Paul Stamler wrote:

Not really -- you want it to be a good deal higher than that.
Typically a
cathode follower circuit has an output impedance of some 300-600
ohms, but
hang 3k on its output and suddenly it sucks, because you've eaten up
most of
its open-loop gain.

Hi Paul! how much higher? and what 'loop' are you refering to?
there's no global feedback happening in this pre. and what
performance change are you refering to when you say 'it sucks'? a load
that's 10x greater Z than the follower will have a small effect on its
output level. but of course, it may turn into a fuzz box. soon i
will investigate the effects of loading on distortion behavior with
the power of FFTs, i just haven't gotten the unit to my practice space
yet where my computer is.

also, can you recommend a transparent sounding zener diode series, for
the purpose of output clamping? with the swing available from tubes,
they really could wipe out any subsequent solid state stage that wasn't
input-protected. go over to a friends house, "dude check out
my...fftfftttttttssszzzz". oops, toasted your AD. sorry!


Sean's wanting to drive a soundcard input.

well, it's a Lavry Blue AD. let's call it a fancy, expensive
soundcard. it's good to have the blues!


SB