Film Resistor Question

[rfgordon]

The PRP resistors are great. They are very quiet and sound very nice. If the amp doesn't call for an RN65, then I use PRPs in the first two gain stages almost exclusively. The guys at SonicCraft are good to deal with.

[Zippy]

The PRP resistors are great. They are very quiet and sound very nice. If the amp doesn't call for an RN65, then I use PRPs in the first two gain stages almost exclusively. The guys at SonicCraft are good to deal with.

Just plates or everywhere?

[Structo]

I really like the Dale/Vishay RN65's for plate resistors.

Quiet and precise with low tolerance.

[rfgordon]

The question was: Just plates or everywhere?

Sorry, I shoulda specified--just plates. Everything else gets 1 watt CFs, usually.

One of these days I want to try some of the Little Demon carbon/ceramic composition resistors.

[Zippy]

Thanks, Rich.

[rawnster]

I was able to spend some time yesterday with fellow forum mate, Rooster. He wanted to hear first-hand the hiss that I’ve been griping about. Well, after hearing and playing two of his Express builds, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been chasing something that’s not there…and that’s a non-hissing quite Express amp. For the most part, Rooster’s two Express builds, and my amp all put out about the same noise floor. I guess that good news and bad news. The good is that it confirmed that my build is solid, and that I didn’t make any blunderous mistakes. The bad news is that the hiss that I’m hearing is inherent the design. Or as CSI would put it, it’s in the DNA. Of course, I can lower things with less-powered preamp tubes; but doing so takes away the amp’s vibe.

In any case, just thought I’d share a little humility in confessing, as Rooster told me, that I need to “let it go!” Play the amp and learn to love it for what it is….hiss and all.

I can’t thank Rooster enough for giving up his afternoon to troubleshoot my amp and listen to my numerous novel and newbie-filled questions. Furthermore, Rooster’s amps are brilliantly built and designed! They sound wonderful.

[Zippy]

"Obsessive/compulsive" is OK here, you're in good company.

[bnwitt]

no doubt that hiss comes with high gain. But, I would still try piggy backing the additional cathode resistor as I mentioned. You might find the results worthwile or you might not.

[fishy]

Ron,
Nothing like a good sanity check. Hats off to Rooster for doing that for you.

I can see a Rocket in your future.........

Pete

[rawnster]

Ron,
Nothing like a good sanity check. Hats off to Rooster for doing that for you.

I can see a Rocket in your future.........

Pete

That's for sure. I've been making a list, and checking it twice, trying to find/locate Rocket parts.

Rooster made the mistake of letting me try a Tungsram 12AX7.

Gotta have one! It didn't lower the hiss much, but it sound like butter!

[rooster]

Ron you are too kind, thank you. But it is clear to me that you can follow instructions very well - !!!! - because your amp was very well built.

Yeah, your hiss situation is not unique and certainly not anything to fret about - you have a good build going on. As to the Tungsram 12AX7 vs. the Telefunkin you are running, it was a good test situation and, as you say, there is a difference. KF had his choices for a reason it would seem. And isn't it rather crazy to think that anything - whether car,, gtr, or amp - can be so distilled that one particular component can make such a difference? Eh, I get this but it still kinda bugs me. KF says years later that the Komet was designed to lessen this impact of tube choice - but then he concedes that the better tubes will really enhance the amp. Oh well...............

Anyway, it was very cool to meet another forum member and I hope we stay in touch. Too, I hope your other half didn't hurt you too badly for spending the time. With me, mine was rather OK about it which is always good news.... By this I mean that there are days when I expect to find my stuff in the street. But it hasn't happened yet!! Take care.