Acoustic Image Contra

Amp made in 2006. Used for string bass and vocals. 2 channels, each accomodates XLR or 1/4" Balanced, High Fidelity Sound
Three-Way Sealed Speaker System
10??? Downfiring Woofer
5??? Midrange Driver
1??? Tweeter (with On/Off Switch)
Lightweight (20 lbs) Molded Polymer Enclosure
Three-Band EQ Preamp Section Per Channel
Combo Jack Inputs (Either 1/4 in or XLR)
Phantom Power on XLR Inputs
Input and Master Level Controls
Effects Loop with Return Level Control Per Channel
Digital Effects with 6 Presets and Level Control
Switchable Notch/Low Cut Filter per Channel
Balanced Direct Out with Ground Lift
Mute Switch and Pre/Post EQ for Direct Out
Stereo Capable with External Power Amp
400 Watt Switch Mode Power Amplifier
Switchable Dual Voltage Operation (115/230V)
Comes with a fitted slip cover with cord storage pocket and shoulder strap

I currenly primarily play jazz. Sound is amazing. The 2nd month of owning this map I had a gig in a larger club (80 listeners), hence I brought along an Acme 3 way 1-10" as well. Well I forgot my speaker cord so we were forced to run vocals / bass through the little Contra combo with no extension speaker - The combo handled the gig - no problem. I own several high end small heads/speakers. One thing I noticed about the Contra is that it sounds clear from the side and rear. I would use an elec. bass at a quieter gig through this amp, the down downward woofer is not an issue regarding "punch". No distortion, dead quiet. Simple controls do the job. One more comment - I went to a blues jam and took the AI as a P.A. No problem hearing the vocals over a 50 watt tube guitar amp, drums, etc. Sure, my old JBL speakers / big P.A. sound better but at this stage of my game, a portable 20 lb. combo that I can set up in less than a minute that allows the vocals to be heard is what I'm talking about.

I gig weekly and I have never had a problem over the past 18 months of owning this amp until I tripped over my cord 2 nights ago and the amp fell 2' to concrete, on its face. My high end speaker cord with stiff metal end plugs shoved the input of the amp inward an inch. THIS IS WHY I AM WRITING THIS REVIEW (Again, I own some great equipment but time is precious so I don't do reviews except for this review) I called the company, spoke to the owner and said, "do you want my credit card # now or later. He replied that there would be no charge!! I went to the A.I. web site - I believe the amps are lifetime guaranteed, and the first 5 years covers accidents as well. I was so impressed by the A.I. company that I knew I had to write a review.

See above (reliability).

I'm 54 years old. Began playing in H.S. Currently just playing jazz standards. I own my old 1971 tube SVT head, a Bergantino sealed NV 425 (1-15" & 3-10'S). I really don't need that setup but I can't get myself to sell it. I own a 50 watt tube Sovtek head that I play through a Bergantino 1-12' (no tweeter). I own a 10+ yr. old Edan 400 watt Traveler that I have sitting on an older Epifani 1-12" w/ tweeter. My 1980+- Fender Bassman 135 watt tube head does a nice job through the aforementioned Bergantino NV 425 (a big bottom to hit me nicely with a moderate powered head so I'm not to loud (blues & rock). I own so old Acme 2-10's that had crossover problems. I own 2 Acme 1-10" (3 way) that are great for bass / keys / small P.A. I own a 12+- year old Fender all tube 300 watt blond "Rumble" head that was the worst piece of &%$# in the world. It only worked for a few weeks, I had in in a Fender authorized repair shop several times located in Fresno, CA who lied and never did repair it. It's been sitting in my shed for years now. I love my A.I. coda, I'm a big strong guy but I'm tired of even modest size amps. The lightweight Coda is for me. Note: The Coda gets much louder when you add an extension speaker but the speaker should be an AI or Acme as the speaker in the A.I. is very inefficient (not a bad thing as the amp has plenty of power) BUT - if I plug in a more conventional cab like an Epafini or Berantino you won't hear the AI very much, you primarily hear the extension speaker as those speakers are much more efficient (they overpower the A.I. combo. If this amp were stolen I would order another A.I. coda immediately.