​​Boss Katana vs Positive Grid Spark [2023 Comparison]

Modeling amps have effectively given the average musician the opportunity to own literally thousands of different (virtual) pedals and amplifiers, for the price of one solid-state practice amp. Boss have cemented their reputation as one of the top manufacturers of modeling amps with their Katana line, but competitors pop up frequently to take their shot at the top spot – including manufacturers like Positive Grid.

In this KillerGuitarRigs Review, we’ll be comparing the Boss Katana to the Positive Grid Spark. We’ll learn about the features and functions, and which of the two is most worthy of your consideration.

Read more about our review process.

Models & Prices

The most apparent difference between the Boss Katana and the Positive Grid Spark is the difference in model variety. Boss offers a much more complete range, while Positive Grid offers the same amp in 2 colors.

As briefly mentioned above, the entry point to the Boss Katana range is the Katana Mini, a 7-watt, portable micro amp that usually retails around $100.

Also available in the Katana lineup is the ever-popular Katana 50 MKII (full review here), a 50-watt combo that can normally be purchased for around $260. There’s also the Katana 100 in 1×12” (around $380) or 2×12” (around $500).

At the top of the Boss Katana range is the Artist Series MKII 100-watt combo, which is typically available from around $600.

Boss Katana 50 MKII - Sound Demo (no talking)

The Positive Grid Spark range is a lot more straightforward. There are two versions available of what is essentially the same model. The standard Spark (full review here), which has an MSRP of $299 (but is frequently on sale closer to $270), and the Spark Pearl featuring limited-edition white Tolex can be found for around $290.

Positive Grid Spark Demo

Features

The Boss Katana and the Positive Grid Spark are both quality modeling amps, and as such have some similar features. There are, however, some pretty major differences between the two. Keep reading as we learn what separates these amps and how those features benefit the user.

Amp Voicings

The Katana has a good variety of amplifier voicings (5 presets total), including clean, crunch, lead, acoustic, and brown. The Brown voicing is based on the Boss Waza amp. The others are all generic models, but the tones they produce are really quite exceptional. We found them to be punchy and clear, with an exceptional midrange. The crunch and brown voicings gave us some great high-gain growl and the clean setting gave us bell-like clarity.

The Positive Grid Spark offers a good collection of classic and modern amp models with 30 built right into the system out of the box. The amps are mostly inspired by famous models from most of the big-name brands, including Fender, Marshall, and Orange. We really loved the clean tones from the ‘Plexiglas’ model. For high-gain sounds, we thought the Treadplate was the best model.

Both the Katana and the Spark can load additional amp models, and both options have a healthy community of enthusiasts creating new models. So while the preloaded options are limited, there are tens of thousands of other voicings to download.

Spark Vs Katana - Which is The Best Practice Amp?

FX

The Katana may have significantly fewer built-in amp voicings, but the selection of onboard FX beats the Positive Grid Spark handily. The Katana 50 comes preloaded with 60 digital recreations of Boss’ most famous pedals. One of the few weak points of this amp is that in order to properly manipulate the FX, you have to make changes in the Boss Tone Studio software. Tone Studio is a great app that actually lets you make signal chains similar to using a pedal board, but it’s not something you can adjust on the fly.

The Spark gets 40 preloaded effects, which just like the amps are inspired by some of the world’s best-known and most loved pedals, including compressors, overdrive pedals, modulation effects, and reverb options. Like the Katana, the Spark allows for the creation of signal chains, which can be saved to any of the four banks.

In all, the FX on the Boss were in our opinion superior. The Spark’s effects were fine, but were vaguely reminiscent of a ’90s Zoom multi FX processor. Not bad, just lacking any real character. Again, for both amps, there are thousands of other FX that can be downloaded, but our experience out of the box leaves the Katana as the clear winner.

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Speakers

The Boss Katana 50 MKII is a very traditional-looking combo amplifier. It’s equipped with a single 12” Katana-branded speaker. Despite only being paired to a 50-watt amp, this speaker can really move some air. It is more than sufficient for everything from bedroom practice to small and maybe even medium-sized gigs. The speaker is very well made, and even at high gain levels, it never gets “quacky”. Tones are consistently tight no matter which voicings you use or which FX are loaded.

The Positive Grid Spark is a very different animal. As can be seen by looking at it, it clearly can’t house a 12” speaker, nor can it fit an 8” speaker. In fact, the Spark is fitted with 2 4” speakers and a bass reflex cabinet. It’s built much more like a speaker than a guitar amp and truthfully, that’s how we found the sound to be. It was very bass-heavy, similar in fact to a Bose stereo speaker. The use cases for the Spark, despite the fact that it has 40 watts of power, are really limited to bedroom or garage practice. It begins to break up in an unpleasant way at high volume, but to its credit, it was never really designed for gigging.

Useability 

The Katana plays very much like a standard Solid State amp. The modeling features are mostly controlled through the Tone Studio software before you play, and loaded into the amp to enjoy without the computer running. The control layout is good, however, and although it doesn’t have any bells and whistles like LED screens, it’s still easy enough to navigate. Having the available foot controller (sold separately) does make the Katana even easier to use.

The Spark might just be the ultimate modeling amp for beginners. It’s great for players of all levels, but the built-in backing tracks, chord recognition, and riff training are incredible features. The amp pairs to the Spark app, letting you interact in ways that no other amp can. The app really is the Spark’s party piece. Without it, there’s nothing particularly special besides the compact desktop size.


Final Thoughts on the Boss Katana vs. the Positive Grid Spark 

Once again, the Boss Katana proves that simple features done well will fend off competition from alternatives. The Spark is a great little amp (one of our favorite small amps), but the small speakers and uninspired FX result in a real lack of versatility. The Spark app is truly a breakthrough, but it reveals the amp for what it is, a one-trick pony. If you’re choosing between these two, we’d recommend the Boss Katana every time.

  • Simon Morgan

    Simon is an Orlando based musician, but originally hails from Newcastle, England. He started playing bass and guitar in 1998, and played the local scene throughout his teen years before running away to work on ships. These days his passion is budget guitars, amps and pedals - though he's not afraid of the finer things.