Simple Buffer Question

[ubersam]

I've been looking at buffer circuits and I've noticed that some have an output "load" resistor and some do not. I am just wondering, is there an advantage in having an output "load" resistor (like the one in red, in the drawing below)?

[brett]

Hi
the buffers that I've used are based on JFETs and have susbstantial drain resistors.
I wouldn't want to add any extra output resistance, so I wouldn't use a load resistor.

cheers
PS low output impedance can help pre-amp tubes to overload gracefully.  Popular circuits with this characteristic incl tubescreamers (esp TS808), Rangemaster, various boosters.

[petemoore]

   If bypass switching is part of the scheme, that's a pulldown resistor for the output cap.