Carbon comp v carbon film, poly-which?

greiswig · Post by **greiswig** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 5:59 pm

I'd asked this at the tail end of another thread, but I think it wasn't seen. So I'll try here:

greiswig wrote: Okay, so my "tweaking phase" is winding down a bit. For tweaks, I've used NTE carbon (presumably carbon comp?) resistors that I found in a local store. I changed my D'Lite to a Bluesmaster PI, changed the V1a stage to a 100k/1.5k values.

Would getting some carbon film capacitors from Mouser to replace these be worthwhile?

While we're at it, the 715 series of the Orange Drop caps appears to be vapor deposited polypropylene, while the original Orange Drops were polyester, weren't they? Any audible difference there?

phsyconoodler · Post by **phsyconoodler** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:12 pm

Carbon comps are noisier but some say sound cooler in a tube amp.Carbon films are quieter and metal film are quietest.
I have not been able to tell any difference in tone between any of the above in any amp.However,I use carbon film in my D style builds just because I have them.I tried the Vishay Dales in the spots people use them in Dumble amps and did not get any difference in tone at all.Consequently I don't bother now.

dogears · Post by **dogears** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 7:13 pm

Use what Dumble used. That way you can tweak from a known benchmark. Can't get simpler than that!

RN65 on plates. Many hear it.

PS caps. Smoother than 715 to some. Although I have seen some amps with 715s in some spots....

Good luck George!

Ed de Jager · Post by **Ed de Jager** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:01 pm

Can you tell what spots that were please?
Thanks.

Ed

Funkalicousgroove · Post by **Funkalicousgroove** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 8:04 pm

Use Metal film for plates and cathodes, Metal film or carbon film in the signal path. Use Polyester/Mylar caps for coupling caps, stay away from tubular caps.

Bob-I · Post by **Bob-I** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 9:42 pm

phsyconoodler wrote:I tried the Vishay Dales in the spots people use them in Dumble amps and did not get any difference in tone at all.Consequently I don't bother now.

Interesting. The Vishay-Dales on the plate loads was the biggest "component type" change to my ears. I hear the difference between caps, I.E. 715's vs 6PS but the plate load was fairly dramatic.

It makes me wonder if there isn't some other factor involved, maybe value drift?

phsyconoodler · Post by **phsyconoodler** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:31 am

I just did an A/B tone test with a Two Rock Custom Reverb head and my amp.We used the same mojo Greyhound speaker for both amps.
The two Rock has all the right parts in all the right places.
The Two Rock cleans are good but lack definition and sparkle in comparison.It holds the bottom better than mine.Both distorted tones are very similar,with the lower gain tone nod going to the Two-Rock.Anything higher gain mine kills the Two-Rock.Better note separation and nicer bloom of single notes.
So cleans are better and higher-gains are better.Both amps have fresh tubes and are both near the same plate voltage.
If those resistors improve anything,I'd sure like to know what and how.
Too much reverb on the Two Rock as well.
This was the first time I've ever played a Two-Rock and it was a nice amp.Well built.

Bob-I · Post by **Bob-I** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:33 am

phsyconoodler wrote:I just did an A/B tone test with a Two Rock Custom Reverb head and my amp.We used the same mojo Greyhound speaker for both amps.

There's so many more factors here. Lead dress for one can change the entire charactor of an amp. It's really hard to say that the difference is a component selection, the wire type, or unobtainuim in the air.

FWIW I've never heard a 2 rock, or any other amp that did everything well.

phsyconoodler · Post by **phsyconoodler** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:16 am

Yes,it's hard to really say for sure,all I know is in my amps the Vishay-Dale resistors did nothing at all.

Ed de Jager · Post by **Ed de Jager** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 10:56 am

Interesting.
My amp started out with all silvermica and OD150`s.
Silvers mica`s were replaced with ceramics earlier,just got the 6ps caps in the mail(thanks Coen).Very curious if i can hear the difference.

Noel Grassy · Post by **Noel Grassy** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:51 pm

What's the key to deciphering the value on those brown Dales? The RN signifier is it's wattage rating correct? I hope this isn't too OT.

Bob-I · Post by **Bob-I** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:43 pm

Noel Grassy wrote:What's the key to deciphering the value on those brown Dales? The RN signifier is it's wattage rating correct? I hope this isn't too OT.

RN65 are the 1/2 watt you want to use. No idea what the number mean.

candh · Post by **candh** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:03 pm

Noel Grassy wrote:What's the key to deciphering the value on those brown Dales? The RN signifier is it's wattage rating correct? I hope this isn't too OT.

RN55-1/8 watt
RN-60- 1/4 watt
RN-65- 1/2 watt
RN-70- 1 watt

Numbers are 3 digits followed by multiplier

candh · Post by **candh** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:19 pm

OK, let's write it all out.

Dale
date code and brand
wattage (type) and characteristic
value and tolerance

Funkalicousgroove · Post by **Funkalicousgroove** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:37 pm

Seriously, you don't have to use RN65's, a good quality Metal Film 1% resistor is fine.

BTW, the "C" "D" designations are the PPM/Temp coefficient.

The Amp Garage

Carbon comp v carbon film, poly-which?

Carbon comp v carbon film, poly-which?

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