Psionic Excalibre 15 | Prototype Finalized & Pricing Considerations

[@sgt.grinch3299]

What an amazing value. Just not for a beginner. Congratulations on creating a magical amp. Well done Sir.

[@jerrystephenson1172]

Wow, super quiet at idle! This is a work of art & your dedication to excellence shows. It's a year or so later & wondering if sales are to your expectations & also wondering if reliability has shown to be as good as it looks it should be. You price range is competitive w/other boutique amps. Well done sir!

[@miguelluismusic4181]

Big fan… your work relaxes me… The interference sound that you talked about at 3:30 was likely the weaponized electricity grid. They can send nefarious signals to hop on your grid… It’s awful what they do to humanity… great channel 🎼🔊

[@raoulchazez2523]

I agree! Is there a long waiting list? I was gonna outfit my 5 kids in snowpants, but things have changed... they like their mother better, so let them fight over my new heirloom amp!!! Great content, Lyle, my dad would love your vids!

[@jimsoprano711]

Very cool Lyle, looking forward to your TB version!

[@robertbarnes9745]

Great stuff Lyle! You know I am stoked to get my ef86/top boost version. When you have pricing nailed down, let me know if you want a deposit or not. Fantastic!

[@billedwards2657]

There’s enough GC’s and enough techs to statistically find a good one 😅 that being said.. I’m taking more work on amps serviced by “the amp guy” in my town and the prior repairs have been cringeworthy. Do it right or don’t do it. Love the channel and the instruction!

[@maxwhitten8376]

I'm getting a 4/10 cabinet. Blue label Jensens. I'll be in touch.

[@David.S.]

Can't wait to see this in the head cab. I've installed a MOSFET VVR in one of my amps, used sil-pad between the chassis and MOSFET. Works well.

[@lauratanner8475]

I did a Hammond ao35 conversion to a voxish ac15 type thing. I got an ef86 with selectable coupling caps on the input a volume and a cut control on the output stage. It rocks. you got a beautiful amp there man. sounds lovely

[@lonniezamarripa959]

I like it a lot! I am doing some expensive home repairs this year so It is priced out of my range at this point , but there is a savings account I keep adding to so I hope to order one in the not too distant future. Thanks Lyle

[@halhawkins7641]

Beautiful! Again--Can’t wait to do some proper demos!

[@williambock1821]

I love VVR’s as long as the amp works well with it. I’ve put them in amps that get fizzy and ones that sound great with them. I’ve tried different layouts when the amp gets fizzy with moderate success but when they work well they are REALLY nice to have. I’m sure your amps will be great with them! 🙂

[@stephenpickering4400]

Hard to choose which channel not to have. I don’t suppose you could make a version with the EF86, Top Boost, AND Normal channels?

[@Jimmyfelonz]

You could always run a connector to the mosfet board. You could put a link to a git hub repository with the mosfet board layout and sell replacements on your website. That way even the sloppiest tech could order a replacement and fix the issue.

[@GL64]

This might be a weird request....can you do a video highlighting the types of caps and resistors you generally like to use? You mention Vishays a lot. That's cool, but which ones? I'm a noob amp builder doing it as a hobby and doing builds for myself. I peruse sites like Mouser and the options are overwhelming. Some guidance would be great. Maybe others could get something out of it too.

[@williambock1821]

As far as I can tell, just from looking closely, he uses Vishay 1813 MKT film coupling caps rated for 630 v probably. F&T electrolytics. You can easily find a few different voltage ratings for F&T’s through Antique Electronics. The Vishay caps are available through Mouser,Digikey,etc. I couldn’t say what resistors he uses but I wouldn’t let it keep me up at night. Just use what you can get conveniently. Again,Antique Electronics is a great site. Limited options compared to a place like Mouser but I find they usually have what I need. Not a big surprise since they exist for people like us! The Mallory 150 caps they sell will work great for your amp building adventures. The orange drops are good too. He probably uses the Vishay because of a vendor account he has with the site he purchases them through as much as any other reason. The hobbyist can do very well with Mallory 150’s. They’re easier to shop for that’s for sure! 🙂

[@KKMcK1]

You mentioned power-scaling. Are you talking about 50/25/12? That sort of thing? Another thing I am always looking for is rear-panel connectivity: Line out (for a wet/dry/wet rig), pre-amp out to slave, power-amp in for daisy chain, an effects loop, and dual 16 ohm speaker outs. I suppose all of these items are a bit overkill for a 15 watt amp, but if you do a more powerful version, it makes sense to me. Otherwise, this is a beautiful creation and I wish you the greatest of success with it. I am sure you will do perfectly well because you have de-mystified this for everyone to see and know and hear for themselves. BTW, did you see the Pete Thorn 'Trainwreck Liverpool' video? That amp sounded exquisite! As I was watching that video I said to myself, "I want someone to build me a Trainwreck Hiwatt 100/50/25." I'm pretty sure you are that person. And yes, I know that a personalized amp like that is very expensive. We get what we pay for (in the best of all possible worlds).

[@PsionicAudio]

Thanks so much! As in continuously variable between 15W and about 1W. I can make a TW inspired amp, but first make sure my buddy Welagen doesn't already make your dream amp: www.welagen.com/shop/wrecks/

[@KKMcK1]

@@PsionicAudio Thanks for the link Lyle! I went to his website and was excitedly and delightfully surprised! I wrote to him and told him exactly what I want. Now we'll just wait and see if he thinks I'm insane. Thanks again so very much!!!

[@randyrich2039]

Great amp. Excellent work.

[@williambock1821]

If an owner ever has VVR problems in central Ohio, I’ll be happy to fix it for them. Most of the cathode biased amps I’ve built have them. I’ll even throw in a new Zener with the mosfet! 🙂

[@JBurtonTenor]

That’s me! I have an amp that need help! What’s your shop, please?

[@williambock1821]

@@JBurtonTenor I don’t have a shop but depending on the amp I can take a look at it if you like. What kind of amp is it?

[@ctcards2636]

Very interested in one of these ;-) I love the sound. Great job ! :-)

[@faultlessguitarsandamps1116]

It is beautiful .

[@jasonstone1046]

Your videos are splendid! Agreed! :D

[@matthewf1979]

Pulse Width Modulation power supplies inject noise throughout the AC line in a house. I have to unplug anything that uses one that’s not running into my Furman line filter when I’m playing. Even then, some still gets through, but I need to have a few things plugged in. I need your help, Lyle. I cannot find those Vishay film caps in the typical tube amp values in stock. I know you’re a busy man and I would be very appreciative if you find a minute to point me in the right direction. I believe Mojotone has a variable voltage PCB, it may save you some time/money. That is If anyone would want that. I wouldn’t for the reasons stated. I may order one, my birthday is next month and I’ve been working my ass off to get myself something nice. I have the Fender sound covered pretty well and I plan on building a low wattage JMP Lead here soon.

[@PsionicAudio]

I have my own variable voltage circuit. It's, um, quite a bit better than the Mojotone. The MKT 1813s are tricky to get. Mouser has some values and Newark has others.

[@edwardhannigan6324]

I'd love one of those here in the uk..! Looks a beaute, and sounds crazy..Ed..uk..😀

[@Slothclawcolseslaw]

Wow, this is a killer amp!

[@ebeep]

Can't help but wonder if you're referring to Morgan at 7:20.

[@IL2TXGunslinger]

Lyle, so so glad your getting close. I knew squat about the EF86 before your channel. Now I realize that’s what I’ve loved about a certain Brit amplifier I won’t mention :) - but not a Vox. Can you tell me approximately what is the weight of the head? Thank you for doing all this

[@PsionicAudio]

I'll weigh it soon.

[@IL2TXGunslinger]

@@PsionicAudio Thanks Lyle!

[@oldguy5381]

Now let me see, where did I bury that last jar of silver?

[@chris.cannella5200]

“Like” number 421...I’m ready for a custom.

[@seanlavery2236]

Nice work Lyle! Its not gonna be long buddy till you blow up and have a long list of back orders. 😆

[@Sloggeth]

I checked your web store and I don't see this available. Are you still selling them?

[@benlogan430]

Power scaling with amps seems to make my amps very hot. It appears most companies use cheap power scaling tech that will cause heat issues. At least with the internal power scaling that comes in amps. At least it appears that way through my small scale observations? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@chipsterb4946]

Was that Sluckey saying “Ahm gonna rip that out?” 😝

[@gringopig]

Hope you have a 240V tap on that! Don't forget us Brits. We gave you the Vox in the first place lol

[@PsionicAudio]

Universal power transformer! Glad to ship it set to 240VAC. And ta!

[@gringopig]

@@PsionicAudio the head version will be the one for me!

[@middle_pickup]

So there's a tone knob for the normal and the cut knob too? I very much like how warm the tone of the normal channel is. It's excellent for using a lot of pedals, and switching guitars with different outputs.

[@PsionicAudio]

Thanks! There is the global Colour knob which rolls off highs on both channels, and each channel has a Tight switch that rolls off ultra-lows.

[@middle_pickup]

@@PsionicAudio I see. So the extra brightness of your normal channel is baked in.

[@PsionicAudio]

Yes, but it's fairly subtle and the two channels are balanced. Neither is dramatically brighter or darker than the other. So the global Colour works well with both.

[@jonnybeck6723]

So can it hang with a drummer? Even on KZbin it sounds amazing BTW

[@PsionicAudio]

Depends on the drummer. ;) It can hang with most acoustic drum set volumes. Increase the number of speakers = louder. If you play with a Bonham, buy two. ;)

[@jonnybeck6723]

@@PsionicAudio Dear Lord & Santa Clawz... Please send me a drummer who listens!

[@benlogan430]

I used to play with a blues guitarist that used an old 10-15 watt Alamo amp. It was Plenty Loud for us, but I always play under the guitar volume. Drummers need to learn dynamics.

[@picajoool]

Have you considered maybe also selling it as a kit for DIY ?

[@PsionicAudio]

No.

[@picajoool]

@@PsionicAudio 😞

[@christiandeworde2756]

Are you still selling these and if so how much?

[@middle_pickup]

Is your rectification circuit similar to the sag circuit on the custom classic AC15?

[@PsionicAudio]

More similar to the Custom series, a bit more refined. But the same idea. Vox got that right.

[@qua7771]

Do poly capacitors have an orientation, ie outer foil lead to ground? If so I think my Vishay cathode bypass caps are in backwards. Doing the scope method of checking doesn't show any difference when I tried it.

[@qua7771]

@KevinDoood Actually I learned that they do indeed. I was able to measure with my oscilloscope. Some people have managed to have a quiet amp regardless of orientation. I attribute that to luck, and having distance between components.

[@qua7771]

@KevinDoood You may not have had an issue, but if the issue were ghosting you might not be evident without comparison. If you are going to install a cap anyway, why not follow etiquette, and install it outer foil to ground knowing that you have that shielding? Just saying. If a build did have ghosting issues, it's one less place to troubleshoot.

[@azguitar]

Where's The Amp? You have to say it in a "Where's The Beef" voice.

[@alexwoolridge94aw]

Cool stuf

[@Curtislow2]

Just a novice, but is MOSFET VVR similar to an attenuator?

[@PsionicAudio]

Tricky, in that all three output volume reduction methods attenuate the level. But: An attenuator reduces the signal going to the speaker. A master volume reduces the signal going to the tubes. Variable voltage changes the voltage available to the tubes, which lowers the wattage of the amp itself.

[@Curtislow2]

@@PsionicAudio My initial reaction was ,that is as clear as mudd. But dry humor doesn't translate well on the web. But I think I understand much better. Thx.

[@Rufko]

​ @Psionic Audio I would really like to HEAR the tone differences that PPI-Master Volume does in comparison to the VVR. That would help me a lot in the choice, when I will place the order of the mighty Excalibre amp. I hope you will make such comparison video one day. Thanks

[@richclayton5785]

Sign me up, Lyle. Solid state rectifier 112 combo with a Cream Back, let me know where and when to send the deposit.

[@bobbytubbs5469]

Sounds good !!