The phase splitter is a critical step in a push pull (differential) amplifier. Because tubes don’t come in “p-types”, we feed the output devices signals that are inverted relative to one-another in order get one to push while the other pulls.
I’ve been finding solid state concertina-style phase splitters crop up here and there recently. A couple of days ago even the great Pete Millett got in on the action. Millett employs a JFET concertina splitter in his hybrid amp (a must-read, btw), but MOSFETs are also a good option for this application if you use parts with reasonable input capacitance.
Here’s a push pull schematic I’ve been marinating that illustrates the MOSFET concertina:
By using the MOSFET we’ve reduced the twin-triode count in a stereo push pull amp by one. The MOSFET will also let the splitter swing closer to the power rails, though in this particular case the 10BQ5 doesn’t really need a lot of voltage swing at its grid. The tubes shown are odd heater standards: 407A is 396A with a 20V heater and 10BQ5 is 6BQ5 with a 10V heater.
You can find a lengthier explanation of the RC step network between the 407A and MOSFET in Morgan Jones or buried in this diyaudio thread. In brief, the resistor divider sets the DC voltage at the gate of the MOSFET while the 0.1u cap bypasses the upper portion of the divider at AC frequencies so that we don’t lose any gain due to the divider.
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