Double Bass Clarus II vs later versions

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I just picked up a Clarus II. Maybe I'm crazy but it seems like this thing sounds better than I remember the version III Focus and Clarus I had.
Specifically, it has both a 1M and 10M input but Ric went to only the 1M in later versions. The 10M sounds much beefier with my Full Circle.
When the amp arrived it had a rattle inside so I opened it up to remove a piece of plastic that I think came off the big torroidal transformer. I remember thinking the version III sounded like it lacked guts, which it kind of did. Maybe I'm old school but I still think amps need some iron in the PS.


For whatever reason, the Clarus sounds great with the B1 both with DB and electric.

So, although they are all great amps I'm wondering if there might be something to this or maybe I'm just crazy.

FWIW, I'm not all that happy with the little GK MB200/MBX for DB and the Headway/Amplite combo is a bit inconvenient. I plan to use the Clarus with my B1 and a future Crazy8.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

It occurred to me that my past AI amps were used with DIY 8 ohm cabinets that lacked low end extension. I think the 4 ohm B1 is a great match for the Clarus and maybe that's more what I'm hearing.
Although it is rated at only 200 watts it seems to have more reserve than the GK MB200. One thing might be the GK limiter audibly kicks in pretty early and it runs out of steam sooner, making it sound much lighter than the Clarus. Regardless, I like it.

 

[robgrow]

Greg, as you probably know, the Series II Clarus used a linear power supply, while the GK MB200 uses an Icepower module with a built-in SMPS, accounting for the Clarus being the heavier amp of the two and possibly for it having more reserve.

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

That was my assumption.

 

[Ric Vice]

Greg,
Totally unrelated to the power supply reserve, the Series II amps had an additional bright control, that IMHO helped the AI's tone palate.

Ric

 

[Greg Clinkingbeard]

I expected a bit more from the Bright control. It's pretty subtle but may prove useful. The EQ may be effective enough because this combination of bass, pickup and cabinet sound great flat. Comparing it to the Headway is interesting. I remember reading about someone mentioning that it adds 'sheen' and now I understand. I hadn't heard it before comparing it to the Clarus which is about as neutral as it gets. Not parting with the Headway yet but I've always ultimately come back to a 'plug in and play the gig' mentality and quit fussing with trying to blend in a mic. The simplicity is appealing.

Ric, I'm not using the Amplite so you are welcome to try it.