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Top resistors

Many threads with opinions on boutique coupling capacitors, but very little consolidated information on the sonics of resistors. Anyone care to share their thoughts on the attributes of their favorite brands & types for specific tube and SS applications? How much of a difference does a good resistor make?

My interest in the topic increased after recently installing the latest Texas Components nude Vishay TX2575 in several SS and tube phono & LS components. This was a proverbial "Ah-ha" moment-- a stray resistor dropped into signal path here or there, surprising with an improvement that equalled or surpassed the impact of a switch to a top coupling cap like V-Cap or Mundorf.
dgarretson
reb1208
518 posts
 
Tweaker, the S102C (non nude) shows its weakness when compared to the TC TX2575. I suggest you re-read what I wrote and do the experiment for yourself. Taking cheap shots at other posters just shows your insecurities.
tweaker123
23 posts
 
Gravel inside a soda can?? Yea I'm insecure. Who else out there thinks that the S102 sounds like gravel inside a soda can?? If your out there send me a couple of 3.3k's before you through them in the trash(where they belong, of course). Tweaker
tweaker123
23 posts
 
Johnss, I love the S102. Can you suggest a reasonably priced resistor that comes close?? So many out there these days. Thanks, Tweaker
zipost's avatar
zipost
197 posts
 
Naked vishay( bulk foil $13) very transparent, detail, and super quiet. Very good on solid state signal path. Riken carbon composit: is very musical, warm sounding, good for tube amp. If you are going to uo grade for tube gear go with Riken. You can not go wrong. The bigger the wattage the better you will get out of resistors. Audionote tantulum carbon composit: one of the best resistor imho. Very natural sounding, super warm, pleasant sounding. Very good for tube gear. In all this is my favorite as for upgrades on tube application. As stated the higher the wattage the better result.
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
I have been using Allen Bradley 2watt 1k for the Cathode resistor. (R6 on the Joe Roberts 91a Schematic).

A friend lent me 2 watt AN tantalums. Wow the detail is addictive..really natural, warm and beautiful. The only problem in my particular system was along with the detail came too much emphasis in high frequencies. A certain crispness that seemed unnatural. Again, it may be related to my particular amp, etc. I am in contact with Michael at Percy for resistor suggestions. May try the TX2575 based on all the good reports in this thread.
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