Highest Headroom Paraphase?

[Daver]

I know it might seem like an oxymoron to want a high headroom paraphase, but that's what I'm after. I'd like the funky tone it provides with the most clean headroom possible. So, in your collective experience, what version has the most headroom? Thanks.
Daver

[octal]

If I had to guess (and it is a guess) I'd say the floating paraphase would have the most headroom, due to the self-balancing nature of the circuit and the inherent local NFB.

[soundmasterg]

Vox used the floating paraphase in the AC100 and that is a VERY clean amp all the way up to max volume. Give your phase inverter a high supply voltage, and choose an appropriately sized plate and cathode resistor and you can have plenty of headroom.

Greg

[Daver]

Thanks, guys. The AC100 version is the one I was considering using. Guess I'll have to try it out.

[soundmasterg]

What preamp are you planning on putting in front of it? The AC100 has a pretty clean preamp with the 12AU7 on the input and generally low gain otherwise. In a build I've been working on, I've got a higher gain channel going into the AC100 phase inverter, and it sounds great...somwhat like a Plexi Marshall mixed with a JCM800.

Greg

[Daver]

I'm thinking of using a variation of a Fender 50's E-series preamp, possibly with a switchable extra gain stage and Post PI master. Maybe a second channel with an EF-86. I'm just brainstorming right now. I like to make things a bit out of the ordinary. Different is fun!
Dave