Amp/Preamp Asylum: RE: Do resistors deteriorate SQ? Which brand? by Cory M. Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

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Posted by Cory M. (A ) on March 4, 2018 at 20:13:32

In Reply to: do resistors deteriorate SQ? Which brand? posted by Heifetz on March 4, 2018 at 11:59:24:

Old carbon- composition resistors that have been in service for years definitely do deteriorate SQ. This can happen from them being off spec. for any number of reasons or from other problems in their materials by now. As JURB said, they tend to be noisy and drift in value. I've read (not my direct observation) that they're slightly hygroscopic also, drawing in ambient moisture in humid conditions. I can't confirm or deny that, but I've replaced tons of them that tested bad. NOS ones could be fine, depending on application and the desired outcome.

Of course, most all of the old tube amps employed carbon comps. If you replace all of the signal path resistors in a 50's or 60's amp with new metal film types, I can almost guarantee that you'll hear the difference. Whether that difference is deemed to be better is in the ear of the beholder (carbon comps are an ingredient in the classic "tube sound").

My favorite resistors for restorations of tube gear (and new tube gear for that matter) are the Kiwame carbon film type. They're very natural sounding, quiet and very detailed. Rated for 2 watts in a slightly larger profile than the usual 1/2 watts. I just re-resistored a Counterpoint tube hybrid from the mid 80's, and had an extremely good outcome. The carbon films to me, are the best of both worlds.

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