“I was able to dial in tones that came damn close to Lifeson’s late ’70s/early ’80s sounds”: Lerxst CHI head and 1x12 cab review

A lower-powered version of Alex Lifeson’s superlative Omega tube amp, the CHI could facilitate your guitar’s passage to Bangkok

Lerxst CHI head and cab
(Image: © Lerxst Amplification)

Guitar World Verdict

Although the CHI’s design is based on amps Lifeson used later in his career, the CHI sounds much closer to the iconic early Rush tones that most players would prefer to duplicate.

Pros

  • +

    More affordable, lower-watt version of Lifeson’s acclaimed Lerxst OMEGA head.

  • +

    Tones are actually a better match for Lifeson’s peak late ’70s/early ’80s classic Rush sounds.

  • +

    Simple, straightforward controls make it easy to dial-in desired tones.

  • +

    Very light weight.

Cons

  • -

    Both channels share a single EQ section.

  • -

    Lacks pentode/triode switch found on OMEGA amp.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Alex Lifeson and Mojotone joined forces back in 2012 to produce the first Lerxst amplifier – the limited edition 25/50-watt OMEGA head – based on the Marshall Silver Jubilee guitar amps that Lifeson used during the recording and touring cycles for Rush’s Clockwork Angels album but featuring several circuit modifications, parts upgrades and hand-wired construction. 

The 15-watt 6V6-driven Lerxst CHI combo followed shortly afterwards in 2015, offering a more affordable, lower-powered variation of the OMEGA.

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