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Resistors in Parallel

Hi,

I'm working on a vintage tube power amp in which I've been changing resistor types in the signal path, revoicing it with excellent results.  I've tried just about all of the boutique resistors currently available. I've settled in on a combination of carbon composite Rikens,  Audionote non magnetic tantalums, and Shinkoh tants, all in select positions.  I haven't tried the Shinkohs in this amp but use them in other amps I've modded and like the sound!.  Recently, I purchased some Shinkoh tantalum resistors in values that will have to be paralleled to get to the target value needed.

My question is, will paralleling resistors have a degrading effect on the signal? 

I'm thinking about the way using a .01 uf bypass capacitor does when added to a coupling capacitor.  I'm in the camp that hears signal smearing when a bypass cap is used and prefer not to use them.  That said, in the case of Shinkoh resistor availability, my only choice is to parallel if i really want to use them in this amp and I do. Does anyone have experience in trying this and what were your considerations and conclusions?  

Thanks guys!

 

ballen1

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,870 posts
 

PS - All other things being equal, higher wattage resistors have lower noise than low wattage resistors of the same type, but, again, top end metal film or non-inductive wire wound are just so low noise.

 

At least this is what I think I remember from when I wanted to buy them.

erik_squires
15,870 posts
 

Parallel caps work (when they work) because caps in real life have series inductance and resistance. 

Non-inductive, low temperature coefficient resistors are pretty close to ideal resistors. 

Now if you had some high temp coefficient resistors.... then I could see maybe a compensating parallel resistor... but heavens why?  Just get a better resistor. 

Another thing is resistors are cheap and small vs. caps.  The expense of top of the line copper caps + their sheer physical size at large uF values makes a parallel cap save on money and space.  No such reasons for resistors.

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