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Competition for the THR

Covers entire Yamaha THR range of guitar amps, heads and cabs.

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Buzzard Denmark
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Competition for the THR

Unread post by Buzzard »

Have you seen, heard or tried an amp that can give the Yamaha THR a run for the money ?
There's a lot of attempts out there, and now that the THR is getting older, a lot of competition has landed in the shops.

Here's one that comes close IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWoGkdvPcxo

The VOX Adio Air GT:

Adio represents a new style in modeling amps from VOX with cutting-edge looks that boldly feature VOX's traditional diamond grille cloth.
Rich sound is delivered by a 50W power amp and two 3” stereo speakers and realistic amp models powered by the latest modeling technology. Additionally, the Adio includes free Tone Room software that lets your Adio evolve as freely as your inspiration.

With the Bluetooth-equipped Adio Air, all controls can be performed wirelessly via Bluetooth.
You can edit amp parameters and enjoy extremely high-quality audio streaming from anywhere.

It's a multi-purpose guitar amp and audio speaker that’s equally at home in your living room, on stage, or on the go.
•Powerful 50W high-output amp.
•2 x 3” speakers for true stereo sound.
•Proprietary chassis design ensures powerful and clear sound.
•Sophisticated slant-body design.
•Eight hours of continuous operation using eight AA batteries.
•Lightweight design of only 2.9 kg / 6.39 lb.
•VOX's proprietary VET modeling technology perfectly reproduces the response of each amp.
•A wide range of up to 17 different realistic amp models
•Up to 19 types of high-quality effects.
•Tone Room software takes full advantage of the Adio's capabilities.
•Bluetooth MIDI support allows parameters to be controlled wirelessly.
•Delivers excellent, room-filling sound when used as an audio playback device.
•Bluetooth audio support lets you wirelessly stream your favorite songs.
•AUX input jack allows convenient jam sessions.
•Acoustage function generates a virtual “surround-sound” effect.
•Audio equalizer equipped with a bassilator circuit that generates a rich low-frequency range.
•Noise reduction when using high-gain sounds.
•Auto tuner that also supports dropped tunings.
•USB interface that lets you switch between three different routings.
•Bundled with JamVOX III.
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Saul Ukraine
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

Like the look of this one and especially with the bluetooth wireless midi :)

Another great product from KORG...who of course own VOX ;)
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by JDZ »

Just went through this exercise. The Adio looks like a quality amp, but silly or not I couldn't get past the looks. Also wasn't crazy about molded in handle.

It does look like it sounds great, has good features, etc., but I settled on a THR10C which waiting for Santa to deliver.
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Saul Ukraine
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

Noticed the video for that post wasn't working so have re-attached it. I still like how it looks. Probably an acquired taste of course but would like to get one in and give it a try.
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Buzzard »

Boss/Roland have created a worthy contestant to the THR and Line6 Relay G10 all built in one stunning unit. ((i)) The Katana-Air ((i))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw5OcPh5AC8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX121FRBDlU


online info found here: https://www.boss.info/us/products/katan ... 8+CES+2018


Premium Tone, Wireless Freedom

Meet the Katana-Air, the world’s first totally wireless guitar amplifier.
Featuring new cutting-edge wireless guitar technology developed by BOSS,
the Katana-Air gives you the freedom to jam and practice without hassling with guitar cables.
And with support for battery operation, there’s no need to plug into AC either, so you can literally play anywhere!

Though compact in size, the Katana-Air is serious about sound quality.
Equipped with pro amp tones and effects from the performance-class Katana amplifiers,
this wireless wonder delivers premium guitar sounds for any style of music.
To further extend the cable-free experience,
you can wirelessly edit and organize sounds with a dedicated app and jam with songs streamed from your smartphone.
With the innovative Katana-Air and your favorite axe, casual playing has never been more convenient and inspiring.


•Totally wireless guitar amplifier with newly developed BOSS technology delivers rock-solid sound with ultra-low latency
•Custom wireless transmitter plugs into any electric guitar and charges while docked in the amp
•Transmitter provides 12 hours of playing time on a single charge, and automatically enters standby mode to conserve the charge when no activity is detected
•Always ready to play, with motion sensing technology in the transmitter that instantly wakes the amp from power-saving standby mode
•Premium tones derived from the Katana stage amplifier series, with five unique amp characters and access to over 50 world-class BOSS effects
•Six onboard memories for storing favorite amp and effects setups
•Powerful stereo speaker system with full-range sound and up to 30 watts of power*
•Edit and organize tones wirelessly with the BOSS Tone Studio app for iOS and Android mobile devices
•Play along with music streamed wirelessly from a mobile device via Bluetooth®
•Amplifier powered by eight AA-size batteries or included AC adapter
•Aux in for connecting wired devices, plus headphones/recording out for silent practice and music production

*The Katana-Air produces 30 watts of power when connected to AC, and 20 watts of power when running on batteries.
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Saul Ukraine
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

Looks interesting for sure. Price is £389 though so quite a bit more expensive than the THR, VOX Adio Air GT, 30W Line 6 Spider V with G10 or Fender GT40 which with the foot pedal adds a looper into the mix. Of course the Line 6 Spider V's styling let's it down amongst this crowd so probably their Amplifi 30 would be a better comparison.
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Les Turnbull »

I would put the sender on a extension wire and clip it to my strap as the wammy bar would constantly hit the sender also sitting in a single chair noodling would squash the sender against the chair arm .
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

The sender unit does seem to be a bit on the chunky side but as an acoustic player it would not bother me too much as it would normally be attached to a jack on the bottom of the guitar not on the front.
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Buzzard »

Les Turnbull wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2018 10:36 am I would put the sender on a extension wire and clip it to my strap as the wammy bar would constantly hit the sender also sitting in a single chair noodling would squash the sender against the chair arm .
I guess it could be a problem if the output plug is located on the front, luckily most Yamahas have it on the side/bottom. :wink:
The ideal use is having a bar chair, and changing guitars often without having to change the strap to different guitars.
The transmitter goes in the pocket every time you go to get another twanger. ((i))

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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Buzzard »

Saul wrote: Tue Jan 09, 2018 5:55 pm Looks interesting for sure. Price is £389 though so quite a bit more expensive than the THR, VOX Adio Air GT, 30W Line 6 Spider V with G10 or Fender GT40 which with the foot pedal adds a looper into the mix. Of course the Line 6 Spider V's styling let's it down amongst this crowd so probably their Amplifi 30 would be a better comparison.
Looking at Andertons (UK) prices ....

Yamaha THR-10 , 249£
Line6 relay G10 , 119£

Total 368£

Boss Katana Air from Andertons: 389£ (when it arrives in the shop)

Considering that the Boss even features wireless control and jam tracks via iphone or ipad , I think the price is fair after all.
It's also a 30 watter. ((i))

I am not in buying mode nor gassing for this amp, but it certainly raised the bar when it comes to versatility and innovation.

When it comes to price, the Line6 Amplifi models are a great buy and design: (also Andertons prices)
Amplifi 30 , 205£
Amplifi 75 , 225£
Amplifi 150, 283£

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Peter
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

I'm just wondering if the wireless bit is really that important when playing in your own living room? I mean worth the extra cash over something that doesn't come with wireless?
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

By the way, Korg sent me the Vox Adio Air GT and the Starstream today...plus a really nice Takamine. Reviews coming!
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by jens5 »

I think the only problem with the Vox is that there's no Sporran included!
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Saul »

jens5 wrote: Wed Jan 17, 2018 7:53 pm I think the only problem with the Vox is that there's no Sporran included!
Ha ha, yes it is an acquired taste but I like it and my wife loves it. Looks quite smart sitting on the desk next to the mac. Only slight niggles are there is a slight bit of latency with the bluetooth streaming but I have had that on other devices so not a major thing. Works fine for streaming music but if your watching a youtube video you notice the lip sync is slightly out.

The other thing...which KORG are looking into is that it won't connect to the Tone Lab software via bluetooth. The software sees the amp but it just won't connect. Apart from that it's all good.
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Re: Competition for the THR

Unread post by Richiez22908 »

I bought a Katana Air. Kept it three weeks and returned it. Just could not compete with my THR. The wireless is great and unbelievably convenient. I may buy the Boss wireless set for my THR. The Katana Air, though, was a dissapointment. Not built as nicely as the THR, don’t like the controls as much. There’s no separate speaker output volume for guitar and the aux which I really like on the THR. The deal breaker was the sound. Katanas are known to sound great but this did not(in my opinion). Someone compared the sound to a little transistor radio and I say that’s pretty close. Nowhere near as open and dynamic as the THR. I tried to dial in the sound for three weeks but it’s just not good. A shame because I wanted to like and keep it. May work for some. It’s all so subjective. But I love my THR10 and will stick with it. I already have a Bluetooth adapter so may add the WL-20 and go full wireless.
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