@@yogieyo9935 no it doesn't. He says crunch and it shows crunch. Except at the end of the crunch demo at 7:13, when he says "that's(that was) a little taste of the crunch channel", then shows a pic of the lead channel selected because he's about to demo the lead channel at that point. And just got done with the crunch channel.
I love this little amp. It does it all. I took it on vacation and used it as a bluetooth speaker to play some tunes and also brought my guitar along and jammed to backing tracks on the deck. This is my go to amp in my studio, no cables just plug in the Line 6 and ready your ready to play. This unit sounds so much better than the Spark amp. Great review.
@@ParaBellum2024 same here, R1, Revstar 820CR, LS6, Clavinova, everything high quality. Now wandering about this THR30 , having already my dream amp VOX AC15HW1 ( trying GAS resistance, haha)
@@gillesgenete9598 I'm GASing for a Vox AC15! I don't have a low-watts valve amp, and I like the look of the Vox, and offerings from Laney and Marshall too.
@@ParaBellum2024 vox ac have a very specific tone , so different from marshall. In my mind ac for strat/single coils, marshall for les paul/humbucker. If you're after hard rock with Marshall, you may consider Blackstar as well. I'm a strat/vox/bluesrock addict : Rory Gallagher is my idol .
@@gillesgenete9598 I've had a Blackstar amp (HT Club 40) and it was ok, but the sound lacked character. I prefer single coils over humbuckers, and tend to play clean/edge of breakup rather than saturated.
I’ve had the little THR5 for a few years now. Love it. Even though it’s not as high tech as this 30, it still models 5 amps; Clean = Fender Twin Crunch = VOX AC30 Lead = Marshall Plexi Brit Hi = Marshall JCM 800 Modern = Mesa Boogie Rectifier It also has the bass/mid/treble EQ, the same two effects dials, and the auxiliary input. SO MUCH FUN and it runs on 6 AA batteries!
I believe that with this Amp in particular they dialed the sound to make sure and emulate the original tube transistors amps of old. That's why there's a glowing orange light inside
Bought the Black THR30II = Love it. I have never played so-much-guitar. It's always ( right there & ready to go ) = portable & Inspiring tones. Great Job Darrell ( as usual ). oNe LoVe from NYC
I want to say, it´s just verry much more than an practice amp. O stage you can use it as a monitore, and conectet from the outputs into the PA, it works like a big tube ampliier. Only needing no microphone. The Boos SD1 works pefekt with it. Also all the other pedal effekts. Yes, a guitar, this little guy, some cables and you are ready to gig 🙂
Bought this exact model and despite the price tag it has exceeded expectation. so much well thought out technology packed in there. The Line 6 G10 wireless plug in works well (motion sensing turns it on and off if left plugged into the guitar). As a note though the G10 will not transmit with some acoustic guitars but there are some work arounds from Line 6 apparently. Plugged directly into the amp my acoustic sounds almost as good as a stand alone acoustic amp. Great for streaming music and jam tracks.
Amazing lifestyle guitar accessory. This and the katana air are probably the best tinker around setups. That being said, these will never replace you're blues jr let alone twin or similar.
I had a Blues Jr & sold it because I mainly play at home, and I was never happy with the sound at low volumes. That's the point. The THR is designed to sound good at low volumes, and it does.
Thanks Darrell, I have the THR10II and love it! it is amazing the tones you get from this little amp. Although the App features are okay, I do prefer to dial it in the old fashion way. The 10ii version doesn't have a battery or built-in wireless but I use a third party wireless audio receiver and works perfectly.
I must have three or four of this type of amp. A Roland, Cube and a Yamaha version like this one. I have to say, this Yamaha is pretty darn good. Under $200, and plenty of play time and very decent tones and effects. And when playing in a campfire situation, outside, acoustic guitar with a clip in pickup, makes a Martin 12 String sound amazing in the evening breezes. So, YES, this little amp has some jam. Thanks for your review. Your videos are good. Easy to watch. Great job.
I spent tons of cash on amps(Ibanez tube, Vox, Yerasov tube, nux) before bought yamaha thr5 this summer. This little box is absolutely enought for home.
I have the older thr10. Absolutely love the hall stereo sound & portability. Even use pedals with it. Acoustic or electric, it’s my most used amp. May have to retire it in favor the newer, “bigger” model.
I have this amp and it is amazing. I returned my spark amp and then bought this. The Spark has impressive sounds, but I just find this one to be better. Today (oct 28 2020) they launched a firmware update that changes de way sound is output through the speakers that made the amp even better.
@@rebelcat420 I definitely recommend it. The Spark is so hot right now that it’d probably be an easy sale. Just consider that this amp is worth 500 bucks, about double the spark.
@@abd-ix5qd you need to do it vía usb with your laptop . You need to download the latest the remote app, and once you have it connected, click the settings icon and you’ll se an option to update it.
Darrell, when are you going to compare the Spark to the Yamaha? You've reviewed them both. How about a head to head for those trying to decide which to buy?
Yeah I would really like a head to head between these amps. Can't decide! I think the Spark is more versatile with its tab and jamming features but don't know!
I have the yamaha thr10x and the spark. The spark has a lot more options but imo the yamaha sounds much better. It sounds livelier and more airy than the spark. I bought the spark thinking it would replace the yamaha , nope I'm still playing my yamaha!
@@dragnasty540 thanks for the post. That is helpful. I'd still like to see a feature for feature comparison video done though. And @Darrell braun guitar if you're listening I'd like to have the sound from the actual speakers not through the USB to computer since that is the way most of us will be using it.
I had both, along with many other desktop amps, and the Yamaha is significantly better than the Spark. The Spark has a lot of killer features like tonecloud, limitless pedals and a great app. However, the chord finder and backing drummer is not good enough to be useable, and those were the features apart from the various tones that set it apart. The sound is very bass heavy, with a boxy muffled sound on almost every tone. There is also a grounding issue on them that causes hum. Dimension size it is also much bigger and heavier than the THR10. You would be pretty happy with it if you have not listened to other desktop amps. The THR10 has a boxy sound only on a few tones, the rest of them are very spatial and clear. It is pretty easy to use with lots of tones, enough to get whichever tone you want dialed in, despite not having as many as the Spark. The THR overall wins and would recommend over the Spark. However, if you factor in other amps like the Nux Mighty Plug and Mighty Air, you may want to pick those. They have very nice signal processing and spatial sound. My most used is still the THR.
Hey that’s a cool little amp. Maybe you could have a shoot out between the Yamaha and the Spark? Something to think about. Thanks for the demo. Stay safe
@@shannonhawkins5739 Thank you for this! I did the exact same thing, got the 10X and sold it for Spark and was shocked on how bad it was. How does the Thr10ii compare to the Thr10X?
@@AxemanMessiah it sounds great!! The ring I like the best is that I can use an app on my phone or iPad to fine tune the settings and save them instead of having to hook up to my computer. Plus having all three original amps in one is really nice.
@@shannonhawkins5739 Thanks for the input! I am definitely considering trying one out. The BT connectivity must be a pleasure, it was tedious hooking it up to a PC every time an adjustment is needed. I am currently using the Nux Mighty Amp and Mighty Plug, check them out sometime, they are my favorite devices. I like it more than my old THR due to the versatility and also has the same BT connectivity to tweak sounds/play music.
Still rocking my older THR10 and it's a solid keeper. Into my pair of powered Carvin PA speakers it's almost like cheating. I even bypass the entire preamp and plug my acoustic guitar into a Boss VE8 with a Shure SM58 and into the THRs aux input for solo acoustic shows. Technology blows me away sometimes...
Love your vids, and love the way you say "YAM-a-ha", lol. My usual failsafe way of determining someone is Canadian is to listen to them pronounce "about" as "aboot".
I have one, the headphone output sounds better and closer to what you have dialed in than the line out IMO. Also use the app to change the default cabinnets for some reason the default cabinnets assigned suck.
I have a Spark and love it. It's a fantastic little practice amp. I run a cable from the headphone jack to my effects pedal input on my Crate VC50 Tube amp and shake the house.
I have notice throughput the years people talk about the portability and what its made out of and if its a sound card....blah blah....yeah this is something to talk about. But could you imagine going to a restaurant and they tell you what your plate is made of.. Talk about amps first... sounds remeber those....and what models are included...then overdrive and tyoe...then effects and then all the other jargon. Sound first
Have older THR10 and use the Airturn BT 200 S2 bluetooth pedal (£50) set to mode 2 - works as up and down command on either THR Editor (PC) or THR Librarian app (Android, Tablet or phone) to change patches that are stored in app.
I had the 10 and returned it for a katana 50 mk2 and 50 bucks cheaper too !!!! . I was disappointed over all with the sound. Much happier with the Katana . Portability obviously is a plus ... just my 2 cents
Hi Darrell 👋 So in your opinion what would you say is the better amp for having at my desktop to go into my PC and have it just as a practise amp in my small room? The Yamaha or the Spark? Thanks in advance to anyone who's willing to give their 5 cents also! Keep up the good work Darrell
The Spark is no match. I had one and was super excited by all the positive reviews on UA-cam. Now I know the reviews were bogus. The Spark didn't last a week after the THRII moved in. Never sold a piece of gear so fast.
@@ssm445 Hi Michael thanks for the reply. That was my initial fear. I don't tend to trust items that get over marketed like the Spark was. It was everywhere on UA-cam at one point. I'll get looking into the Yamaha. Thanks again
@@locky828 You're welcome. I kind of saw the red flags but just wanted it to be as good as the reviews said. The Spark is less expensive, but I got a THR10II as B-stock for around the same money. The 10 is 2*10 Watts, the 30 is 2*15 Watts (strange naming by Yamaha), and I found the 10 to be really loud enough and I don't need the battery. But I guess I will at some point try the 30, too. If you get a THRII, my Goto-Sound for easy blues breakup is a Modern Crunch with a California 1x12 cab, all settings at noon but the gain (on 70), some reverb ... what a tone!
Nice work as always!👏 I've been considering one. Been wondering, are these a little lacking in bass? Agree with the comment that wanted you to compare with the Katana.😊
Hi Darrell, how does this sound at a very low level? Do you still get a good tone out of this? Unfortunately I need to play as quiet as possible, due to kids and neighbours, but don’t want to wear headphones. Also, how does it compare, in your opinion, to the spark? Would be great to get a comparison as I can’t try any of them and not sure which one to buy. Your advise would be very appreciated, thanks!
The Yamaha is incredible at low volume ! Is clearly is it's best advantage because the keep the grain of the tube amp even though you are very quiet ! This amp really blew my mind and I am in love. The Spark is great but not as good in sound dynamics and tube feel
I thought about one of these amps for a long time tried it and etc. but I've been used to playing Fender Tube amps all my life and wonder if I get the Yamaha thr3011 will I start noticing that digital sound that I hate. I played through Garageband amps and they sounded great for a year but eventually I noticed something that I hate about the digital sound, maybe different nuances than a tube amp etc. They all sound great in the store if you know what I mean.
Is their a quality difference between using the usb vs getting a audio interface for the L and R. I’m always thinking about that. It’s hard to find answers with 2020 products.
No difference at all ! But the USB is for recording purposes (plugging into laptop or PC) and the line out is for plugging into a mix table or bigger speakers
Have older THR10 and use the Airturn BT 200 S2 bluetooth pedal (£50) set to mode 2 - works as up and down command on either THR Editor (PC) or THR Librarian app (Android, Tablet or phone) to change patches that are stored in app.
Get a proper amp like a Katana and run it on 0.5 W. Perfect for bedroom use and crank to 50/100W for anything else. Has all the effects anyone could need.
A light weight desktop stereo practice amp and interface with a small footprint that can run on batteries. That is what this amp format addresses, the Katana is a whole different format and that said a Blackstar HT 20 is a much more impressive version of that style of amplifier also having a 1 watt feature and of course genuine tube tone.
I have a THR10 and a Katana 100 and honestly play the Yamaha more. Mostly for the convenience and simplicity. I have it hooked up with a line 6 relay for wireless playing. The katana is great too of course and mostly gets used when I want to break out my pedals.
@@paulburton5150 totally agreed, i have a katana 100 and a thr and i'm selling the former, it's too loud and cumbersome for home use and tbh doesn't sound that good at really low volumes.
@@valebliz I sold my THR not because of the quality of the sound but because it lacks the depth and fullness of the Katana especially at low volumes. Each to his own and some have bigger bedrooms than others!
Very much lacking thickness on the attack and sustain of the notes, as is the par for class D amplifiers. I'd like to hear an A/B between this and some analog solid state amps, like the Blues Cube or Peavey Bandit.
@@dommadonia9207 I payed about 500$, but it was here in Norway. I am not sure where to buy it elsewhere. This also included two years of service at the store.
There's SO MUCH more in the app. There's about a dozen cabinet models, there's a compressor and gate, which have some pretty fine controls available. All of the effects and reverbs all have better controls in the app. The desktop app does the same stuff via USB cable, though you need an old USB B cable. I wish Yamaha had caught up with modern times and had gone with a USB C port for computer AND charging. It also sounds very good as a Bluetooth speaker for just playing music through, though there are only 3 EQ presets (available via the app). I bought the amp as my "getting back into playing guitar" amp after a ~20 year hiatus, and I'm WAY happy with it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.
Weeell, I use my phone for calls and texting, not a single program installed (the name is program, not "app" ;-) ). So PC and USB it is. Hope it supports Linux.
I've got the original thr10c and thr10x. Love them both. Insanely fun to practice on and take to work so I can play on my breaks. I was tempted to pick up these new ones, but they don't offer a huge enough improvement over mine to justify rebuying the amp. I am still extremely tempted to grab the THR100h dual head and Yamaha 2x12 cab to get the same great sound with more versatility at any volume level.
The THRX is the bust sounding amp for rock and metal I've ever heard. I've played all their THR models but this little thing screams like a wall of Marshalls. They say the 30 has all the sounds of the other amps but it just isn't true. I've heard they are discontinuing the X so if I were you I'd hold on to that one. And as for all those dudes paying tens of thousands of dollars for old Marshalls and pedals trying to chase Van Halens Brown sound. If they only knew!!!! I bought one and sold it afterwards no amp sounded good to me. I wen't right back to the store and Paid a hundred bucks extra to get my own amp back. Worth every penny.
Lots of reviews for these little amps. Most everyone seems to like them and I'm sure they are as good as everyone says. But......to be fair, I'm pretty sure this guy could plug a guitar into a cardboard box with a cheap 3 inch 10 watt speaker in it and make it sound amazing. : ).
There's a picture of Robert Fripp of King Crimson in red slippers playing a Helix through a White Yamaha THR30 set up for recording. If it's good enough for Robert Fripp, it's good enough for me. (Actually I have the Black THRC. It's a nice little amp.)
I'm not an app guy but the app with the Yamaha is super easy and really brings the amp alive particularly being able to change the cabinet configuration..WOW!
Very nice overview! I have many amps, and this gets used way more than any of my others. It also does a decent job with an acoustic. I realize you can not cover everything in a short review, but the app opens up a huge amount of additional sounds! Also, there are a ton of great presets made by owners/fans available online for free. My only complaint is, for the price, Yamaha should have included the Line 6 wireless transmitter - especially since they own the company now.
Straight away, I’m hooked on the Boutique setting just as Darrel demo’d here! I’ve got 2 kit amps I’ve put together with my son, and they really pop with my old Axis! I just might have to give this lil’ Yamaha amp a shot! 😎👍
Glad you reviewed this amp darrell. I bought one recently and it's awesome! One other great feature to note about using the app is that although there's only spring and hall reverb on the actual amp, you can access plate and room reverb. Which can be fine tuned and saved to the amp. Sounds really cool. Also there's a compression pedal on the app plus a handful of speaker cabinet options which are noticeably different. Great review. Great amp!
I had the THR10X and loved it. When they came out with the new version I was going to get the 30 but it was out of stock. I ended up buying the new spark amp but it sounded like crap. Sent it back and ended up getting the thr10ii. Sounds great and costs a little less. The rechargeable battery, wireless receiver and line outs were not really important to me.
@@surfinjim I own neither but I've heard many demos of both. At that size, both are compromises in the room sound for sure. But between the Spark and this, this sounds way better to me. But I have a negative bias (no pun intended) about the Spark to begin with as I own Bias FX (old and new versions) and could never get a usable tone of of it. Bias FX sounds digital and fake to me with weird high end artefacts. I do not hear that here but I do hear it in the Spark, especially with cruch and higher gain tones. It's not the old Pods "fizz", it's weirder than that. Yes the Yamaha is a bit boxy in the room and all but so is the Spark and it's normal with these speaker and enclosure sizes. My Katana head is serviceable as a practice amp but sounds nothing like when I plug it into my 4x12. A 5 inch speaker just can't. The Yamaha from what I'm reading has 2 x 3.5" speakers so it is what it is too in the room. Not sure about the Spark but it's a higher wattage so should sound better on paper. I just doesn't to me in demos. I assume we were hearing the room sound here. If that was through USB or line outs, that's way less convincing.
I've got the spark and thr10x ( metal version ) and honestly the yamaha is far better overall as a amp my main complaint is rock / metal stuff on the spark is very muddy and bass heavy for blues stuff it's quite good but that's the only use I have for it I'm hoping there's a update or new revision of the spark that improves the sound but until then I just have a expensive speaker system
@Kizzy C lol sponsorships I hate it when a popular youtuber gets handed a musical piece and has to lie about what it can / can't do when i was checking out reviews I thought it was a great amp in video demos but when I tried it well it was all hype
@@And1slash I respectfully disagree. This amp is top of the bill for clean country rock and Heavy stuff. But from what i see in your name you probably are looking for that special metal sound? And the THR cannot please you in that way?
I've had the THR 10c for a while. Initially didn't bond with it, but now love it and found that you can really sculpt the sound you want with the controls. It's a delicious sound without the need to be loud and therefore will save your ears in later life. I've seen repeatedly that people say the Spark is too bassy and the sound quality isn't as good as the THR.
I love my THR30IIW amp. It is by far the best sounding portable amp i've ever tried. It sounds like a real amp with very good tube tones. I almost bought a spark which is a good lil amp but does not sound as good as the Yamaha. Just tried the Yamaha at the music store for kicks and was sold. I can't believe the sound of this small amp!!
Nice review, Darrell. I have an older THC10C that has served me well for several years. Not as much power as the one here, but good tones, lots of variety, and excellent build quality. I've never used mine on battery power - always plugged it in.
Man these small desktop amps are getting so awesome!
Enjoy :)
Great video Darrell, but I gotta ask- do you still have your Shijie STE? How is it, do you still play it?
when you say crunch, on the screen it shows lead
I loved my thr 10x but 450 bucks steeeeeeep for this and the wireless dongle another 100 ouch we’re talking 6 bills after tax for an practice amp
@@yogieyo9935 no it doesn't. He says crunch and it shows crunch. Except at the end of the crunch demo at 7:13, when he says "that's(that was) a little taste of the crunch channel", then shows a pic of the lead channel selected because he's about to demo the lead channel at that point. And just got done with the crunch channel.
Nice little amp, but I love my Spark.
I love this little amp. It does it all. I took it on vacation and used it as a bluetooth speaker to play some tunes and also brought my guitar along and jammed to backing tracks on the deck. This is my go to amp in my studio, no cables just plug in the Line 6 and ready your ready to play. This unit sounds so much better than the Spark amp. Great review.
Do you still like it?
Does Yamaha make anything that is not great? You always get your money’s worth and they really care about sound. Love their gear!
I've always said "You can't go wrong with Yamaha", whether it's a guitar, a keyboard, an amp or a motor cycle! All of which I've owned.
@@ParaBellum2024 same here, R1, Revstar 820CR, LS6, Clavinova, everything high quality. Now wandering about this THR30 , having already my dream amp VOX AC15HW1 ( trying GAS resistance, haha)
@@gillesgenete9598 I'm GASing for a Vox AC15! I don't have a low-watts valve amp, and I like the look of the Vox, and offerings from Laney and Marshall too.
@@ParaBellum2024 vox ac have a very specific tone , so different from marshall. In my mind ac for strat/single coils, marshall for les paul/humbucker. If you're after hard rock with Marshall, you may consider Blackstar as well. I'm a strat/vox/bluesrock addict : Rory Gallagher is my idol .
@@gillesgenete9598 I've had a Blackstar amp (HT Club 40) and it was ok, but the sound lacked character. I prefer single coils over humbuckers, and tend to play clean/edge of breakup rather than saturated.
I’ve had the little THR5 for a few years now. Love it. Even though it’s not as high tech as this 30, it still models 5 amps;
Clean = Fender Twin
Crunch = VOX AC30
Lead = Marshall Plexi
Brit Hi = Marshall JCM 800
Modern = Mesa Boogie Rectifier
It also has the bass/mid/treble EQ, the same two effects dials, and the auxiliary input. SO MUCH FUN and it runs on 6 AA batteries!
I believe that with this Amp in particular they dialed the sound to make sure and emulate the original tube transistors amps of old. That's why there's a glowing orange light inside
Bought the Black THR30II = Love it. I have never played so-much-guitar. It's always ( right there & ready to go ) = portable & Inspiring tones. Great Job Darrell ( as usual ). oNe LoVe from NYC
I want to say, it´s just verry much more than an practice amp. O stage you can use it as a monitore, and conectet from the outputs into the PA, it works like a big tube ampliier. Only needing no microphone.
The Boos SD1 works pefekt with it. Also all the other pedal effekts.
Yes, a guitar, this little guy, some cables and you are ready to gig 🙂
Bought this exact model and despite the price tag it has exceeded expectation. so much well thought out technology packed in there. The Line 6 G10 wireless plug in works well (motion sensing turns it on and off if left plugged into the guitar). As a note though the G10 will not transmit with some acoustic guitars but there are some work arounds from Line 6 apparently. Plugged directly into the amp my acoustic sounds almost as good as a stand alone acoustic amp. Great for streaming music and jam tracks.
Thank you! I was hoping someone would mention having tried this with an acoustic, and how it turned out.
Amazing lifestyle guitar accessory. This and the katana air are probably the best tinker around setups. That being said, these will never replace you're blues jr let alone twin or similar.
I had a Blues Jr & sold it because I mainly play at home, and I was never happy with the sound at low volumes. That's the point. The THR is designed to sound good at low volumes, and it does.
Thanks Darrell, I have the THR10II and love it! it is amazing the tones you get from this little amp. Although the App features are okay, I do prefer to dial it in the old fashion way. The 10ii version doesn't have a battery or built-in wireless but I use a third party wireless audio receiver and works perfectly.
Thanks Darrell. Just ordered one from Long and McQuade. Can’t wait to try it out with my Emerald Virtuo.
I love this little amp, I must have one. I already have the Spark but I want both! Thanks for the great review Darrell.
Seems like an awesome solution for those of us who can't afford a Kemper or a Helix.
Or in my case a portable living room/back porch amp for those times I don’t want to be tied to my computer desk where my AxeFXIII lives.
I’m surprised the helix software hasn’t crossed over to the THR
I must have three or four of this type of amp. A Roland, Cube and a Yamaha version like this one. I have to say, this Yamaha is pretty darn good. Under $200, and plenty of play time and very decent tones and effects. And when playing in a campfire situation, outside, acoustic guitar with a clip in pickup, makes a Martin 12 String sound amazing in the evening breezes. So, YES, this little amp has some jam. Thanks for your review. Your videos are good. Easy to watch. Great job.
I spent tons of cash on amps(Ibanez tube, Vox, Yerasov tube, nux) before bought yamaha thr5 this summer. This little box is absolutely enought for home.
I keep mine in the trunk with my Traveller guitar. I love it. Best money I have ever spent on a piece of gear
I have the older thr10. Absolutely love the hall stereo sound & portability. Even use pedals with it. Acoustic or electric, it’s my most used amp. May have to retire it in favor the newer, “bigger” model.
I have this amp and it is amazing. I returned my spark amp and then bought this. The Spark has impressive sounds, but I just find this one to be better. Today (oct 28 2020) they launched a firmware update that changes de way sound is output through the speakers that made the amp even better.
Seeing how this is battery/rechargeable, makes me wish I would have gotten this vs the spark.
@@rebelcat420 I definitely recommend it. The Spark is so hot right now that it’d probably be an easy sale. Just consider that this amp is worth 500 bucks, about double the spark.
How do we upgrade it? Just got the this amp for 3 weeks.
@@abd-ix5qd you need to do it vía usb with your laptop . You need to download the latest the remote app, and once you have it connected, click the settings icon and you’ll se an option to update it.
great amp. love these commercials Darrell!
I’ve owned a lot of small solid state amps. I’ve had the new Yamaha THR10ii for a year now. It stands out above the rest.
Darrell, when are you going to compare the Spark to the Yamaha? You've reviewed them both. How about a head to head for those trying to decide which to buy?
Yeah I would really like a head to head between these amps. Can't decide! I think the Spark is more versatile with its tab and jamming features but don't know!
Yes I would love to see that comparison
I have the yamaha thr10x and the spark. The spark has a lot more options but imo the yamaha sounds much better. It sounds livelier and more airy than the spark. I bought the spark thinking it would replace the yamaha , nope I'm still playing my yamaha!
@@dragnasty540 thanks for the post. That is helpful. I'd still like to see a feature for feature comparison video done though. And @Darrell braun guitar if you're listening I'd like to have the sound from the actual speakers not through the USB to computer since that is the way most of us will be using it.
I had both, along with many other desktop amps, and the Yamaha is significantly better than the Spark. The Spark has a lot of killer features like tonecloud, limitless pedals and a great app. However, the chord finder and backing drummer is not good enough to be useable, and those were the features apart from the various tones that set it apart. The sound is very bass heavy, with a boxy muffled sound on almost every tone. There is also a grounding issue on them that causes hum. Dimension size it is also much bigger and heavier than the THR10. You would be pretty happy with it if you have not listened to other desktop amps. The THR10 has a boxy sound only on a few tones, the rest of them are very spatial and clear. It is pretty easy to use with lots of tones, enough to get whichever tone you want dialed in, despite not having as many as the Spark. The THR overall wins and would recommend over the Spark. However, if you factor in other amps like the Nux Mighty Plug and Mighty Air, you may want to pick those. They have very nice signal processing and spatial sound. My most used is still the THR.
Those line-outs are a big differentiator from the Spark for sure.
Hey that’s a cool little amp. Maybe you could have a shoot out between the Yamaha and the Spark? Something to think about. Thanks for the demo. Stay safe
I owned the THR10X then sold it and bought the spark. I did not like the spark at all. I bought the thr10ii and love it.
@@shannonhawkins5739 Thank you for this! I did the exact same thing, got the 10X and sold it for Spark and was shocked on how bad it was. How does the Thr10ii compare to the Thr10X?
@@AxemanMessiah it sounds great!! The ring I like the best is that I can use an app on my phone or iPad to fine tune the settings and save them instead of having to hook up to my computer. Plus having all three original amps in one is really nice.
@@shannonhawkins5739 Thanks for the input! I am definitely considering trying one out. The BT connectivity must be a pleasure, it was tedious hooking it up to a PC every time an adjustment is needed. I am currently using the Nux Mighty Amp and Mighty Plug, check them out sometime, they are my favorite devices. I like it more than my old THR due to the versatility and also has the same BT connectivity to tweak sounds/play music.
Still rocking my older THR10 and it's a solid keeper. Into my pair of powered Carvin PA speakers it's almost like cheating. I even bypass the entire preamp and plug my acoustic guitar into a Boss VE8 with a Shure SM58 and into the THRs aux input for solo acoustic shows. Technology blows me away sometimes...
I think people overlook the Katana Air too much. If set up we’ll, it sounds great and it has insane effects features, the same as the big one.
Love your vids, and love the way you say "YAM-a-ha", lol. My usual failsafe way of determining someone is Canadian is to listen to them pronounce "about" as "aboot".
I have one, the headphone output sounds better and closer to what you have dialed in than the line out IMO. Also use the app to change the default cabinnets for some reason the default cabinnets assigned suck.
Dear Darrell, you should have said something about the THR Remote app. It gives the user many more opions with effects, cabinet types, etc.
Can you please make a video on how to upgrade a squier tele?
I have a Spark and love it. It's a fantastic little practice amp. I run a cable from the headphone jack to my effects pedal input on my Crate VC50 Tube amp and shake the house.
I have notice throughput the years people talk about the portability and what its made out of and if its a sound card....blah blah....yeah this is something to talk about.
But could you imagine going to a restaurant and they tell you what your plate is made of..
Talk about amps first... sounds remeber those....and what models are included...then overdrive and tyoe...then effects and then all the other jargon.
Sound first
If those things would come with a foot switch for the save presets I would snap buy it ^^
Have older THR10 and use the Airturn BT 200 S2 bluetooth pedal (£50) set to mode 2 - works as up and down command on either THR Editor (PC) or THR Librarian app (Android, Tablet or phone) to change patches that are stored in app.
Boss Katana MKII review anytime soon? Thanks for all the great videos.
def sounds good inside hence practice amp, outside not so much lol can sound a bit boxy and small (obviously)
I had the 10 and returned it for a katana 50 mk2 and 50 bucks cheaper too !!!! . I was disappointed over all with the sound. Much happier with the Katana . Portability obviously is a plus ... just my 2 cents
This convinced me! Thank you!
Never showed it as a pedal platform. I have the older gen THR is pretty good!!
Hi Darrell 👋
So in your opinion what would you say is the better amp for having at my desktop to go into my PC and have it just as a practise amp in my small room? The Yamaha or the Spark?
Thanks in advance to anyone who's willing to give their 5 cents also! Keep up the good work Darrell
The Spark is no match. I had one and was super excited by all the positive reviews on UA-cam. Now I know the reviews were bogus. The Spark didn't last a week after the THRII moved in. Never sold a piece of gear so fast.
@@ssm445 Hi Michael thanks for the reply. That was my initial fear. I don't tend to trust items that get over marketed like the Spark was. It was everywhere on UA-cam at one point. I'll get looking into the Yamaha. Thanks again
@@locky828 You're welcome. I kind of saw the red flags but just wanted it to be as good as the reviews said. The Spark is less expensive, but I got a THR10II as B-stock for around the same money.
The 10 is 2*10 Watts, the 30 is 2*15 Watts (strange naming by Yamaha), and I found the 10 to be really loud enough and I don't need the battery. But I guess I will at some point try the 30, too.
If you get a THRII, my Goto-Sound for easy blues breakup is a Modern Crunch with a California 1x12 cab, all settings at noon but the gain (on 70), some reverb ... what a tone!
@@ssm445 Ah that's fantastic. Thank you so much. If I end up with one I'll reply to this and let you know what I think of your patch!
I was put off by the Line6 wireless recall
Great vid! I’d love to see you check out an Orange Crush amp! I’ve heard good things about the 35RT and CR60C, would be cool to hear what you think 🤘
Nice work as always!👏
I've been considering one. Been wondering, are these a little lacking in bass?
Agree with the comment that wanted you to compare with the Katana.😊
Darrel, you didn't actually answer the question in your video title.... is it the best desktop amp? Well, is it? 🤔🤔😁
Yes it is! Absolutely love mine and I have the spark,katana and headrush. The yamaha I play more than all of them!
Do you like this one or the Spark? I am a little disappointed in the Spark..
The Yamaha is IMO way better. The tube simulation is more precise
I have the yamaha thr10c. Its great!
Hi Darrell, how does this sound at a very low level? Do you still get a good tone out of this? Unfortunately I need to play as quiet as possible, due to kids and neighbours, but don’t want to wear headphones. Also, how does it compare, in your opinion, to the spark? Would be great to get a comparison as I can’t try any of them and not sure which one to buy. Your advise would be very appreciated, thanks!
The Yamaha is incredible at low volume ! Is clearly is it's best advantage because the keep the grain of the tube amp even though you are very quiet ! This amp really blew my mind and I am in love.
The Spark is great but not as good in sound dynamics and tube feel
Great content as always, thank you! Also, could you please review anything from Bad Cat?
I'm personally confused about what they did for the nylon guitars.?
thank you this is how to demo a product
Maaaaan I want one of these amps!
That would be nice for my Pacifica
Was looking for a good amp for acoustic guitar. Didn’t really touch on this. Any feedback on this amp for an acoustic?
I have the first version. Love it but this one here is on steroids lol. I need one of these fo show.
Great demo. I'm looking to get this amp. Can you play a backing track through the amp and jam over the backing track at the same time? Many thanks.
I need some advice. How do I build a home studio/UA-cam blog station minus the computer ?
Great stuff! Let me ask anyone, do you prefer this Yamaha amp or the Spark Amp? Thank you.
I thought about one of these amps for a long time tried it and etc. but I've been used to playing Fender Tube amps all my life and wonder if I get the Yamaha thr3011 will I start noticing that digital sound that I hate. I played through Garageband amps and they sounded great for a year but eventually I noticed something that I hate about the digital sound, maybe different nuances than a tube amp etc. They all sound great in the store if you know what I mean.
Anyone else hearing that tremelo on the clean sounds?
Is their a quality difference between using the usb vs getting a audio interface for the L and R. I’m always thinking about that. It’s hard to find answers with 2020 products.
No difference at all ! But the USB is for recording purposes (plugging into laptop or PC) and the line out is for plugging into a mix table or bigger speakers
5:35 - Was that part of Arabesque by Debussy? It sounded just like it!
It's just the minor scale played downwards in a specific pattern. Very common when improvising. But I guess Debussy knew what's good 😉
Shoot out between this and the Spark maybe? ;-)
Can you make a video how to spot a fake fender stratocaster?
Good work, DB. Woulda loved to hear that ran through a 2x12.
sounds pretty cool for a desktop, is there a foot switch option
Have older THR10 and use the Airturn BT 200 S2 bluetooth pedal (£50) set to mode 2 - works as up and down command on either THR Editor (PC) or THR Librarian app (Android, Tablet or phone) to change patches that are stored in app.
Get a proper amp like a Katana and run it on 0.5 W. Perfect for bedroom use and crank to 50/100W for anything else. Has all the effects anyone could need.
A light weight desktop stereo practice amp and interface with a small footprint that can run on batteries. That is what this amp format addresses, the Katana is a whole different format and that said a Blackstar HT 20 is a much more impressive version of that style of amplifier also having a 1 watt feature and of course genuine tube tone.
I have a THR10 and a Katana 100 and honestly play the Yamaha more. Mostly for the convenience and simplicity. I have it hooked up with a line 6 relay for wireless playing. The katana is great too of course and mostly gets used when I want to break out my pedals.
@@paulburton5150 totally agreed, i have a katana 100 and a thr and i'm selling the former, it's too loud and cumbersome for home use and tbh doesn't sound that good at really low volumes.
@@valebliz I sold my THR not because of the quality of the sound but because it lacks the depth and fullness of the Katana especially at low volumes. Each to his own and some have bigger bedrooms than others!
@@davids9192 i think the main issue here is defining what "low volumes" is.
Can you review the Schecter in the background , the explorer type guitar. I would love to hear your thoughts
I wonder why we don’t hear more about this amp. Apparently Spark has better marketing.
I think alot of the magic of this thing are from the way the speakers work. So to DI the amp isn't too good of a representation. Good video though!
Don’t they also make like Dual Channel 100W one that can emulate the tubes that it’s using too?
How viable is it for performing in a place like a small to medium sized room? If it's loud enough, this would be a perfect all-in-one for me.
Just in a room with other musicians would be fine but it can't compete with an acoustic drumset. (well maybe brushes)
So is this better than positive grid spark? Because I bought the spark on your recommendation.
So this or the spark 40? Is it sound vs features?
I’m loving the desktop amp niche! Despite its douchey looks, the Vox Adio Air is a strong amp as well.
My only gripe with this amp is the 5 preset bank 🙄 GREAT sound tho
Very much lacking thickness on the attack and sustain of the notes, as is the par for class D amplifiers. I'd like to hear an A/B between this and some analog solid state amps, like the Blues Cube or Peavey Bandit.
I saw this in a music store for YEARS and thought that it was just a head. I had no idea that it was a full combo amp.
This should come with the Yamaha Pacifica. Package deal!
They did come as a package deal last summer. I got a Pasifica and the amp.
@@jonbeargenx really? How much and where? Great starter package. I want to get one for my great grandniece.
@@dommadonia9207 I payed about 500$, but it was here in Norway. I am not sure where to buy it elsewhere. This also included two years of service at the store.
@@jonbeargenx that's a fair deal I will see if any local shops here in Ohio has that deal. Thanks for the reply.
There's SO MUCH more in the app. There's about a dozen cabinet models, there's a compressor and gate, which have some pretty fine controls available. All of the effects and reverbs all have better controls in the app. The desktop app does the same stuff via USB cable, though you need an old USB B cable. I wish Yamaha had caught up with modern times and had gone with a USB C port for computer AND charging.
It also sounds very good as a Bluetooth speaker for just playing music through, though there are only 3 EQ presets (available via the app).
I bought the amp as my "getting back into playing guitar" amp after a ~20 year hiatus, and I'm WAY happy with it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone.
I did the same, never got a good amp.
Running with the wireless adapter with the guitar through the room is so much fun.
Thanks for all the additional info
Spot on, I was going to point exactly the same things out - got the cheaper THR10ii, and extremely happy with it
Weeell, I use my phone for calls and texting, not a single program installed (the name is program, not "app" ;-) ).
So PC and USB it is. Hope it supports Linux.
@@iwonttell4958 Instead of your phone, you could use a tablet to use those apps.
That's my amp! And I have it on my desk!!
Do you like it?
Me too! Hard to find something better for an apartment. I love that thing!
Lol
@TeapotMullah 😹😹😹😹
Same here. And I bloody love it. Best bang for the buck I've ever spent on guitar 🎸
Is the battery replaceable or after 500 charge cycles do you gotta buy new one or would eletric take over after battery dead?
this is a good question... any one knows the answer?
After 500 charge cycles something better would have come out and you’d want to replace it.
I've got the original thr10c and thr10x. Love them both. Insanely fun to practice on and take to work so I can play on my breaks. I was tempted to pick up these new ones, but they don't offer a huge enough improvement over mine to justify rebuying the amp. I am still extremely tempted to grab the THR100h dual head and Yamaha 2x12 cab to get the same great sound with more versatility at any volume level.
The THRX is the bust sounding amp for rock and metal I've ever heard. I've played all their THR models but this little thing screams like a wall of Marshalls. They say the 30 has all the sounds of the other amps but it just isn't true. I've heard they are discontinuing the X so if I were you I'd hold on to that one. And as for all those dudes paying tens of thousands of dollars for old Marshalls and pedals trying to chase Van Halens Brown sound. If they only knew!!!! I bought one and sold it afterwards no amp sounded good to me. I wen't right back to the store and Paid a hundred bucks extra to get my own amp back. Worth every penny.
Please Yamaha give us a software update for a built in looper and come out with a wireless pedal. Would be the perfect bedroom/ practice amp
Lots of reviews for these little amps. Most everyone seems to like them and I'm sure they are as good as everyone says. But......to be fair, I'm pretty sure this guy could plug a guitar into a cardboard box with a cheap 3 inch 10 watt speaker in it and make it sound amazing. : ).
There's a picture of Robert Fripp of King Crimson in red slippers playing a Helix through a White Yamaha THR30 set up for recording. If it's good enough for Robert Fripp, it's good enough for me. (Actually I have the Black THRC. It's a nice little amp.)
I’m gonna gift this to my son on his 18th Birthday. He’ll be born in the next 6 months. ;-)
Great video, thanks for sharing. Love what Yamaha are doing with the THR range.
I've had one of the THR10's for over 5 years now. It was a gamechanger when it came out and still sounds great.
I'm not an app guy but the app with the Yamaha is super easy and really brings the amp alive particularly being able to change the cabinet configuration..WOW!
Very nice overview! I have many amps, and this gets used way more than any of my others. It also does a decent job with an acoustic. I realize you can not cover everything in a short review, but the app opens up a huge amount of additional sounds! Also, there are a ton of great presets made by owners/fans available online for free. My only complaint is, for the price, Yamaha should have included the Line 6 wireless transmitter - especially since they own the company now.
I have the THR10X and I just strap it to my back and walk around town and play metal. Most people think it is hysterical - most. . . .
What do you connect it to tho? It's not wireless like this one is...
@@staszewaM I plug it in directly to my guitar.
@@fullclipaudio Your guitar has a power outlet? I mean the power supply, as THR10X needs to be connected to a power supply to work.
@@staszewaM It runs off of batteries.
@@fullclipaudio Oh, you're right. It does have one at the bottom, although the batteries are not supplied. How long do they last?
Straight away, I’m hooked on the Boutique setting just as Darrel demo’d here! I’ve got 2 kit amps I’ve put together with my son, and they really pop with my old Axis!
I just might have to give this lil’ Yamaha amp a shot! 😎👍
Glad you reviewed this amp darrell. I bought one recently and it's awesome! One other great feature to note about using the app is that although there's only spring and hall reverb on the actual amp, you can access plate and room reverb. Which can be fine tuned and saved to the amp. Sounds really cool. Also there's a compression pedal on the app plus a handful of speaker cabinet options which are noticeably different. Great review. Great amp!
I had the THR10X and loved it. When they came out with the new version I was going to get the 30 but it was out of stock. I ended up buying the new spark amp but it sounded like crap. Sent it back and ended up getting the thr10ii. Sounds great and costs a little less. The rechargeable battery, wireless receiver and line outs were not really important to me.
I have a THR10C.😉
The Yamaha THR and Positive Grid Spark are both awesome amps. I would like to see which one Darrell likes better.
I'm definitely not Darrell but to me the Yamaha is 100x better than my Spark, which is very muddy
@@surfinjim I own neither but I've heard many demos of both. At that size, both are compromises in the room sound for sure.
But between the Spark and this, this sounds way better to me. But I have a negative bias (no pun intended) about the Spark to begin with as I own Bias FX (old and new versions) and could never get a usable tone of of it. Bias FX sounds digital and fake to me with weird high end artefacts. I do not hear that here but I do hear it in the Spark, especially with cruch and higher gain tones. It's not the old Pods "fizz", it's weirder than that. Yes the Yamaha is a bit boxy in the room and all but so is the Spark and it's normal with these speaker and enclosure sizes.
My Katana head is serviceable as a practice amp but sounds nothing like when I plug it into my 4x12. A 5 inch speaker just can't. The Yamaha from what I'm reading has 2 x 3.5" speakers so it is what it is too in the room. Not sure about the Spark but it's a higher wattage so should sound better on paper. I just doesn't to me in demos.
I assume we were hearing the room sound here. If that was through USB or line outs, that's way less convincing.
I've got the spark and thr10x ( metal version ) and honestly the yamaha is far better overall as a amp
my main complaint is rock / metal stuff on the spark is very muddy and bass heavy
for blues stuff it's quite good but that's the only use I have for it
I'm hoping there's a update or new revision of the spark that improves the sound but until then I just have a expensive speaker system
@Kizzy C lol sponsorships
I hate it when a popular youtuber gets handed a musical piece and has to lie about what it can / can't do
when i was checking out reviews I thought it was a great amp in video demos but when I tried it well it was all hype
@@And1slash I respectfully disagree. This amp is top of the bill for clean country rock and Heavy stuff. But from what i see in your name you probably are looking for that special metal sound? And the THR cannot please you in that way?
Review it against the Positive Grid Amp/ Monoprice Tube Amp/ Boss Katana 50....
I would like to see if he likes it better than the Spark
Vox Audio Air GT
I have tried it and it stands together with the Boss Katana. And both are better than the Positive Grid and waaay better than VOX air.
@@konstantingeorgiev7521 I have a Katana 50. Thinking of getting the Yamaha too. Would it be worth it ?
I've had the THR 10c for a while. Initially didn't bond with it, but now love it and found that you can really sculpt the sound you want with the controls. It's a delicious sound without the need to be loud and therefore will save your ears in later life. I've seen repeatedly that people say the Spark is too bassy and the sound quality isn't as good as the THR.
I was trying to get one of these but there were none in the local stores D: ended up with a katana 50 mk ii
good choice !
Quite different amps tbh.
Amazon has everything.
@@bldallas including the road to local failure,,,
How do you like it? I have a THR 10, but looking at a Katana or old Fender Mustang (had a I mkI and sold it, but it was nice for my needs)
It's a good amplifier. But waay to expensive...
I love my THR30IIW amp. It is by far the best sounding portable amp i've ever tried. It sounds like a real amp with very good tube tones. I almost bought a spark which is a good lil amp but does not sound as good as the Yamaha. Just tried the Yamaha at the music store for kicks and was sold. I can't believe the sound of this small amp!!
Nice review, Darrell. I have an older THC10C that has served me well for several years. Not as much power as the one here, but good tones, lots of variety, and excellent build quality. I've never used mine on battery power - always plugged it in.