12b4 vs. aikido linestage

[Klimon]

Hi,

A remark from burnedfingers in the thread about the etude preamp lead me to this question: how does a deluxe version 12b4 cathode follower ( with very good power supply, components and possibly active load) compare with the aikido-breed of linestages? Can anyone second the forementioned verdict that the aikido is in another league than a 12b4 cathode follower(although burnedfingers took the rather basic etude as comparison material) or give his thoughts on this subject?

I've breadboarded a 12b4 some time ago with good quality components throughout and oversized dual mono tube rectified ps; it sounded good although I never owned another preamp to compare with, didn't need a pre for my e80cc/el84 set and was a little careless with too long cables and chitty cathode caps; my only bad findings were harsh highs and weak bass (both probably caused by the mentioned flaws). To give an idea of the circuit: 290v B+, 34mA current draw each channel // 500 ohms cathode Rs // 4,7k anode load // oversized coupling caps for the power amp following. I first tried the Etude working point but too much soldering in between to do a fair comparison.

I'ld greatly appreciate any comments that could push me towards a definite version of a 12b4 (hope it'll get some praise here versus the aikido; I've got all the components lying here + I can find inspiration for good 12b4 signal circuitry in the many posts in this forum) or an aikido if those are soooo much better....

Muchas gracias,

Simon

[Klimon]

EDIT: I'm talking about a grounded cathode, not a cathode follower as lapsed above

[pieroh]

...try this ;-)