Boss Katana:GO Headphone Amp Makes a Comeback with a Fresh Design
Boss has officially reintroduced its Katana:GO headphone amplifier, which had a brief stint on teh market before being discontinued just months after its debut in March 2024.
A Strong Contender in the Home Practice Arena
Initially launched as a competitor to the Fender Mustang Micro, the Katana:GO quickly gained traction in the home practice gear market.It garnered enthusiastic reviews, positioning itself as a worthy successor to the Mustang Micro’s headphone amp legacy.
Short-Lived Production
Unfortunately,the excitement was short-lived.Just two months post-launch, Boss announced the discontinuation of the Katana:GO due to challenges in sourcing the necessary materials for production.
Revamped and Ready for 2025
Fast forward eight months, and the beloved headphone amp is back, sporting several enhancements. Whether these changes stem from material procurement issues or a desire for a fresh look,the second-generation Katana:GO features a redesigned exterior.
New Design features
The most notable alteration is the removal of the large master volume knob that was previously located on the top of the unit,inspired by the Mustang micro.In its place, a more compact side-mounted control has been introduced for adjusting the overall output.
Additionally, the new Katana:GO boasts a sleeker, more contoured design, making it appear even more portable than its predecessor. This is a strategic improvement, as the original’s convenience was a meaningful factor in its popularity.
Consistent Performance and Features
Despite the aesthetic changes, the functionality remains intact. One side of the amp includes a Bluetooth button, an On/Off switch, and the innovative Stage Feel control, which enhances the playing experience through advanced spatial technology.
The Stage Feel feature was a standout aspect of the original model.Guitar World’s Matt Parker praised it, stating, “It’s super-simple to use and, when you don the headphones, it feels like it puts you in the room with the amp sound.”
Additional Features
On the opposite side, users will find a tuner and three preset buttons for recalling customized sounds. The small display screen, which indicates the active preset, has also returned.
Fans of the original Katana:GO will appreciate that this new version is compatible with Boss Tone Studio and Boss Tone Exchange, allowing users to explore and modify a variety of amp tones sourced from the Boss katana family.
Moreover, it includes a USB port for use as an audio interface, guitar and bass modes with 30 preloaded sounds, and 10 distinct guitar amp types ranging from clean to high-gain tones.
Pricing and Availability
Boss describes the Katana:GO as “a highly anticipated return with a sleek, revamped form factor showcasing a bold new look for 2025.” It retains the iconic BOSS tones that established its reputation as a game-changer in the market.
The Katana:GO will retail for $130,a slight increase from the original price of $119,aligning it with the latest Mustang Micro Plus.
For more details, visit Boss’s official website.
