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Double Bass Plans for New AI Head ?

M

myrick

May 14, 2002
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#1
I somehow recall hearing or reading of plans to offer a new, higher power model to the Acoustic Image line, but my searching around TB and elsewhere doesn't turn up anything.

Am I not searching right or just deluded by wishful thinking?

I love my little contra, but would like the advantage of more "headroom" for some situations, and am thus considering EA for next amp.
 
#2
My last conversation with Rick at AI was that the 600 watt Focus amp series was to be in prototype early this month, projected for availability sometime in March. They will be the same size as the current Clarus and available in the same four Clarus variations. 600 watts/4 ohms. I'm not at liberty to discuss pricing yet, but they ain't gonna be cheap.

We're about due for another conversation to get updates on new AI products. I'll keep the board posted and will update my site at Link Removed as new items are introduced.
 
#3
I just e-mailed the company about this and this is the reply I got.

"We now have prototypes of the 600W amp. We are working out a few kinks and
should have it on the market in 3 to 4 months. Watch our web site for updates."
 
#4
I spoke with Rick yesterday, as I often do to get updates- I'm the largest Acoustic Image dealer and like to stay on top of the latest developments.

He expects the first Focus (the name of the 600w heads) amps to be built at the end of March. They will eventually be available in all the same forms as the Clarus, 1, 1R, 2, and 2R.

They'll also be a new head based on the guts of the New Yorker- It will be called the Clarus SL - 250w/4 ohms and 40 ounces!!
 
#10
Suburban said:
Oh, yeah?
There are limits....:help:

Bob, as soon as you get any news....please?
Click to expand...

I have a prototype Focus 1R in my temporary possession. It looks exactly the same as the Clarus 1R except for the label on the front. It weighs 4 lbs. 10.5 ounces. And it is damn loud.

and good. Sounds like the Clarus, same character.

Yikes.

300w/8 ohms, 600w/4 ohms. Less than 5 lbs.

I plugged it into my pair of EA VL-208 cabs, played it in the garage. Impressive. I had hoped to gig it on Friday at a pretty loud classic rock gig, but our departing guitarist double-booked the date (for himself as a single). I'll exercise it at a rehearsal next week, and at other times in between.

More to come once AccImg gives the go-ahead, once they do the official release.
 
#13
basscrazy72 said:
Hey Suburban, if you are in the market for a new head, please consider the i amp 500 ..... i just bought one and couldnt be happier, great tone and easy to carry..if you have the chance , give it a try..and ITS SOO LOUD!!!!
Click to expand...
I have. It's HUGE compared to the AI... I guess I'll be impatiently waiting for another few...weeks?

Rumour has it they'll release it at summer NAMM - when is that?
 
#14
Bob Gollihur said:
I have a prototype Focus 1R in my temporary possession. It looks exactly the same as the Clarus 1R except for the label on the front. It weighs 4 lbs. 10.5 ounces. And it is damn loud.

and good. Sounds like the Clarus, same character.

Yikes.

300w/8 ohms, 600w/4 ohms. Less than 5 lbs.

I plugged it into my pair of EA VL-208 cabs, played it in the garage. Impressive. I had hoped to gig it on Friday at a pretty loud classic rock gig, but our departing guitarist double-booked the date (for himself as a single). I'll exercise it at a rehearsal next week, and at other times in between.

More to come once AccImg gives the go-ahead, once they do the official release.
Click to expand...

Bob,
600 watts @ 4 ohms?? WOW!! I expected 600 watts @ 2 ohms. Does the Focus go to 2 ohms?
 
#16
AI made the product announcement public, so I can pass on the info on it as promised. The features on the heads are identical to the Link Removed and the numbers indicate the same changes in features

Model, List Price, Minimum Selling Price
Focus 1, $1299, $1179
Focus 1R, $1449, $1309
Focus 2, $1399, $1269
Focus 2R, $1549, $1399

(self-indulgent plug: I always sell at the minimum selling price and ship free)

They are the SAME size as the Clarus series, 10x9x2.5 - my Focus 1R prototype weighs 4lbs. 10.5 oz. Doesn't seem possible, but 300w/8 ohms, 600w/4 ohms. As usual, comes with the nice padded case and a Speakon-1/4" cable.

Acoustic Image and I are both in the midst of updating our web pages to add these amps.
 

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