F/S Acoustic Image Clarus SL-R

[bassinstincts]

I love this tiny little amp, but I also have an AI Focus, and I really can't justify two. Transparent, flat-as-a-ruler sound.

The SLR has been discontinued, but many AI aficionados thought it had the sweetest sound of their product line.

This one is 250 watts into 4 ohms, but it will drive 2 ohms (putting out, I believe, 300 watts). In any event, it is plenty loud enough for any club gig and has a direct out if you need to fill a stadium. Also has three way reverb built in.

I can't find one of these that sold recently, but based on prices for the single channel Clarus non-SL model, I think $500 shipped is a reasonable price for an amp and bag in showroom condition and covered by AI's "forever" warranty.

Here is a description I found on the web:

• Extended frequency range, high fidelity sound
• Light Weight (40 ounces), compact enclosure (7.3 x 7.5 x 2.1 inches)
• Four-band EQ for each channel
• Input and master level controls
• Phantom power on XLR input
• Effects loop
• Balanced direct out via XLR connector
• Effects loop with return level control per channel
• Digital reverb with 3 presets and level control
• Balanced direct out with ground lift
• 250 Watt (4 ohm) switch mode power amplifier
• Mute switch and pre/post EQ for direct out
• Switchable dual voltage operation (115/230V)
• Dual speaker outputs via Neutrik Speakon connectors

[Adrian Cho]

I think these things are so sweet. I use an SL myself. You can apparently get them new on special order from AI. I use mine a Wizzy 10 and get plenty out of it - even enough to use with a full big band.

[velvetphil]

Wondering how this compares to an EA Micro 300...guess I'll hit the search button!

[bassinstincts]

See what you find. I don't think EA holds a candle to AI in terms of transparency and flat-across-the-spectrum sound.

[bassinstincts]

Apparently you can still special order the Clarus SL from AI. But not the SL-R.

[Adrian Cho]

In my opinion, it is vastly superior to the Micro 300. I had two Micro 300s. Even putting aside the terrible experience I went through with the two defective heads (problems that by all accounts have been now fixed), I found the AI had a much nicer sound. Especially the combination of the Micro 300 with the bright Wizzy 10 was way too harsh for my liking but the darker AI head evens it out.

Also, I have since heard Micro 300s that don't have the defective buzzing. The obnoxious noise is gone but there is still some background sound and they seem to be fussier about a variety of power sources. The sound may not be audible in most cases when the volume is up but I can still hear it occasionally. Fact is, if AI can make a head that is completely dead silent then there's no reason that others shouldn't be able to as well.

[Wilbyman]

Originally Posted by bassinstincts

Apparently you can still special order the Clarus SL from AI. But not the SL-R.

I have heard this too. I just got an SL by special order a few weeks ago. This amp is a great deal. I have heard that guitards are into the SLR too.

[bassinstincts]

Amp on hold for now

[bassinstincts]

Sold and shipped.