There's really not a reason to used a sheet beam tube in the balanced configuration unless you need to eliminate IF bleedthru, or LO radiation. Squires did because of the 1500 KC IF, and limited front end selectivity. My HB used a 1600 KC IF and I needed to use a balanced configuration due to AM BCB bleedthru otherwise.
Nulling the deflection plate knocked the BCB signal out completely; the balanced plate transformer had less of an effect.
I have a local AM station on 1600 kHz, so I'm opting for the balanced first mixer....
Frank, the cathode follower should give a low impedance source for a balun. I can whip a test lashup
on the bench and see how well it works and if it worth pursuing. I was thinking the RF voltages would be better balanced using the balun vs. an active phase splitter, but thanks for the suggestion.
Pete