Amplified Nonsense
Three amp builders—Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers—discuss amplifiers, share stories, and give relationship advice. Listeners can call in with questions. The podcast covers amp tech, industry anecdotes, and humorous banter.
Episodes
Episode 22: Fireworks, DIY Amps, and Aliens
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, our hosts discuss fireworks, viral YouTube videos, and how much time they'd spend troubleshooting a non-functioning amp. They field listener questions about DIY amp kits and aliens. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voicemail.
Headroom and the Virtue of LOUD
Charles is back in Japan, Chris is resurfacing backplates, and Bryan is hungry. The three discuss copper scrap and rising copper prices, magnet wire costs, and more. A voicemail asks if louder is always better. Another question prompts a framework for headroom.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voic
Episode 20: Featuring Dave Jordan from Non Human Audio
Charles, Chris, and Bryan are joined this week by Dave Jordan of Non Human Audio. They talk about how the Slow Loris and Florist came to be, breadboarding, snacks (of course), and more. There's also a rapid fire question round in the middle.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voicemail.
Episode 19: Dropping Prices, Talking Tubes, Scopes vs. Analyzers
Charles is back on the podcast this week, and he gives an update on his Japanese office and talks about his decision to lower the price on his Expander pedal. The three talk about tubes and answer listener questions about analyzers and scopes and books.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voicemail.
Episode 18: Guitar Amp or Bass Amp?
This week, Chris and Bryan are joined by Tracii Guns of L.A. Guns. The three discuss Tracii's amp building, the difference between bass and guitar amps, their musical projects, and answer a hypothetical question from a listener.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voicemail.
Episode 17: Single-Ended Amps and Non-Musical Noises
Charles talks about a quick trip to South Korea. Chris talks about fixing a unique piece of gear. Bryan wonders if there are any great-sounding spring reverb units from a specific country. The three take calls about single-ended amplifiers and non-musical noises.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a vo
Episode 16: Featuring John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments
Charles, Chris, and Bryan are joined this week by John Snyder of Electronic Audio Experiments. They field caller questions about D&D, aluminum guitars, the Winter Olympics, long dogs, and more. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513) 334-3803 and leave a voicemail.
Episode 15: The 880 Watt Amp Lives, Anaheim Recap, Follow Your Dreams
This week, Chris and Bryan talk about the response in Anaheim to Babylon, the 880 watt tube amp they've spent the past several months building. Charles shares stories from Japan and his former life as an ice cube tray magnate. The trio answer a question about a Freaky Friday scenario and following your dreams. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Am
Episode 14: The Top Secret Amp Project and Hi-Fi Audio
Charles is back in Japan, while Chris and Bryan have been putting the final touches on their top secret 700 watt tube amp project, which will be revealed at the 2026 Wood Wire Volts show in Anaheim. The trio talk about NAMM, magnesium, and the absolute weapon of an amplifier they've been building. Steve Rowe from 60 Cycle Hum calls in with a question. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris t
Episode 13: Stories from Japan, How to Make Changes Stick, Navigating Media Recommendations
Charles is (temporarily) back from Japan, and he shares stories about great food, a wild haircut, and a fortune he received after hiking up a mountain. Chris and Bryan share an update on the 700 watt tube amp. The trio answer questions about sticking to resolutions/new habits and navigating an awkward conversation. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode
Episode 12: Where Does Amp Tone Come From (Ramen is Pretty Cool)
Are 5U4 rectifier tubes any good? Are all guitar amps just gain staging an EQ? Is it okay to wear sweatpants to the post office? These are just some of the topics hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Transformers, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers cover in this week's episode of Amplified Nonsense.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an e
Episode 11: 424 MKII Pedal, 700 Watt Amp, Living in Japan
Chris releases a new pedal that sells out immediately. Charles calculates the sound pressure level of a 700-watt amp. Bryan talks smoothies and IEC cables. The three field a listener question about their ideal, no-responsibility Friday night beverages.. These are just some of the topics hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifier
Episode 10: Tariffs and Travel (Anyone Else Getting 2025'd?)
How are tariffs affecting amp builders? Do we deserve Mike Judge? How do you like to travel? These are just some of the topics hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers cover in this week's episode of Amplified Nonsense. If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, c
Episode 9: Effects Loops, Caller Updates, and More
What's the deal with effects loops? When is one useful, and when is one useless? In this episode of Amplify Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers answer listen questions about effects loops and more. Plus, a previous caller shares an exciting update!If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question
Episode 8: Building a 700 Watt Tube Amp
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers talk about the new Silktone Expander pedal, the issues Bryan and Chris have discovered while designing a 700 watt tube amp, and more. They also answer a voicemail question from Ryan Burke of 60 Cycle Hum about 10-inch speakers.If you'd like Bryan,
Episode 7: Space Echoes and MIG 50s (Spicy Caps and Crappy Jacks)
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers talk about repairing their Space Echo Tape Delays, describe what changes they'd make to a MIG 50 amp, and discuss tremolos and Labubus.If you'd like Bryan, Charles, and Chris to answer your question on an episode of Amplified Nonsense, call (513)
Episode 6: The Tubes Aren't the Problem
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers talk about the recent Fretboard Summit in Chicago (including plenty of talk about food) and answer questions about gear they wish they'd designed, tubes that keep blowing, and give relationship/situationship advice. If you'd like Bryan, Charl
Episode 5: Don't Watch Alone, Alone
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, hosts Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers, and producer Emily Harris of Get Offset talk about upcoming guitar and pedal events, get into the science of the Doc Brown’s “Back to the Future” amp wall, and answer a caller’s question about cheating on his partner (aka watching their favorite TV show without her).If you'd lik
Episode 4: Throw it Away, But Tell Me Where You Live, First
In this episode of Amplified Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers chat about the podcast launch, their latest design projects (“never finalize anything”), and managing their businesses. They help a listener decide whether to repair or toss old amps, offer first date cooking ideas, and give hot takes on Broadway
Episode 3: A Revered…Something
Are trade shows worth it? How do you deal with internet trolls? How much money would you have to find in a festival port-a-john that you'd be willing to fish it out with your bare hands? Those are just a few of the questions hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers tackle in episode 3 of Amplified Nonsense. If you'd like
Episode 2: Man, That's Kind of Rude
What do you know about psychoacoustics? In this episode of Amplify Nonsense, hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers focus on psychoacoustics, the subjective experience of sound, and the quirks of audio equipment. They discuss their own personal connections to gear, how mood can affect sound perception, and experience a few
Episode 1: You Guys Like Tone?
On the inaugural episode of 'Amplified Nonsense,' hosts Chris Benson of Benson Amps, Bryan Sours of Soursound Audio Works, and Charles Henry of Silktone Amplifiers, dive into the world of podcasting. From discussing the origins of their companies to sharing shocking (literally) stories about electrical safety while working on amps, the trio offers a mix of humor and practical advice. Producer Emil
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