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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

Showing 5 responses by reb1208

reb1208
518 posts
 
I'm bumping up this thread as I just completed a comparison of resistors in the gridleak position of a tube pre-amp.

The contenders:

Vishay S102C
Tc TX2575
Dale RN65
Takman Rey
Shinko Tantalum
Holco (old stock)
Caddock USF340 (TF020)
Generic Metal Film
PRP

This was quite an interesting undertaking as I was not expecting to hear drastic differences. In the past I heard differences between resistors but mainly in the high frequencies (cartridge loading application)

The Shinko Tantalum was by far the most inaccurate resistor of the lot. Dale RN had the most bass and midrange warmth. TX 2575- the biggest disappointment of the lot. A laid back/bland/lifeless sound. S102/PRP/Takman/- not worth the time of day. Holco- now this is an interesting part. Very lively/dynamic/textured presentation with great inner detail and prat. Unfortunately it adds a fullness to vocals and mid-bass that ultimately becomes distracting.

And the winner......by a w-i-d-e margin is the Caddock USF340 (TF020). Clearly the most transparent/musical/involving resistor I've had the pleasure to hear.
reb1208
518 posts
 
PRP- Incoherent, unrefined, opaque with an emphasis on frequencies in the upper mids > lower treble.
reb1208
518 posts
 
Johnss: Which Vishay bulk foil are you referring to?

The Vishay S102C (non nude version) I tried in the signal path in a direct coupled position between amplification stages. This resistor is highly colored in that it strips music of harmonics resulting in a tonally inaccurate sound. The Vishay (TC) TX2575 is much more tonally accurate , harmonics are presented intact. The sound of a maraca sounds like a percussion instrument through a TX2575. Through a S102 (non nude) it sounds like gravel inside a soda can.
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.
reb1208
518 posts
 
How are you determining the directionality of a resistor? I have never heard of anyone doing this. Please explain in detail. As far as I know, resistor are non- directional.
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