size (350x180x190mm) and weight (5.2kg) are both quite large, so some space is required.
  • Equipped with 40W output and two 4-inch speakers, it delivers the most authentic sound possible from an amplifier.
  • Operation similar to that of an amplifier (knobs for EQ and spatial effects)
  • Battery operation is not supported, so a power source is always required
  • Functionally, it has many features in common with the other two models.

Spark is recommended for these people!


  • I want an amp for practicing at home in an environment where I don't have to worry about disturbing the people around me.
  • I want to use it for small-scale live performances and sessions.
  • It doesn't have to be highly portable
Positive Grids
40,700 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2025:06 on March 03, 22 | According to Amazon)

Spark Review

I had a Spark MINI, but I was not satisfied with the bass and found it difficult to adjust since the only control was the volume, so I bought this one at Sound House.
The number of tones that can be selected from the main unit alone has increased, and in addition to volume, gain and tone can be adjusted, and the effect of various effects can be adjusted, which is convenient.
The sound has more bass and produces enough volume and sound quality as a real guitar amp.
As a bass amp, the bass distortion is noticeable
I like how this amp is small and light enough to be used in a band.
I usually use the Spark MINI and it's enough for me, so I don't use it very often, but since it produces the same sound with good sound quality, I'll take it out and use it occasionally when I want to play it at a louder volume.

Sound HouseThan

I was looking for a guitar amp to replace my Yamaha THR10 and after much research I came across this amp and after looking on YouTube and other websites I purchased it and thought to myself that guitar amps have come a long way. Not only does it sound great, but the best thing about it is that you can load presets made by people from all over the world into the amp with just a touch of your finger on your smartphone. I was so impressed with how easy it is to set up something that sounds great.
It's also fun to make it yourself.
It's perfect for playing at home. The size is different, but it's much better than the THR. No problems connecting it to an external effector.

Sound HouseThan

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Spark MINI Recommended Patterns

Spark MINI Key Points

Pay attention here!
  • When it comes to MINI, it is much more compact in both size and weight, taking up less space and being more portable.
  • Although compact, the 2" x 2 speakers and uniquely designed passive radiator deliver sound that exceeds its size.
  • The operation of the amp itself is limited, so sound creation is basically done on a smartphone or iPad.
  • It also supports battery operation, so you can take it with you wherever you go.

Spark MINI is recommended for these people!


  • A versatile device for practicing at home that can produce some sound but requires some care
  • I want both compactness and sound quality
  • I want to carry it around and use it in environments without a power source
  • As a secondary device to enjoy the convenient features of Positive Grid such as Smart Jam
Positive Grids
38,500 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 18, 14 | According to Amazon)

Spark MINI reviews

I'm a guitar beginner who has been playing drums and home recording for a few years. I decided to start playing guitar, so I bought the Spark Mini along with my guitar. I've used DAWs, plug-ins, interfaces, rack-type guitar preamps, multi-effectors, and monitor speakers, but I'm surprised that this size and app can produce such a good sound. I recommend this all-in-one amp especially to beginners. It's rechargeable and portable, and the sound quality and volume are just right. You can easily bring it from your bedside to a friend's house, and you can practice or make a little sound with your favorite sound at any time. The app is easy to use, and it helps you practice. The sound is so fun and good that even though I'm a beginner, I bought the SD-1W separately. I thought the response to the OD pedal was also real. It's resistant to larger inputs and has a natural sound with little headroom. I'm very satisfied and it's become my favorite equipment. Thank you, Sound House and Positive Grid!

Sound HouseThan

>Good points
・Sound quality is simply excellent ⇒Compared to nux, the sound quality is far superior. It's only a matter of course, as the price difference is about 10,000 yen. nux's lows are weak, and the sound from the amp is always weak because the housing is plastic. In that respect, this product has a good low range and the overall balance is very good. Also, like nux, the sound doesn't get weak when you turn down the volume. This is unusual for an amp for home use. The recommended settings are to set the volume of the amp simulator to full, and then turn down the volume on the amp itself, so that the powerful sound becomes quieter.
・Excellent software ⇒ Spark's app is very good. Personally, I think the ability to stream YouTube videos within the app is a godsend. Since I only play existing songs, this feature is extremely useful. Also, the sound settings screen is easy to understand, so you can easily tweak it to do what you want.

> Bad points
・You can't set the sound unless you launch the app ⇒ This is also true for the nux, but you can't set the sound unless you launch the app. In that respect, it might be possible to solve the problem by buying the Spark instead of the mini, but 40W is just too much for playing at home.

AmazonThan

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Spark GO Recommended Patterns

Spark GO Features

Pay attention here!
  • While the sound produced from this incredibly compact device far exceeds expectations, there are limitations to the casing and 2-inch speaker. It is inferior to other models in terms of power and resonance.
  • It's highly portable, can be carried in a guitar case, and is battery-powered, so you can practice anywhere.
  • The functionality is the same as other models regardless of size.
  • The operation system is based on the premise of linking with an external device.

Spark GO is recommended for these people!


  • The main unit in an environment where it is difficult to make a lot of noise at home (such as an apartment with thin walls or a one-room apartment)
  • As a secondary device with an emphasis on portability
Positive Grids
22,000 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2023:07, March 23, 21 | Rakuten Market research)

Spark GO Reviews

This type of portable amplifier tends to have a thin sound, but this amplifier produces a solid bass sound that is in a class of its own. When placed on a desk, the bass seems to reverberate nicely.
If you are not satisfied with the sound quality or volume, try connecting the earphone jack to the input of a combo amp or similar. You will no longer need a heavy pedal board or multi-amp. However, it is difficult to change the sound while playing, so it is fine if you only change the volume and tone at a fixed level.
You can use it at home at a very low volume, you can use it on the go, and it can also be used as a multi-effector that can be plugged into an amplifier. I wish I had something like this when I was a student. It's amazing how much technology has advanced. I recommend it to beginners and experts alike. It's so easy to use that you won't regret having one.

Sound HouseThan

Positive Grid | Use a foot switch at home or live

When combined with a dedicated foot switch, you can switch between the sounds you've created while playing.

This is a useful item that not only improves practice but also playability, whether at home or during a mini live performance.

Positive Grids
13,200 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2024:11, March 30, 18 | Rakuten Market research)

Positive Grid Differences and How to Choose | Summary

can scroll
モデルSparkSpark MINISpark GO
Size350 x 180 x 190 mm146.5 x 123 x 165 mm125 x 85 x 45
weight5.2 kg1.5 kg346 gr
Main functionsSmart Jam
Auto Chord
Tuner function
USB Audio Interface
Compatible with dedicated app
SoundModeling amps: 33 types
Effects: 43 types
*Added from time to time through updates
Operation systemAmp Type
Gain/Bass/Middle/Treble/Modulation/Delay/Reverb/Output Volume
Music Volume
4 programmable preset buttons
Tap/Tuner Button
Preset Selector
Guitar Channel Volume
Music Channel Volume
Preset Selector
Guitar Channel Volume
Music Channel Volume
Amplifier40W Class D Amplifier10W Class D Amplifier5W Class D Amplifier
Lecturer4 x 2-inch custom-designed speakers2 x 2-inch custom-designed speakers
Passive radiator: 1 unit
2 x 1-inch custom-designed speakers
Passive radiator: 1 unit
BluetoothSupported
terminal1/4″ Guitar Input
1/8" Aux Input
1/8″ headphones
1/4″ Guitar Input
1/8″ headphones
batteryincompatibleUp to 8 hours (*when the volume is medium or lower)Up to 8 hours (*when the volume is medium or lower)
UseFor practicing at home in an environment where noise to the surroundings is minimal
Mini Live Session
The most versatile balanced type
For home practice where you can produce some sound but need to be a little careful
A portable sub-machine
An apartment with thin walls
For practicing at home in an environment where it is almost impossible to make noise
A portable sub-machine
Reference price44,000yen(tax included)35,500yen(tax included)24,200yen(tax included)
Buy Amazon
Rakuten
Sound House
Amazon
Rakuten
Sound House
Amazon
Rakuten
Sound House
Comparison of each product
How to choose
  1. I want to focus on the power of the sound without worrying too much about noise.
    I would like to use it for mini live performances as well.
    →Spark
  2. I am a bit concerned about the sound quality, and I want a versatile model that is perfect for both home and portable use.
    →Spark MINI
  3. I'm looking for a main device for my home environment where I can't play much noise.
    I like having a secondary device that is highly portable so I can practice quickly anywhere.
    →Spark GO
Positive Grids
40,700 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2025:06 on March 03, 22 | According to Amazon)
Positive Grids
38,500 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 18, 14 | According to Amazon)
Positive Grids
22,000 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2023:07, March 23, 21 | Rakuten Market research)

Dedicated foot switch for switching during performance

Positive Grids
13,200 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2024:11, March 30, 18 | Rakuten Market research)

A dedicated cabinet that can be used for live performances

Positive Grids
50,600 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 16, 01 | According to Amazon)

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