When you're packing your gear for a street corner, park gig, or mobile acoustic set, your amplifier choice dictates your entire workflow. Choosing between the older Roland Cube Street EX and its modern successor, the Boss Cube Street II, comes down to a direct clash between raw volume and modern digital features. The EX relies on heavy-duty wattage and dual custom speakers to push sound across wide outdoor spaces, while the newer Street II sheds significant weight and introduces tools like an onboard looper and Bluetooth connectivity.
Weight and power handling separate these two portable amps immediately. If you're carrying your rig on public transit or walking blocks to a pitch, the physical specs matter just as much as the tone. Let's break down how these two portable powerhouses stack up against each other in real-world performance.
Weight, Portability, and Build Quality
Carrying gear for hours changes your perspective on ounces very quickly. The original Cube Street EX tips the scales at roughly 16.4 pounds (7.4 kg) without batteries. That's a substantial box to haul on one shoulder alongside a guitar case and a mic stand.
The Boss Cube Street II cuts that down to a much friendlier 9 pounds (4.4 kg). That reduction changes how comfortably you can travel on foot or bicycle. As highlighted in detailed coverage by Reuters, the implications are notable.
- Boss Cube Street II: Molded ABS-injection cabinet design keeps the weight low while maintaining robust street durability.
- Roland Cube Street EX: Heavier wooden-cabinet construction feels more like a traditional mini-PA speaker, offering extra durability against drops at the cost of your lower back.
Power Output and Volume Capabilities
Volume dictates whether people hear your performance over ambient city noise, traffic, and chatter. The Cube Street EX uses a dual-channel power amp section capable of pushing up to 50 watts (using three power modes: Max 50W, Normal 25W, and Eco 10W). Paired with two custom 8-inch speakers and tweeters, it handles outdoor environments with surprising authority.
The Boss Cube Street II drops its max rating to 10 watts total (5 watts per side) through dual 6.5-inch speakers. While that sounds like a massive downgrade on paper, Boss engineered the speaker efficiency to maximize perceived loudness. For typical street busking, coffee shops, and quiet outdoor plazas, the Street II holds its own. If you need to compete with a light-handed cajon or heavy street noise, the EX still wins the headroom battle.
Inputs, Channels, and Connectivity
Both amplifiers feature dual input channels, but their routing options cater to different performers.
The Cube Street EX features two XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing two microphones or a mic and an instrument on separate channels with individual three-band EQs. It also includes stereo line outputs if you need to plug straight into a larger house soundboard.
The Boss Cube Street II modernizes the connection suite. Channel 1 handles mic/instrument with a dedicated harmony feature, while Channel 2 supports mic/guitar. More importantly, the Street II steps into the modern era with an optional Bluetooth Audio MIDI Dual Adaptor (BT-DUAL), letting you stream backing tracks from your phone or edit patches wirelessly. It also features a USB port for direct computer recording or streaming—a feature completely missing from the older EX design.
Effects and Built-In Performance Tools
Performance tools can make or break a solo act. The Cube Street EX keeps things classic with standard COSM amp modeling, choruses, delays, and reverbs derived from Roland's multi-effects lineage.
The Boss Cube Street II leverages updated Boss algorithms and adds a crucial performance weapon: a 45-second stereo looper. If you want to layer rhythm guitar tracks live on the street without packing extra pedalboards and power bricks, the Street II gives you that capability right out of the box. It also incorporates an automatic vocal harmony function that tracks your guitar chords or key settings to generate backup vocals.
Battery Life and Power Management
Both units run on standard AA batteries, making them true mobile units free from wall plugs.
- Cube Street EX: Requires eight AA batteries. On Eco mode (10W), you can squeeze out up to 20 hours of playback, though output drops significantly. On Max mode (50W), battery life plunges fast.
- Boss Cube Street II: Runs on eight AA alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH batteries for roughly 8 to 10 hours of normal use, balancing power draw with efficient digital amplification.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing the wrong amp for your specific style leads to frustration. Avoid these frequent pitfalls:
- Buying the EX for bedroom practice: The EX is designed to push air outdoors. At low indoor volumes, it can feel stiff and uninspired unless you push the master volume.
- Ignoring battery quality: Neither amp performs well with cheap zinc-carbon batteries. Always invest in high-capacity rechargeable Ni-MH batteries or lithium alternatives where compatible.
- Overestimating the Street II's headroom: If you play aggressive outdoor rock with a heavy drummer, the Street II will clip. Know your volume requirements before leaving home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plug an electric guitar directly into these amps?
Yes. Both models feature amp modeling settings derived from Boss amplifiers, letting you plug an electric guitar straight in without needing an external distortion or preamp pedal.
Can I run a condenser microphone on either amp?
Neither unit supplies phantom power. You must use dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or battery-powered condenser models.
Are these amplifiers suitable for electronic keyboards?
They handle keyboards well through the line inputs, though heavy bass patches will push the smaller speakers into distortion at high volumes. Keep low-end EQ modest to protect the cones.
Which model holds its resale value better?
Because Roland discontinued the EX while demand for lightweight gear remains high, both units hold strong used-market values. The Street II commands higher interest from modern buskers who want built-in looping and Bluetooth.
