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 1 response by thespeakerdude

There is a reason why large competent engineering driven speaker companies do not add really small capacitors across larger ones. I mean Wilson, Magico, Revel, and companies like that.

It is normal to parallel resistors especially if manufacturing volume is low. You can buy a small number of values in larger quantities to create new values as needed. If you can, parallel resistors close to the same value. That reduces the worst case heat in any resistor. If you are using non inductive resistors, even the cheapest ones, inductance will never be an issue at the frequencies we are working at. Follow Erik's advice and get a low temperature coefficient resistor. You can always use a bigger one to prevent self heating. I would not stress too much, the voice coil resistance is probably going to change more than the resistor. Better not to have 2 things changing though.