Orange Crush Vs. Spark Go Mini Amp: Which is Better?
I’m a mini guitar amp enthusiast who loves powerful gear that fits in the palm of my hand. My two favorites: the Positive Grid Spark GO mini amp and the Orange Crush mini.
But if I could only reach for one, which would I pick first? And which one should you buy first? Answers to these questions depends on your big guitar-playing goals, budget, and a few other factors. Let’s take a closer look:
The Positive Grid Spark GO Mini Amp
I swear, this sleek amp shaped like a clutch (with a wrist hook) is made for a lady. And it’s a powerful beast. I’ve toted it everywhere, along with a guitar cable and my phone. It’s a creative person’s dream: The Bluetooth amp connects to the Positive Grid app, which gives players access to a library of 33 amp models (43 effects).
Some of the practice tones sound better than others, but I’ve only begun to explore the possibilities. It’s like my digital Fender Mustang amp, but better (though you’ll still need that bigger amp for most gigs).
What’s important to note is that you don’t necessarily need a phone to use it. Just plug your guitar cable directly into a standard 1/4-inch input jack on the side, and play.
Price: $119
Core Technology: Smart Digital Modeling
Output Power: 5 Watts
Sounds Available: 33 amp models (43 effects) via Positive Grid App
Power Source: Rechargeable battery
Connectivity: Bluetooth Audio, USB-C Recording Interface
[SEE RELATED: The Spark GO Mini Bluetooth Amp: a Review]
The Orange Crush Mini Amp
The Orange Mini 3-watt Micro Amp is stylish, lightweight, and compact. This makes it perfect for travel, or for loaning out to students or friends who need a basic amplifier.
It also sounds great for a 3-watt amp. If you don’t like instructions, just tune the knobs a little this way and that way, and you’ll quickly land on the clean or crunch sound you’re looking for. The analog speaker can also double as a gig head,” according to Orange. I didn’t try this, but it’s good to know!
Also, the price of $75 is hard to beat for all of the above. An added bonus: The amp comes with a built-in tuner in case the player doesn’t have a Snark tuner handy!
Price: $79
Core Technology: Solid-State Analog
Output Power: 3 Watts
Sounds Available: 1 Channel (Clean to heavy distortion)
Power Source: 9V Battery or 9V DC Adapter
Connectivity: Aux In, Headphone Out, 8-Ohm Cabinet Out
[SEE RELATED: Orange Crush Mini 3 Watt Micro Amp: A Review]
The Verdict: Which is Better?
If you like sleek gear you can stash in your purse, and you are game for trying lots of fun effects, you’ll love the Spark GO mini amp.
But if you’re exhausted from screens and want something easy and old-school, the analog Orange Crush Mini amp is the way to go. You don’t need instructions. Just tune the knobs and you’ll figure it out. It’s a fun, bright amp perfect for Halloween season and beyond. Plus, the low price is super compelling.
If you can get both, you won’t regret it.
However, there has to be a favorite child, and I do have one.
The Spark GO mini amp, which I recently slid into a backpack for a trip on a train — to practice while visiting my hometown — is the winner. You can pretty much take this baby anywhere. You can use a phone charger to charge it. It’s the most convenient piece of gear I own. And, therefore, the winner here.
