SSS #002 Preamp Cathode Followers? Why?

[Frost]

Hi there,

Can anyone here share some insight onto why the SSS #002 has the preamp cathode followers (V2B & V3B) on the posted schematic? I can see that they both feed the preamp out which would be helpful as half an effects loop but it seems a little overkill to have two of them and use them to mix the dry and reverb signals in my opinion. I am at a loss for why the PI, having a high-impedance input would benefit from a low-impedance source? Any thoughts or info on this would be appreciated especially from those who have built the circuit.

Thanks,

Heiko

[roberto]

Hi, take care that a cathode follower impacts also the tone of the amp, not only the impedance.

[wjdunham]

Hi there,

Can anyone here share some insight onto why the SSS #002 has the preamp cathode followers (V2B & V3B) on the posted schematic? I can see that they both feed the preamp out which would be helpful as half an effects loop but it seems a little overkill to have two of them and use them to mix the dry and reverb signals in my opinion. I am at a loss for why the PI, having a high-impedance input would benefit from a low-impedance source? Any thoughts or info on this would be appreciated especially from those who have built the circuit.

Thanks,

Heiko

Take a look on the Aiken site for the article on DC coupled cathode followers, then you will understand

Bill

www.sebagosound.com

[vibratoking]

Sure you don't mean Merlin's site?

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/dccf.html

[talbany]

The coolest thing for me about using cathode followers is, when driven into a soft clip gives you some nice 2nd order harmonics ( smoother/ fatter tone).. They also give you a slightly softer/smoother type of compression..Master volumes also seem to function better being driven from a lower impedance source, part of the reason why the later Marshalls with the Masters seem to work better than the later plate driven SF Fenders w/ Masters,which well we all know how they worked out for ya!...

Tony

[wjdunham]

Sure you don't mean Merlin's site?

http://www.valvewizard.co.uk/dccf.html

oops, you are right. That's the article.

Bill

www.sebagosound.com

[Frost]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed their opinions on this; I appreciate it.

Take care,

Frost