Patent ID: 6140870
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: H03F

Abstract:
A hybrid audio amplifier for amplifying an electrical audio input signal, comprising:a first audio amplifier section having an input for receiving the audio signal and a power amplification stage having an output, said first audio amplifier being adapted to amplify the audio signal to produce a corresponding first amplified audio signal at said output, said power amplification stage employing at least one thermionic valve to produce said first amplified audio signal and an output transformer for providing said output, said thermionic valve and said output transformer providing a desired characteristic distortion; anda second audio amplifier section coupled in cascade relationship to said first audio amplifier section and having an input for receiving said first amplified audio signal, said second audio amplifier section being adapted to amplify said first amplified audio signal to produce a corresponding second amplified audio signal at a power that is at least sufficient to drive a loudspeaker at ordinary room listening levels, said second audio amplifier section employing solid state circuitry for amplifying relatively linearly said first amplified audio signal to produce said second amplified audio signal.