12E1 SE Amplifier

[The Shadow]

Hi All,

I've been working on and off on this little project for the last few months since Steve S brought me a box of valves to experiment with.

I've posted the cct below.

I have a couple of questions.
I'm trying to pull back from unnecessary complication so:

1. The 6SL7 cathode follower buffer input stage: Is it strictly necessary?
I put it in to try and avoid any untoward effects from what would otherwise be a passive volume control input, and to provide a low impedance coupling to the grid of the ML4 driver valve.

I could use a 6F8G (lovely looking valve with a top cap) to complement the appearance of the 12E1 output stage instead of the 6SL7

2. Could the output of the cathode follower be direct coupled to the ML4 thereby removing a capacitor from the circuit. or would it cause more problems than it would solve?

The ML4 has a very high transconductance, a reasonably low output impedance and an amplification factor of 12. The 12E1 has a gain of 5. I reckon the ML4 is man enough to drive the 12E1 and I like the idea of using an old Brit valve as a driver. There's not an awful lot of data about for the ML4 so I don't know if there would be any issues with Miller Capacitance. I could put in a C3g in its place if need be.

This will be housed in my newest chassis with the cage

Should be up and running in about 2 weeks if I get on with it.
Steve