“the EQ doesn't work, and the system can't use gain loud without a loud hissy fit, rendering useless for many purposes”

44% of 39 verified owners recommend the Positive Grid Spark 40.
Affiliate blogs here say 100% recommend, while the owner-based score is 44%. They earn a commission on every sale — so we show them for transparency but never let them move the score.
The headline score reflects owners (Reddit, enthusiast forums), independent lab tests, and blogs with no affiliate links. YouTube and affiliate blogs are shown for perspective but kept out — hover the i for why.
“the EQ doesn't work, and the system can't use gain loud without a loud hissy fit, rendering useless for many purposes”
“If you're buying this because you're a beginner or thinking of buying it for someone else starting out, this is a fantastic learning and practice amp. Arguably, for its price, it is in a league of its own.”
“I use it and enjoy it but the sound doesn’t compare to the katana imo”
“the Spark is more of an all-in-one kind of unit”
“The Positive Grid Spark 40 might just be the ultimate at-home amp. The tones are great, and the smart tech is indeed smart.”
“The Spark 40 isn’t bad by any means but I think the THR is a better and simpler (in a good way) package”
“Spark 40 costs around $250, and I would rate this amp 4.5 stars out of 5, maybe not because of its sound but because of its versatility and helpful, innovative features. It undoubtedly elevates the digital modeling amps to another level with its innovative solutions.”
“I wouldn't recommend a positive grid product to someone who wants to learn to play the guitar”
“as a practice amp its already there”
“something big that I like from the spark is that it is also an audio interface”
“The spark 40 I have does not like hot or high output pickups or pickups close to the strings”
“I hate that the Spark isn't portable, muffled, and the auto chords are wrong half the time”
“I use a spark as my practice amp, and that’s never happened to me”
“you really can't beat that price, so I'd say it's a winner”
“the mustang will likely give you what you describe better than the Spark”
“PG flat out stinks when it comes to anything going wrong with their amps”
“I’ve had mine for about 4 years now and still going strong”
“I have never been all that impressed by Positive Grid's modeling”
“I have the Spark 40 and overall it's a great practice amp”
“I’ve had it for a few days and I’m quite impressed”
“it was very digital and thin sounding in comparison with my amp”
“I’m on my second Spark 40 and it’s no longer working properly”
“Just played with my dad's yesterday and I'm a fan”
“I use mine everyday input jack is fine. 3 years”