Grid-leak Detector - Disadvantages

Disadvantages

One potential disadvantage of the grid leak detector is that the input impedance of the detector may be affected by the need to self bias the detector tube with grid current. This loads the received signal. Although this may be mitigated to some degree by circuit design and component optimization, plate detectors isolate the detector load from the input circuit more effectively and may be employed where sensitivity is thought to be otherwise compromised by a grid leak or diode detector circuit.