Resistor options

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mlp-mx6
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Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2006 4:24 pm
Location: NW Atlanta

Resistor options

Post by mlp-mx6 »

OK, so it seems that Vishay-Dale RN65 resistors are the proper choice for plate resistors. (I have used them there to good effect.)

Are there other recommendations for other locations? Anyone built an ALL-RN65 amp? An all carbon-film amp? etc.?

Just wondering... as I plan the next one.
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jelle
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Location: New Jersey

Re: Resistor options

Post by jelle »

Hi,

I build a all carbon film amp with 1 and 2 or 3 watt resistors. Works great!
Also tried 1/2 w metal film and it worked too, although I thought the sound was smoother with the carbon films.

As far as I understand it the composition and the wattage makes a sonic difference when there's a high voltage drop across the resistor and the effect is called resistor distortion IIRC.

I'm sure the other guys can add to this.

Jelle
Pete
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Re: Resistor options

Post by Pete »

when there's a high voltage drop across the resistor
Would this apply to the power supply as well?
I never thought different composition in the PS would make a noticable difference in tone. I don't recall seeing that mentioned before.
PT
I build a all carbon film amp with 1 and 2 or 3 watt resistors. Works great!
Also tried 1/2 w metal film and it worked too, although I thought the sound was smoother with the carbon films.

As far as I understand it the composition and the wattage makes a sonic difference when there's a high voltage drop across the resistor and the effect is called resistor distortion IIRC.

I'm sure the other guys can add to this.

Jelle
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Bob-I
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Re: Resistor options

Post by Bob-I »

Dumble used some very large unknown resistors on the cathodes so I'd expect that he did this for a reason. They look like metal film military grade 1W.

In my experience metal film is more consistant and sounds great everywhere there's large signal swings and DC voltages across the resistor. Plates and slope are the most noticable.

As for PS resistors, I always use wire wound so I can't state if there's a difference with different types.
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jelle
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Location: New Jersey

Re: Resistor options

Post by jelle »

Hi,
I agree with Bob on the plate resistors. I notice a difference here. The carbon films are more smooth to me. The metal films are cleaner and more HIFI to me. Never used VishayDale, though.
I never heared a difference with resistors on the other locations than plate. Bob, I'll try it on the slope resistor to hear what you mean!

In the PS I use wirewound or 2-3W carbon films. Instead of the choke I use 9 W cement resistors.

There's a thorough explanation at www.aikenamps.com in the technical advanced section, Resistortypes does it matter?

http://www.aikenamps.com/ResistorNoise.htm

Jelle
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