Help choosing a home practice amp: Boss Katana Mini X vs Blackstar ID:Core V4 (10/20W)?

[kaidh]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a new home/bedroom practice amp around ~150 € and I’m trying to decide between two options:

• Boss Katana Mini X
• Blackstar ID:Core V4 (10 W or 20 W version)

I currently use a Blackstar LT-Echo 10, but it feels limiting — especially for effects and gain tones. Built-in effects are important to me (delay, reverb, modulation), not just clean and distortion channels.

I mostly play rock / alternative / indie, but I’d like something versatile enough for different styles as I progress.

Specific questions:

1. Which of these amps has better built-in effects in real use (tone and usability)?
2. Which one sounds better for clean, crunch, and lead tones at low volume?
3. Is the ID:Core V4 20 W worth it over the 10 W model for home use?
4. Which one do you think will be more inspiring and useful long-term as I improve?
5. Are there other amps around this price with good built-in effects worth considering?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Frodebro]

Personally, I would choose BOSS/Roland over Blackstar every time. Roland has been in the digital game for a LONG time and Blackstar is just starting to dip their toes in the water.

 

[timbuck3]

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a new home/bedroom practice amp around ~150 € and I’m trying to decide between two options:

• Boss Katana Mini X
• Blackstar ID:Core V4 (10 W or 20 W version)

I currently use a Blackstar LT-Echo 10, but it feels limiting — especially for effects and gain tones. Built-in effects are important to me (delay, reverb, modulation), not just clean and distortion channels.

I mostly play rock / alternative / indie, but I’d like something versatile enough for different styles as I progress.

Specific questions:

1. Which of these amps has better built-in effects in real use (tone and usability)?
2. Which one sounds better for clean, crunch, and lead tones at low volume?
3. Is the ID:Core V4 20 W worth it over the 10 W model for home use?
4. Which one do you think will be more inspiring and useful long-term as I improve?
5. Are there other amps around this price with good built-in effects worth considering?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

The id 40 ver4 is what I would get

 

[gearJunkie]

Yamaha THR5 10-watt 2 x 3-inch Modeling Combo Amp

It's about $100 more than the other 2 you mentioned, but well worth waiting a few weeks to save up the extra cash for the THR5.

If that's not a realistic option for you, then I agree with @Frodebro and recommend the Katana Mini X.