Favourite signal and power resistors

[Paul Bannister]

Favourite Resistors:

We are offered all sorts of exotic resistors from various suppliers. Is this a case of the Emperor’s new clothes - are we for example sidetracked into admiring the high frequency extension of tantalum’s rather than enjoying the music? To put it another way, do traditional carbon films do the job in a more musically satisfying way?

What do you like to use? Have you been there - tried the exotic route and come back, or do you feel that’s where the true audio nirvana lies?

[BOONDI]

I have tried various flavours of resistor, and to my ears, the plain jane 2 pence metal films are just about the best. Carbon films are nice but they are electrically and thermally noisy. Bulk metal foils are excellent, but are expensive at £3 a pop. I didnt like the Tantalum or composite/film types any better than a good 2 pence metal film.....

You may find different, and it is always worth experimenting with any resistors that are in critical positions, such as the signal path......

All this in M.V.H.O. of course......

[Rob042]

Kiwame for both ( not had a noisey one yet). for high wattage wirewounds (mills etc )

Rob

[Greg.]

Tiny Vishay bulk foil for critical signal path....worth the price IMHO.

[James D]

My take:

Kiwame's and Rikens are great for flavouring the sound of the amp (they are different but both are distinctive)

Dale NS non-inductive precision wire wounds are the most neutral and transparant I have found closely followed by the Dale RS wire wounds

James

[BOONDI]

Originally Posted by James D

My take:
Dale NS non-inductive precision wire wounds are the most neutral and transparant I have found closely followed by the Dale RS wire wounds

James

Oops....Forgot about the Dales.....as used in my stepped attenuator.....

Recommended........

[Paul Bannister]

Interesting thoughts so far. It seems that a couple of brands are unpopular (by omission) - Mills and AudioNote, whilst Dale's are favoured along with Vishay, Rikens and Kiwame's.
Has anyone tried Schinko's? They are still available in some values from USA. They have a reputation - but it's difficult to know how they perform against other resistors.

[Greg.]

Hi Paul,

As you know, a few of us would not exclude Mills. They work for us in the appropriate application

Best wishes,

Greg

[James D]

I wouldn't exclude Mills and Audionote, or any of the others mentioned but I don't use them by choice as I prefer the others and they are cheaper

[Paul Bannister]

James - where are you buying the Dale NS non-inductive precision wire wound's? I had a quick look around and haven't seen them yet.