On Sun, 18 Dec 2005 23:33:01 +0000, Pooh Bear
wrote:

Has anyone ever used a triode configured as a *cathode follower* for a
speaker output ?

It would need tons of grid drive volts but I see several possible
options to achieve that.

The result would have all the perceived benefits of classic single
ended Class A operation together with a better amplifer-loudspeaker
interface and much lower distortion than the classic plate / anode
loaded circuit.

It was done back in the classic era, when many approaches
were being tried. Later, the drive difficulties forced
designs in the direction of combined plate and cathode
loading; for example the Quad and McIntosh designs.

Heroic efforts at acheiving 1000 volt grid swings seem,
on balance, to be less worthwhile than the compromises
of split primaries.

You may be interested in the "Circlotron" topology. It
takes the McIntosh to an interesting next step.

Always the best,

Chris Hornbeck

"Angels are, dreaming of you" - Sonic Youth