FCC Exam Question: 6A221

How may low impedance (75 ohm) head telephones be connected to the output of a vacuum tube?

A. By using an impedance matching transformer in the output stage
B. Connect them as a cathode bias resistor in the output stage
C. Either A or B
D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C

Explanation: Vacuum tubes typically have high output impedance, often in the kilohms range, while headphones are low impedance (e.g., 75 ohms). **A) By using an impedance matching transformer:** This is the most common and efficient method. An audio output transformer is specifically designed to step down the high impedance of the vacuum tube's plate circuit to match the low impedance of the headphones, ensuring maximum power transfer. **B) Connect them as a cathode bias resistor:** This method is less common but viable, especially for low-power applications. A cathode resistor provides self-bias for the tube. The audio signal current (AC component) flows through the cathode, and if the headphones are in this path, they will reproduce the sound. The impedance of the headphones (75 ohms) would also contribute to the tube's bias voltage. Since both methods A and B can be used to connect low impedance headphones to a vacuum tube output, option C is correct.

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Includes Elements 1, 3, 6, 7R, 8, and 9.