Pentode vs Cathode follower for compression

[Tobyk]

I’m contemplating whether I should use a pentode or a cathode follower for some compression in my next build. Has anyone tried both, and if so, what’s the conclusion?
I’d imagine a CF has the possibility to create a stronger effect (depending on Rk value) than a pentode.

[bepone]

those experiments you build on wooden plank for preamp and output and experiment how you want.. instead of asking and loosing time and life, you can get all answers quickly

[maxkracht]

Agreed, no one knows what sounds right to you, like you. While you are at it, why not make a pentode cathode follower? Can even add a triode switch and see what you like better.

[Tobyk]

Hm yeah I guess I’ll just do it.. Thanks guys.

[TUBEDUDE]

Post results.

[10thTx]

I've done 12A_7 triodes with both tube and mosfet cathode followers. They have offered some nice compression and smooth tone if dialed in right.

I've done 5879 pentodes, 6AU6, and 5654 pentodes. I like all of them but the 5879 is my favorite. I think it gives a FAT tone but my experience is that it adds more of a chimey tone than compression. What I mean by chimey is sort of hard to describe so take that word with a grain of salt as it could be misleading with how you interpret chimey in your thinking.

I have done 5879 pentodes with 12A_7 and mosfet cathode followers in overdrive channels. I thought they sounded pretty smooth and offered some nice compression.

I've used 5879 as V1 tubes with some frequency. I've used them also in overdrive channels. It's a nice tube. I bought enough of them to last me the rest of my life. I liked the 5654 tube also but IIRC, it had a lower max voltage on the plates?

With respect, 10thtx

[TUBEDUDE]

Agreed, I share your penchant for 5879 use. Best distortion tube made. As a first stage they are bright and sweet. A nice flavor change from the ubiquitous ax7.
They would enjoy more widespread use if Dumble had discovered them.

[Tobyk]

I've done 12A_7 triodes with both tube and mosfet cathode followers. They have offered some nice compression and smooth tone if dialed in right.

I've done 5879 pentodes, 6AU6, and 5654 pentodes. I like all of them but the 5879 is my favorite. I think it gives a FAT tone but my experience is that it adds more of a chimey tone than compression. What I mean by chimey is sort of hard to describe so take that word with a grain of salt as it could be misleading with how you interpret chimey in your thinking.

I have done 5879 pentodes with 12A_7 and mosfet cathode followers in overdrive channels. I thought they sounded pretty smooth and offered some nice compression.

I've used 5879 as V1 tubes with some frequency. I've used them also in overdrive channels. It's a nice tube. I bought enough of them to last me the rest of my life. I liked the 5654 tube also but IIRC, it had a lower max voltage on the plates?

With respect, 10thtx

Thanks, good stuff. Pentodes are sometimes described as glassy or chimey so that makes sense. The interesting German kit Madamp Blues G3 uses a CF with a pentode driver, which also has a gain/compression control on its screen. I would have put the pentode later for better effect though.

C4A3C127-9593-4B02-9839-521D5066733D.jpeg

[Tobyk]

Agreed, I share your penchant for 5879 use. Best distortion tube made. As a first stage they are bright and sweet. A nice flavor change from the ubiquitous ax7.
They would enjoy more widespread use if Dumble had discovered them.

I have a 5879 as V1 in ch1 and a 12ax7 in ch2 in a Gibson GA19/20 inspired amp I built, cause I wanted to hear the difference, and honestly the only difference (as V1) to me is lower gain on the 5879.

[TUBEDUDE]

As always, circuitry dependent.