Yamaha THR-II series are versatile desktop amps with wireless capabilities, a range of sound variations, and a built-in rechargeable battery. They are compared with the BOSS KATANA-AIR, which also offers wireless features but has fewer tone and effect options. The THR-II series stands out for its design, sound quality, and functionality, despite being slightly more expensive.
●I’m looking for a desktop amp with guitar wireless.
●How does the Yamaha THR-II sound?
●I want to use a single amp for electric guitar, bass guitar, and acoustic guitar.
Yosh(@Yosh_Guitar), an ex-music store clerk, will thoroughly explain the advantages and disadvantages of the Yamaha THR-II series and even compare it with the BOSS KATANA-AIR.
THR-II Pros
Wide Range of Sound Variations
In addition to the improved sound quality over the first generation, it has 24 sound variations. The amount of distortion increases in five stages: “CLEAN”, “CRUNCH”, “LEAD”, “HI GAIN”, and “SPECIAL”. Each of these has three types of switches: “CLASSIC”, “BOUTIQUE”, and “MODERN”, for a total of 15 tones. There is quite a change beyond the EQ, so you can find your favorite tone in any type. There is no genre that it cannot handle. In addition to the guitar, there are also “BASS” for bass, “ACO” for acoustic instruments such as electric acoustic guitars, and “FLAT” for line output such as keyboards, each with three types of switches. The ability to handle various instruments with high sound quality is due to the full-range speakers, and this versatility is unique to small amps. The effects include CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, TREMOLO, ECHO, ECHO/REV, SPRING REVERB, HALL REVERB, *COMPRESSOR, *NOISE GATE, a total of 8+2 types.
Modern Design
One of the reasons for the success of the THR is its high design quality, which is not typical of a guitar amp. The THR-II also follows this design, and the light that pays homage to the vacuum tube is a design that guitarists will love. The display also functions as a tuner.
Bluetooth Audio
The THR-II is equipped with four wireless functions. The first is Bluetooth audio. By connecting to a smart device via Bluetooth, you can play music. Not only can you play the guitar along with the song you’re practicing, but there are also a large number of backing tracks for improvisation on YouTube, so you won’t run out of practice material. Unlike a typical guitar amp, it’s a full-range speaker that clearly reproduces from low to high frequencies, making it excellent for pure music listening. If your family doesn’t understand the guitar very well, you can use this as a reason to get permission to buy it.
Mobile, PC Editor App Compatible
The second wireless function is the dedicated editor app “THR Remote”. It is compatible with iOS/Android, and by connecting your smart device via Bluetooth, you can adjust the amp without leaving your seat. In addition, the app-only features include compressor settings, noise gate settings, a selection of 16 types of cabinet simulators, and the ability to save more presets than the device itself.
Built-in Guitar Wireless Receiver
The third wireless function is the guitar wireless feature. The device has a built-in wireless receiver. By using the simple wireless transmitter Relay G10IIT from its subsidiary LINE6, you can also make your guitar wireless. You might think, “Do I need wireless at home?” But once you try it, you’ll find it very convenient. It reduces stress during performance and helps keep your room tidy. And when you’re not using it, you can plug the wireless transmitter into the THR-II’s input for convenient charging, a major advantage not found in cheap wireless systems.
Built-in Rechargeable Battery
The fourth wireless function is the rechargeable battery. The first-generation THR had a high running cost, with eight AA batteries providing about 6 hours of operation, but the THR-II has a built-in rechargeable battery. The continuous operation time is about 5 hours. It can be used for outdoor performances or as a BGM speaker for outdoor activities. If you connect the amp, guitar, and mobile phone wirelessly and run it on battery power, you won’t need any cables.
USB Audio Interface
By connecting to a PC with a USB cable, you can record the high-quality sound of the THR as it is. It’s perfect for recording ideas and demos, as well as for streaming and video use. It also comes with the DAW software Cubase AI/LE, which is a nice point for those who want to start DTM.
THR-II Cons
Expensive for a Home Amp
The market selling prices are generally as follows: THR10II: $329.99 THR10II Wireless: $469.99 THR30II Wireless: $549.99 In addition, the separate wireless LINE6 Relay G10T is $109.99. Compared to the $429.99 of the wireless competitor BOSS KATANA-AIR, it cannot be denied that it feels expensive. Please refer to the specification comparison introduced later.
A Little Quirk in the Midrange
This is my perception, but I was bothered by the mushy midrange in many amp types. It seems to be the result of a sound conscious of tube tone, but some types drastically reduce this habit by switching to boutique or modern, so if you use them and adjust with EQ, you can get a satisfying setting. Also, the THR10II and THR30II have different speakers and outputs, but the THR10II has a clearer sound and this habit is reduced.****
THR-II Series 3 Models Comparison
| Specification | THR10II | THR10II Wireless | THR30II Wireless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $329.99 | $469.99 | $549.99 |
| Output | 20W(10W+10W) | 20W(10W+10W) Battery Drive 15W(7.5W+7.5W) | 30W(15W+15W) Battery Drive 15W(7.5W+7.5W) |
| Speaker | 8cm x 2 | 8cm x 2 | 9cm x 2 |
| Relay G10IIT Wireless | No | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Battery | No | Yes | Yes |
| Amp Mode Switch | App Only | App Only | Switch on Body and App |
| Line Out | No | No | Yes |
| Size | 368 x 183 x 140 mm | 368 x 183 x 140 mm | 420 x 195 x 155 mm |
| Weight | 3.0kg | 3.2kg | 4.3kg |
There are no differences in functions such as Bluetooth connection and the number of amp modeling. The main differences are as above, and if you want to make the most of the benefits of the THR-II series, either Wireless is recommended. If I were to replace the amp I’m currently using, it would be the THR10II Wireless. As for the sound quality, it is as described in Disadvantage 2, and 20W is more than enough volume at home, and even if you can’t switch the amp mode on the body, there is no problem if you put it in the 5 presets, and when you put it at home, this small size is the best. If anything, if you need a volume that assumes outdoor street live and drumless band performance at a cafe bar, it would be THR30 Wireless.
BOSS KATANA-AIR Comparison
| Specification | THR10 II Wireless | KATANA-AIR |
|---|---|---|
| Market Price | $469.99 | $429.99 |
| Output | 20W(10W+10W) Battery: 15W(7.5W+7.5W) | 30W (15W+15W) Battery: 20W(10W+10W) |
| Speaker | 8cm x 2 | 7.5cm x 2 |
| Amp Type | 24 | 5 |
| Effects | 10 | 5 |
| Tuner | Yes | App Only |
| Battery | Built-in Battery | 8 AA Batteries |
| Operating Time | 5 Hours | 7 Hours |
| Line Out | No | Yes |
| Size | 368 x 183 x 140 mm | 350 x 181 x 144 mm |
| Weight | 3.2kg | 2.2kg |
The BOSS KATANA-AIR, which has features close to the THR-II. The main features such as guitar wireless, wireless transmitter charging in the body, Bluetooth audio, and editor app are mostly the same. However, THR-II has more effects and amp variation.
Personally, I was under the impression that KATANA-AIR was superior to the first THR’s HIGH GAIN in terms of sound. However, with the introduction of the HI GAIN variation and the even more distorted SPECIAL from THR-II, THR has completely surpassed its quality for both high-gain riffs and solos. The sound of KATANA-AIR can be described as tight at best, and at worst, lacking in bass range and depth. Also, KATANA’s clean has a clear but hard sound similar to Peavey 6505, and I was not a fan of THR’s warm clean like Fender or other combos. The THR has always been better in terms of cleanliness, but now it can be made clearer with more variation. You can listen to the great tube-like clean sound by Toshiki, a Japanese neo-soul guitarist, in the below video.
YAMAHA THR-II is recommended for those who:
- I like clear and well-defined sounds.
- I want to play comfortably with a rechargeable battery/guitar wireless because cables get in the way.
- I want to use it with bass and acoustic guitar.
