Most vintage gear used carbon film, as they were much cheaper over metal film. Then there are carbon comp resistors that are garbage. We're talking about 1/4 and 1/2w that are the majority in all our gear. The 5w and 10w ceramic resistors are a different story.
Almost all new stuff uses metal film as they are basically the same price as carbon now.
carbon film have much more noise over metal, but are a little more warm sounding. In the signal path, metal should be used, most important in high gain, as in a Phono-pre. In the power supply, and other places, carbon are fine to use. Anytime i replace a resistor, it is with metal film.
Are there even better ones? Of course. But they can get stupid expensive. They really only make since in things like crossovers.