Positive Grid Spark NEO Review: The Ultimate Practice Amplifier
Positive Grid’s Spark series has reached new heights with the Spark NEO, showcasing creativity and versatility like never before.
Score: 9/10
Final Impressions:
⊕ Incredibly user-friendly
⊕ Rich and detailed sound quality
⊕ Excellent connectivity and battery life
⊕ Exceptional value at its price point
⊖ Limited functionality as regular headphones
⊖ No portable carrying case included
With a blend of great sound, affordability, and ease of use, the Spark NEO earns its place as the top headphone amplifier on the market today—potentially the best iteration of the Spark series.
Price: $199/£199, available at positivegrid.com.
Introducing the Positive Grid Spark NEO
The Spark NEO brilliantly combines key features from the Spark amplifier line into a sleek set of wireless over-ear headphones.
After dealing with various living situations where cranking up an amp could disturb the peace, I was keen to find a solution that offered both convenience and high-fidelity sound.
Drawing inspiration from the successful Waza-Air headphones designed by Boss, the Spark NEO comes in at a more wallet-friendly $200.
It captures the essence of essential functionalities while steering clear of overly complex audio effects.
The set includes a wireless dongle for easy connection to your guitar, USB-C for charging, and impressive battery life.
User Experience
Utilizing the Spark NEO is a seamless experience, embodying the smooth interaction Positive Grid is known for.
While some advanced features found in other models may not be present, the intuitive app compensates by enhancing the overall user experience.
Control features on the headphones are straightforward, enabling easy navigation through presets and quick adjustments to volume.
When it comes to audio performance, the NEO impresses.
It delivers a well-rounded sound profile with crisp mids, clear highs, and robust bass, creating a performance feel reminiscent of jamming through a traditional amp.
While users may experience minor issues such as occasional buzzing or sporadic volume inconsistencies, the wireless connectivity remains strong, with very little latency.
The accompanying Spark app elevates the overall experience by introducing innovative features like AI-generated chord progressions and Smart Jam functionality, ensuring engaging and dynamic practice sessions.
Is the Spark NEO a Good Investment?
For musicians constrained by space or noise levels, the Spark NEO offers a transformative solution.
With a price tag of $200, it promises an immersive musical experience without disturbing others, making it a valuable investment for guitarists at all stages of their journey.
In conclusion, the Positive Grid Spark NEO is a remarkable testament to innovation and functionality, making it an essential addition to any guitarist’s toolkit.
Its user-friendly interface and versatile sound options ensure that players of all skill levels can find inspiration and create music effortlessly.
Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with popular music applications, enhancing the overall playing experience.
While the Positive Grid Spark NEO stands out for its impressive capabilities, the Line 6 HX Stomp features also offer a robust alternative for those seeking high-quality tone and effects in a compact form factor.