Boss's new wireless Katana Air Ex Amplifier seeks to become the ultimate high-fidelity desktop amplifier with its class-leading 5-inch speakers and custom wood cabinet

Contrary to what I originally thought - this is not a replacement for the original chrome-handled Boss Katana Air - that I featured all the way back in January of 2018, but a more grown-up higher quality sibling. It has much the same functions, control topology and operational parameters as its slightly smaller more plastic forebear - where the Boss engineers have really concentrated on the finishing details and quality of output for the Air EX model. The newer one has a few more ports / connections, and an additional rechargeable power-back option.

Compared to its sibling, the Air EX’s dimensions are 414 x 192 x 236mm vs 350 x 144 x 181mm for the original. And with its more robust wooden construction the Air EX is twice the weight at 5.6kg vs 2.2kg, and the upgrade in materials results in a higher price point too at $599 vs $429.

This release is all about quality, resonance and fidelity - and looks to elevate the Katana brand within that heavily congested desktop amp space - which is currently also occupied by brands including Yamaha, Positive Grid and Nux.

Those familiar with the Katana format should be accustomed to how well it works and how it’s still the brand to beat for practice amps and flexible / mobile smaller venue gigging solutions. The move from Katana Air to Katana Air EX is similar to the jump up for core Katna to Katana Artist - where on this occasion the larger 5-inch 35W speakers are particularly significant.

A big reason I moved up to the Katana Arist II was for that amp’s better quality speakers (higher fidelity frequency coverage and dynamics). The important aspect for the Boss Katana Air amps is that they both come with the WL-T Bluetooth Wireless Transmitter included - which is not always the case for the competing amps.

This is a quiet a different proposition to the recently featured updated Boss Cube Amps - while the Katans Air varieties share that ultimate grab ’n go portability. The Air varieties are probably more likely to be used in and around the home - where they allow you to set up quickly and effortlessly in any room of the house.