Amplifiers

Back in 2019, Positive Grid launched an impressively flexible and affordable tone master called the Spark amp. The company downsized the format for the Mini last year, and has now done it again for the ultra-portable Spark Go.

Astell&Kern has launched a combined a digital audio player and desktop headphone amplifier that's built around a dual-tube Triple Amp System and is the first product to feature the latest flagship DAC from ESS.

Rotel has launched an integrated hi-fi amplifier that allows direct access to popular streaming services from the unit itself, in addition to offering wireless playback and analog connection to other hi-fi components. Just add speakers.

Last year, Roland rebranded its capable long-running combo amp for street musicians with the Boss logo. Now the companies continues the Boss Cube line with a pair of practice amps – one for guitarists and the other for bass players.

Denmark's Audiocase has launched a pair of super-loud portable Bluetooth speakers on Kickstarter that can also serve as a battery powered PA, guitar or vocal amp, daisy chained sound system or party karaoke machine.

Back in 2019, Positive Grid launched the extraordinary Spark practice amp for guitarists. We got to take one for review last year and were mighty impressed. Now a Mini version has launched with a built-in battery for play anywhere portability.

Denmark's Kombo Audio has combined a battery-powered amplifier, PA system, mixer, effects and wireless connectivity for a sound system specifically designed for musicians, allowing for live performances in the back yard, at the beach or out at sea.

McIntosh Labs has reworked the iconic monoblock amplifier that powered the sound system at the 1969 Woodstock music and art fair. Rocking the spirit of the original, the MC3500 Mk II boasts a similar look but benefits from a host of modern upgrades.

Startup Amonito has launched an all-in-one guitar amplification package shaped roughly like an ammonite that offers analog tube-driven sounds and digital effects. And there's a lot to like here, apart from the rather high price of entry.

Paul Reed Smith Guitars has tapped into the Woodstock spirit for two new rig additions to its HXDA family, the PRS HX100 and HX50 amplifiers, which are inspired by a newly documented Jimi Hendrix touring amp circuit.

A world-leading guitar amp and effects emulation company has distilled much of its digital wisdom into a tiny but mighty sub-$300 practice amp that gives you one-touch, free access to more than 10,000 editable tones and some very smart learning tools.

IK Multimedia has given a helping hand to content creators looking to give their recorded or streamed visuals a pro-level audio boost with the iRig Pre 2, a battery powered pre-amp that connects XLR microphones to mobile devices or digital cameras.