I have a non-powered Kemper, been using an Electro-voice ZLX12p for rehearsals and gigs. Not been to happy with that setup - the EV is a descent PA speaker but it doesn't really do justice to the Kemper. So I've been looking for a not too expensive replacement and failed... but then I saw that some people were using a Boss Katana as a powered cab for their Kempers. I ordered the 100w 1x12 version, thinking I can always return it if I'm not happy - well, 3 weeks later and I haven't even connected the Kemper yet.

Why? Because the Katana sounds great on its own! I have tried out on rehearsals and this coming wednesday I'll give a try on a gig. I must say that I'm kinda surprised over the features and the sound quality that Boss have packed into the Katana. You have access to 5 different amp setting (acoustic, clean, crunch, lead and brown) but there another bunch of amp simulations available as well. You line record straight into your sound card. You have power control so you can set it at 0.5, 50 or 100 watts. And with Boss Tone Studio you have access to a wide array of effect pedals and EQ options.

Well, now it sounds like I'm trying to sell this thing... Another thing, that I have thought about when out on gigs is the risk of gear getting damaged or even stolen. The Kemper might sound better but it's also way more expensive and would be really easy to snatch as its so small.

Congrats

I was also sceptic before I tried one at the store. To my ears, what they did was really focusing on the analog parts of the amp rather than digital. As far as I know the algo's are the same with their processors aside recent improvements.

Its like the difference of connecting a processor by USB compared to soundcard preamps but more drastic, very thick harmonic richness. I have a gt-1 and it took me a while getting used to the USB sound, hopefully when I feel I made enough presets will connect it to my soundcard.

Some even consider the Katana the Peavey bandit of the 90's