Chapter 5

Power output stages

In principle, the function of an audio power amplifier is a simple one: to convert a low-power input voltage signal from a pre-amplifier or other signal source into a higher power signal capable of driving a loudspeaker or other output load, and to perform this amplification with the least possible alteration of the input waveform or to the gain/frequency or phase/frequency relationships of the input signal.

VALVE AMPLIFIER DESIGNS

In the earlier days of audio amplifiers, this function was performed by a two- or three-valve circuit design employing a single output triode or pentode, transformer coupled to the load, and offering typical harmonic distortion levels, at full power – which would be, perhaps, in the range ...

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