NAD - AI content

[funkinbottom]

I have a Markbass LMII that I've owned for five to six years now. It is a great amp, gigged regularly and never let me down. I really like the amp, but after owning for years now, my ears were wanting to try another flavor. I checked out a bunch of different amps and decided on Acoustic Image, the Clarus SL.

I found a good deal on a pristine used one in the DB classifieds here on TB. It was delivered Saturday. Wow. I gotta tell ya, this little amp is fantastic. I've heard it referred to as clinical, sterile etc. I can understand where that might come from. Set flat, you get out of it what you put into it. Almost like a DI when recording, which I love. However, I certainly would not call this amp sterile/clinical as there is plenty EQ on the amp. Bass, low mid, hi mid, treble and a low cut filter. Actually, I find it to be quite a versatile amp. Sounds great with both passive and active. Very responsive to slight EQ changes at bass. Also all those little nuances of your playing are now much more noticable. And very loud if you need it to be. I'm lovin' this thing.
I will take it to rehearsal tonight and report back on results. I don't think I'll be disappointed.

And as always... pic

 

[funkinbottom]

Took the Clarus to rehearsal last night. This is an originals band. We're all over the place genre wise, with a hard hitting drummer and kinda loud guitarist. I am very impressed with this amp. It's articulate and focused yet has a nice warmth to it. The only thing it doesn't do well is overdrive if you're looking for a little dirt (cool by me..don't use that tone) but that's what pedals are for. I think I found the amp I've been looking for.
Absolutely love this amp. Did I mention loud?

 

[wagdog]

The older I get the less I’m liking the baked in tone that so many amps have. I’m thinking now’s the time I should just quit beating around the bush and get a Clarus too.

 

[jeff7bass]

The price new is quite good also, especially for a quality amp with a HPF on it.

 

[Tommyc]

As a bonus even though you’re not the original owner, should you have a problem, Rick Jones will take care of it. AI has the best customer service in the business.

 

[funkinbottom]

The older I get the less I’m liking the baked in tone that so many amps have. I’m thinking now’s the time I should just quit beating around the bush and get a Clarus too.

That's pretty much where I'm at these days. It's not that a lot of those amps don't sound good, they do. however, the AI just sounds so much better to my ears. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be disappointed if you bought one.

The price new is quite good also, especially for a quality amp with a HPF on it.

Yeah, an amp this high quality, with HPF, 600 watts @ 4 ohms and less than three pounds for six hundred bucks.... absolute no brainer.

As a bonus even though you’re not the original owner, should you have a problem, Rick Jones will take care of it. AI has the best customer service in the business.

From AI website. "During the first five years, we will repair for free or replace (at our option) any of our products if they are not functioning as they should, whether or not you are the initial owner."

Who else believes in their product like this. Almost unheard of.

 

[Tommyc]

That's pretty much where I'm at these days. It's not that a lot of those amps don't sound good, they do. however, the AI just sounds so much better to my ears. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be disappointed if you bought one.



Yeah, an amp this high quality, with HPF, 600 watts @ 4 ohms and less than three pounds for six hundred bucks.... absolute no brainer.



From AI website. "During the first five years, we will repair for free or replace (at our option) any of our products if they are not functioning as they should, whether or not you are the initial owner."

Who else believes in their product like this. Almost unheard of.

There was someone, a couple of years ago, maybe it was here, who bought an early series 200 watt AI amp which was about a 10 year old model at the time, on EBay. I don’t remember the issue with it but Rick fixed it and this is what I remember, upgraded some part that had since changed. And yeah, he did it gratis.

 

[funkinbottom]

There was someone, a couple of years ago, maybe it was here, who bought an early series 200 watt AI from then, 10 years ago on EBay. I don’t remember the issue with it but Rick fixed it and this what I remember, upgraded some part that had since changed. And yeah, he did it gratis.

Yes, that was one of the big deciding factors for this purchase. I have heard a few stories similar to that. To me, customer service like that speaks volumes as to the quality and confidence put into your product.