Acoustic Image vs. Henriksen

[charley]

Been searching for a great ss amp for a while. I want one that is as transparent as possible, as I will basically be using it with an Eleven Rack for a very lightweight and portable live rig.

I've come to these two amps because I still want a great lightweight stand alone amp, even if I am not using the Eleven, and I have the tube realm covered for my needs.

Any experiences with these amps would help.

I am considering the Acoustic Image Clarus+ head or the Henriksen head or blues 12 combo..

[charley]

does anyone also know anything about the Fender Jazzmaster Ultralight? Should this be on the list too?

[Steve Z]

I was lucky enough to own both a Clarus R2 Series III and a Jazzamp 10 at the same time to compare them. I play jazz using either a Benedetto Bravo or a Heritage Golden Eagle so the sound I prefer is more jazz oriented and I really am not sure how an 11R will sound through it, but here are a few comments...

I A/B'd the Jazzamp 10 and the Clarus (using Raezer's Edge Twin8 and Stealth 12 cabinets). The Jazzamp sounded very crisp and almost sterile for the tone I was wanting to achieve. To be fare in the comparison I also ran the Jazzamp line out to the RE Twin8 and the RE Stealth 12 cabinets and the tone greatly increased compared to the 10" speaker in the Jazzamp 10 combo, but the sound was still crisper... let's say "modern"(?) jazz tone. IMO the Clarus had a warmer, rounder tone with my guitars and playing style. The Jazzamp did produce some great clean tones with my 335. I ended up selling the Jazzamp and keeping the Clarus.

That stated, both are great amps. If I did not have both amps at the same time, then either amp would have been great. I have read comparisons of the two amps from others who have stated exactly the same as I have posted above, but the comments were reversed about the amps in that they felt the Clarus sounded sterile compared to the Jazzamp... I guess it really depends on your guitars, playing style and desired tone.


One thing to consider is the fantastic warranty of the Acoustic Image (Clarus)... I bought my Clarus used (no idea how old it was when I bought it and I owned it for about two years) and sent it to the shop for repairs

from Acoustic Image | Our Warranty

Our Warranty

As a general statement, 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. Beyond that, we will fix any of our products without charge no matter how old they are. Both commitments apply whether you are the first owner or the fifteenth.

... see website for full warranty statement.

A brief summary of my warranty experience...

Monday, July 19th - I called Acoustic Image about the Clarus not working. The person at Acoustic Image I talked to was very polite and simply stated, "Send it to us so we can take a look at the amp." (Again, I bought the amp used, had no receipt, no warranty card filled out, no idea how old the amp was when it needed a repair)

Tuesday, July 20 - I FedEx'd the Clarus to AI on Tuesday July 20th. (Two day shipping)

Thursday, July 23rd - Clarus arrived at AI

Tuesday, July 27th - Repaired Clarus arrived at my door step via UPS!

Now that is a quick turn around for a warranty on a used amp! AI even paid for the return shipping. My total cost of the repair was $14.44 -- the cost of FEDEX to Acoustic Image. Talk about great customer service!

BTW, the problem was a faulty low voltage power supply. New one burned in and tested. My Clarus is now as good as new!


Cheers,
Steve

[Steve Z]

Originally Posted by charley

... I still want a great lightweight stand alone amp, even if I am not using the Eleven, and I have the tube realm covered for my needs...

Neither the Jazzamp nor the AI Clarus will give you a tube type sound. The Jazzamp some, and the Clarus not at all. They are both designed for a clean tone.

[guitarua]

The ai is going to have a fuller frequency response. I own a focus and it does warm jazz to clean acoustic beautifully well. I've played henriksens. Meh. Didn't really sound any different than a polytone to me. Not enough range for what you want I would think. My .02$