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
I have tried AMRG carbon films 3 times---as the cathode resistor in my linestage and as dropping resistors in my power amps' bias supply. Each time the ARMG was heavy in the bass and very dark and soft in the highs. In each case, I ended up replacing the AMRG with an AN tantalum 2w which solved the coloration problem.

I have heard the AMRG is billed as better sounding than the Riken carbon film. I haven't compared them in an A/B test, but they certainly sound similar. For some reason, Rikens seem to do very well as gridstoppers which is how I use them, but in my opinion they are too colored in other spots.
The Vishays arrived and I installed them in the 6C6 cathode position. Will report back in a week after some burn in time
In the past I have built bridges made up of many Vishay resistors for replacement of high wattage resistors in loudspeakers..Upon first hearing this change out tears may arrive in your eyes.

All those engineers and designers who say there are no differences in these parts either have a problem hearing the truth for themselves, never listen to a simple part swap out or just sell their product based on external appeal. Tom
The Vishays arrived and I installed them in the 6C6 cathode position. Will report back in a week after some burn in time
After 60 hours the the Vishay TX2575 are starting to sound really nice. That crispness that the AN Tants had in the hi frequenies that was bothering me is not present in the Vishays. The high end seems very natural. So far there is richness, natural detail and some soundstage depth. I do notice paticularly how natural they sound. Very satisfying in that regard. They need to develope more front to back depth for me to be completely happy.

Before 60 hours, they sounded sterile and intruments didnt have their individual tonal characteristics. The soundstage lacked the depth and richness of both the AN Tants and A-Bs. I was not loving the sound at all. Sound stage was flat and uninteresting.

So far so good. More in a few days.