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Re: srpp or cathode follower?

24.9.59.81

Posted by Paul Joppa on March 31, 2000 at 15:31:49

In Reply to: srpp or cathode follower? posted by YH CHOW on March 31, 2000 at 07:49:20:

There seems to be an emerging consensus that if you use a cathode follower, it is preferable to use a CCS load on the cathode. Other than that, there seems to be no real consensus out there on this question. Fortunately, it is easy to try them all in basically the same circuit, and see which you like best.

The differences are probably due to the different harmonic distortion spectra of the various arrangements. Consequently, your preference may well depend on the distortion spectra of the rest of your system, of the particular tube you choose, and the output level (preamp or driver). There have been a few analyses and measurements published, mostly in Glass Audio over the years.

I know Thorsten among others has experimented extensively. Not everyone has the same tastes, for instance there are a few who really like cathode followers (which he does not!), but maybe we can get him to describe the differences in sound. Thorsten, are you reading this thread?

Incidentally, the SRPP and mu-follower are two different circuits. If you add in the possibility of current sources or chokes for loads and the choice of whether to bypass the common-cathode stage bias resistor, there are quite a large number of possible circuits.

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