Hybrid solid state/vacuum tube audio amplifier

Abstract

In this hybrid amplifier circuit the vacuum tube is direct coupled or DC coupled to the output of a solid state amplifier in a cathode follower configuration. An automatically operative bypass component, such as a Zener diode, LED, transistor junction or relay, diverts the signal output of the solid state amplifier around the vacuum tube stage when bias conditions or other vacuum tube operating conditions signify that the vacuum tube is still warming up or for some reason inoperative. Thus the hybrid circuit produces amplification at full volume and at low distortion even while the vacuum tube is warming up. The vacuum tube provides a desirable warming coloration to the sound that may be user adjusted by controlling the level of closed loop feedback within the circuit. Lower total harmonic distortion is achieved in a pentode vacuum tube device by direct coupling the screen and control grids. Lower voltage use of power pentodes wired in nonconventional "triode mode" is achieved.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.