NAD: Spark MINI

bertie

Switch625 said:

Would've got one if I didn't have the Spark 40. Would still like to pick one up in the future maybe second hand.

well if its not "better" than my THR.................... you never know 

Barnezy

Surely PG are working on a full sized amp. What are peoples thoughts if that happened. Would create quite a good ecosystem from practice to gig with interchangeable accessories like the BT foot switch. 

Given the 40 was their first ever HW attempt, they haven’t done too bad and this Mini shows they are improving on HW design. 

A full sized amp with 2x8” full range stereo speakers, so the same tones can be used as on the practice amps. 

RaymondLin

I personally wouldn't be interested in a bigger version of the same thing, with the apps feature etc, i really don't need louder or bigger.  But never say never though...

bertie

RaymondLin said:

I personally wouldn't be interested in a bigger version of the same thing, with the apps feature etc, i really don't need louder or bigger.  But never say never though...

this  -  I think the appeal is they've brought something "new"  (or good/better) to the portable/micro/jam/practice amp arena
Other channels are already well saturated with competitors 

RaymondLin

Had an early surprise today when I got a notification that it was delivered to work!

The box it came in was much bigger but the actual amp is tiny.  And yes, first impression is that the default setting everything sounds like it is washed with reverb!








Came with just a Handle Strap and a USB-C to USB-A cable.



The back of it has headphones out and Aux in.  The port is at the bottom. It's also only as deep as the flat part pf the Spark 40 at the top.



For size comparison.

Barnezy

So much delay and reverb in the default settings! 

Let me know your thoughts when you’ve done the firmware update and made a tone you like. 

Any you make, you can save as the default tone on the device. 

RaymondLin

Barnezy said:

So much delay and reverb in the default settings! 

Let me know your thoughts when you’ve done the firmware update and made a tone you like. 

Any you make, you can save as the default tone on the device. 

Just played around with it more now.  This this is deceptively loud, both in volume and also perceived size of the sound stage.  I really like it, it interacts with my guitar like a tube amp would, it cleans up well as i expect and my PRS SE in the photo above (which is unpotted) does that squeal on command which i love weirdly.

bertie

still now't here    - 

so I ordered a Worx cordless SDS drill to make up for it  (I already have a load of worx powershare stuff)

===================================================================================

EDIT

just had a txt  - its arriving (oh and now an email, literally as I type)  on Wednesday (the Spark not the drill   )

RaymondLin

Yay !!!

I think after so many versions of "practice amp" malarky, this is probably going to be my go to from now on.  It's so small it fits on the palm of my hands.  I can charge it with lots of things in the house unlike the Spark 40 or THR where i have to find their own dedicated PSU.  It also sounds good too.  May be because it's small so in my mind i set the bar low but it really does sound pretty good.

Makes me think why do I need all the other amps now...

But for £160...it is quite expensive for something this small, then again, I also paid the same for a Klone pedal...so in that regard this is a bargain.

bertie

@RaymondLin ;  -  your thoughts on the comparison to the THR ? 

RaymondLin

bertie said:

@RaymondLin ;  -  your thoughts on the comparison to the THR ? 

I haven't done direct back to back comparison yet, will let you know.   

bertie

RaymondLin said:

bertie said:

@RaymondLin ;  -  your thoughts on the comparison to the THR ? 

I haven't done direct back to back comparison yet, will let you know.   

just "gut feel"  and owner/user based observations is all really  

RaymondLin

bertie said:

RaymondLin said:

bertie said:

@RaymondLin ;;;  -  your thoughts on the comparison to the THR ? 

I haven't done direct back to back comparison yet, will let you know.   

just "gut feel"  and owner/user based observations is all really  

Oh, if you offer them both to me at their RRP.  I would pick the Mini.

I would say the THR do sounds nicer, i think it's because it has 4 speakers in that one? but the Mini is just easier to use, put away.  The main advantage of the THR is the treble/base knob with the various mods at the top.  Each has their pro/cons but I think the MINI wins it for what the purpose of it is.

USB-C is a big part of that, can literally power it with the port from my computer or Xbox.

I would actually rank them in the order of Mini > THR > Spark 40.

The Mini over the THR for convenience and size
The THR over the Spark 40 for sound and battery powered convenience

The Spark 40 is fine after a mod but because it needs the brick, it's rooted to the spot, for a living room thing where i move it around and often in the middle of the room on the coffee table, I want that wireless feature.

bertie

thanks @RaymondLin


oh,  the SDS drill arrived just now - its great       

Barnezy

bertie said:

thanks @RaymondLin


oh,  the SDS drill arrived just now - its great       

How does it sound?  

bertie

Barnezy said:

bertie said:

thanks @RaymondLin


oh,  the SDS drill arrived just now - its great       

How does it sound?  

like my wife

bertie

just had an email "partial shipment"

looks like the "crimson grille"  is delayed

RaymondLin

Yeah, or that might be the one coming on a boat from China.

bertie

txt  -  "your DPD driver will be delivering it between 11:28 and 12:28"

if he doesnt get washed away before hand  (yep its raining a bit...............................)

bertie

its heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrrrre