Power Resistors

[steve]

When it comes to designs, say in cathode biased outputs, bypassing the power resistors
with good bypass capacitors does not alleviate the sonic effects that the power resistors
often cause.

I have found the Mills MRA resistors to be sonically exceptional. With that said, there is also an
MRB version. There is a physical difference.

1. The MRB incorporates a steel end cap where as
2. the MRA uses a "copper" end cap.
3. Both use copper leads

I have not compared the two for sonic differences, but wish that all become aware of the physical
differences. Material differences normally cause sonic differences.

Hope this helps.

steve

[Folsom]

What are the negative effects you experienced with some?

I am not opposed to sandcast trials because the inductance might actually be useful in a tube circuit, especially if you have multiple tubes. I think they are no cap?

Funny, the MRA is made by Vishay and was the one I wanted to look up, but I thought Mills was a different company - it is only in the crossover/electronics world from old catalogs.

[steve]

What are the negative effects you experienced with some?

I am not opposed to sandcast trials because the inductance might actually be useful in a tube circuit, especially if you have multiple tubes. I think they are no cap?

Funny, the MRA is made by Vishay and was the one I wanted to look up, but I thought Mills was a different company - it is only in the crossover/electronics world from old catalogs.

Sorry for the delay Folsom, been ill and deer struck my car.

Sand resistors are inductive, steel lead wires and element materials used, each affecting the sonics in
a different way, and depending upon the placement in the circuit.

What I have noticed most is that Mills MRA give a relaxed, natural sound when used in wide
bandwidth circuit designs. However, using designs with limited bandwidth, such as 12AX7/12AT7
etc tubes, may give sensation of lacking highs. This is very general opinion.

By the way, Mills MRAs affect sonics differently than Dayton non inductive power resistors. I prefer the
Mills MRAs, just sounds more natural/accurate.

Mills was purchased by Vishay some years ago. Vishay seems to have a monopoly on resistors these
days.

cheers

steve

[Nick B]

Hi Steve,

Just curious if you've ever tried the Amtrans AMRG resistors? I have them in my Hattor Big preamp which sounds terrific

Nick

[steve]

Hi Steve,

Just curious if you've ever tried the Amtrans AMRG resistors? I have them in my Hattor Big preamp which sounds terrific

Nick

Hi Nick,

No, I have not heard of them. But then I have not been in the parts scene that much for a
decade or so. I just checked and they are carbon film, which I do not recommend.

But that is me personally. Even between the Mills and Dayton non-inductive resistors (heavily
bypassed) I could discern a sonic difference in the output stage.

Cheers

steve