You implied that the Loog amp, with its singel nine-volt battery, would last a long time powered by that battery, while the Blackstar's AA cells would be "chewed up real fast." (3:19 - 3:37) A nine-volt alkaline battery typically holds about 5Wh of energy, and so powering a 3W amplifier (assuming it's a class-D amp), it'll last for maybe an hour or a bit more. An alkaline AA cell typically holds about 4Wh of energy, and so six of them wired in series to make nine volts would provide about 24Wh, which means they'll power a 3W amp for perhaps 5 hours. In other words, Blackstar uses those AA cells for a good reason - they'll last a lot longer.
Well, this was a tough fight. I wouldn't call those two amps equal. Yes, they are about the same size, same power rating, and both are probably better quality than most plastic battery-powered amps. The Loog looks very stylish, and I like its simplicity. But I don't like its sound. The Blackstar can sound veeery good, much better than most in this category. And it's still simple enough with its one knob tone shaping. It would definitely be my choice as a fist amp for my kid. I started with a battery-powered plastic amp as well about 30 years ago, a Marshall MS-2. It's still being sold, but back then, it was the only option available as far as I can remember. It sounded pretty crappy, but I was surprised that many of today's options don't really sound better. At least that's what I heard in a couple of comparison reviews that I watched here on RUclips.
You implied that the Loog amp, with its singel nine-volt battery, would last a long time powered by that battery, while the Blackstar's AA cells would be "chewed up real fast." (3:19 - 3:37)
A nine-volt alkaline battery typically holds about 5Wh of energy, and so powering a 3W amplifier (assuming it's a class-D amp), it'll last for maybe an hour or a bit more.
An alkaline AA cell typically holds about 4Wh of energy, and so six of them wired in series to make nine volts would provide about 24Wh, which means they'll power a 3W amp for perhaps 5 hours.
In other words, Blackstar uses those AA cells for a good reason - they'll last a lot longer.
Thank you for your insight. I appreciate you helping clarify the quality of each battery for viewers! Sending you good vibes for 2025
Well, this was a tough fight. I wouldn't call those two amps equal. Yes, they are about the same size, same power rating, and both are probably better quality than most plastic battery-powered amps. The Loog looks very stylish, and I like its simplicity. But I don't like its sound. The Blackstar can sound veeery good, much better than most in this category. And it's still simple enough with its one knob tone shaping. It would definitely be my choice as a fist amp for my kid.
I started with a battery-powered plastic amp as well about 30 years ago, a Marshall MS-2. It's still being sold, but back then, it was the only option available as far as I can remember. It sounded pretty crappy, but I was surprised that many of today's options don't really sound better. At least that's what I heard in a couple of comparison reviews that I watched here on RUclips.
These are not for me, I like this stuff when I was younger, I am no longer enjoying it in my age
Seems like your kinda out of tune or something
6:15
Yes. I was a bit out of tune. Haha good ear!