Boss Waza Tube Amp ExpanderFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 32 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment62%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 32 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You need a footswitchable volume boost for lead breaks on a cranked non-master-volume amp
  • You want to add an effects loop or send/return to a vintage amp that lacks one
  • You gig regularly with multiple tube amps and need variable, non-notched attenuation

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You want top-tier built-in reverb/delay quality rather than just functional effects
  • You need Bluetooth/mobile app control instead of a laptop-based editor
  • You're sensitive to price and can get similar results with a cheaper attenuator plus stomp-based FX

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Lightweight and gig-friendlyTube-like tone and feelExcellent clean channelExpensive, hard-to-find Tone CapsulesInconsistent or harsh crunch channelNo included footswitch
Lightweight and gig-friendly
Tube-like tone and feel
Excellent clean channel
Expensive, hard-to-find Tone Capsules
Inconsistent or harsh crunch channel
No included footswitch
2Premium
Exceptional tonal versatilityGreat cleanup via guitar volumeBig, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattageDark, bass-heavy voicing for somePrice relative to alternativesRequires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Exceptional tonal versatility
Great cleanup via guitar volume
Big, huge-sounding tone for its size/wattage
Dark, bass-heavy voicing for some
Price relative to alternatives
Requires volume-knob technique, not true multi-channel
Best value
3Mid
Exceptional versatilityGreat with pedals / clean platformLong-term keeper ampCleans not its strongest suitFizzy or excessive gain out of the boxStock preamp tubes considered weak
Exceptional versatility
Great with pedals / clean platform
Long-term keeper amp
Cleans not its strongest suit
Fizzy or excessive gain out of the box
Stock preamp tubes considered weak
4Mid
Detailed, warm sound qualityGood speaker pairing versatilityHEOS streaming and internet radio convenienceAirPlay over Ethernet reliability issueDAC only active via optical/coaxial inputsLacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
Detailed, warm sound quality
Good speaker pairing versatility
HEOS streaming and internet radio convenience
AirPlay over Ethernet reliability issue
DAC only active via optical/coaxial inputs
Lacks classic gold Marantz aesthetic
5Budget
Powerful for its sizeTonePrint effects built inClean, full, realistic toneAlways-lit tuner displayInsufficient power for loud full bandsSingle effect slot limitation
Powerful for its size
TonePrint effects built in
Clean, full, realistic tone
Always-lit tuner display
Insufficient power for loud full bands
Single effect slot limitation
6Premium
Tight, modern high-gain toneBuilt-in CabClone IR / direct outBuild quality and versatility praised by ownersHigh priceMissing third channel and solo boostNo EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
Tight, modern high-gain tone
Built-in CabClone IR / direct out
Build quality and versatility praised by owners
High price
Missing third channel and solo boost
No EL34 as originally expected / power tube gripes
7Mid
Strong power for demanding headphonesCompact, high-quality buildEnjoyable Bluetooth sound qualityEarly sound-mode switching bugLimited single-ended power for some planarsNot fully wireless
Strong power for demanding headphones
Compact, high-quality build
Enjoyable Bluetooth sound quality
Early sound-mode switching bug
Limited single-ended power for some planars
Not fully wireless
8Premium
Exceptional tonal versatilityOwner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentimentSmooth, musical high-gain distortionHigh priceOverwhelming number of optionsSome find it too polished or lacking rawness
Exceptional tonal versatility
Owner satisfaction and 'best amp ever' sentiment
Smooth, musical high-gain distortion
High price
Overwhelming number of options
Some find it too polished or lacking rawness
9Mid
Built-in reactive attenuator
Built-in reactive attenuator
10Mid
Great pedal platformLush onboard chorusExceptional clean toneBackground hiss/humWeak onboard distortionSome pedals don't pair well
Great pedal platform
Lush onboard chorus
Exceptional clean tone
Background hiss/hum
Weak onboard distortion
Some pedals don't pair well
You are here
31Premium
Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander
Adds effects loop/master volume to any ampReactive load feel and tone preservationEffects sit after the power ampHigh priceMediocre built-in effectsSetup confusion and reliability issues
Boss Waza Tube Amp Expander
Adds effects loop/master volume to any amp
Reactive load feel and tone preservation
Effects sit after the power amp
High price
Mediocre built-in effects
Setup confusion and reliability issues

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The variable attenuation and footswitchable boost solve long-standing live volume problems. Multiple users say the TAE let them finally get a footswitchable volume boost for solos on cranked, non-master-volume amps after years of workarounds like double-miking or custom boosters. Others highlight its continuously variable attenuator versus the OX's notched rotary switch, letting them dial in bedroom to stage volumes. Several also value that it adds an effects loop or master volume to vintage amps without one, sonically 'un-modding' them.

Reactive load feel impressed players on high-end tube amps. Owners running Two-Rock Studio Signature and other boutique amps through 2x12 and 4x12 reactive loads describe the feel as amazing and dynamic, saying tone and touch response weren't compromised even when switching cabinet load types. One noted selecting a 4x12 load added low end without ruining the sound. This reactive-load quality drove more than one commenter to buy on the spot after a demo, though it's paired with acknowledgment that the price is steep.

Built-in FX and connectivity draw mixed-to-negative feedback. Several users call the stock effects mediocre, and one describes the FX loop as sounding bad with a non-stereo return, suspecting a buffer issue. Others wanted Bluetooth/app control instead of relying on a laptop editor, and one reported feedback issues from the unit's magnetic field near pickups unless placed away from the guitar. A separate user had persistent DAW dropout problems with the WAZA Core that went unresolved even with Boss support.

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