A single ended amplifier has one active element in the output stage, e.g. all the single ended triode amplifiers. Single ended push-pull is therefore a contradiction in terms. See RDH, Self, etc. The test that one end of the output is grounded doesn't pass muster, as practically every amplifier without an output transformer is built this way.
You are quite right. As I alluded to, if the output device is a singleton then that is regarded as single ended. That terminology arose in valve days when it was common for a single pentode output stage to be used in radios and TV's at the time.
I think that the recent view has been put about through operational amplifier designs where balanced input and outputs are commond. There are several instances "out there" where differential and single ended are used to indicate anti- or single-phase signals. Maybe the term single phase is more appropriate, but I think quite a number of folks will think of single phase as "single ended" outputs.
I think that the recent view has been put about through operational amplifier designs where balanced input and outputs are commond. There are several instances "out there" where differential and single ended are used to indicate anti- or single-phase signals. Maybe the term single phase is more appropriate, but I think quite a number of folks will think of single phase as "single ended" outputs.
