Top resistors

I ordered my Starsound amps 5yrs ago with the naked Vishay resistors. The upgrade in price was well worth the increase in resolution and reduction in noise floor compared to the same amp with the standard resistor pack. Part of my decision for the nude was based on my previous upgrade to Vishay bulk metal film resistors configured in a bridge mode to replace those that were stock in my Dunlavy SC4's. That was a shocking difference to both my pocket book and to my ears. Well worth the expense. Tom

Today I replaced one resistor in my Starsound amps. I swapped out the parasitic resistor tied to the small air core inductor that goes to a speaker output. The resistors that were in there were North Creek/Ohmite non inductive wire wounds considered one of the very best of this type and for this application. I replaced this resistor with the same value and wattage Duelund. The difference was apparent with one amp playing while hooking up the other. In my office now listening to music from the other room the sound is much more life like and resolute even at moderate levels. More punch more extension detail and transparency. I thought there would be a subtle difference that would carry thru further when I revise my speaker crossovers and their four resistor values..Lets see 4 times the difference I am hearing now with the subsitution of just one would make for a huge difference. I'm glad I already have the Duelund replacements on the way. Again as a replacement for the North Creek/Ohmites in my speakers. Tom

76Doublebass,

Good for you! I did the same thing with Vishays bridged in speakers and the difference was shocking. The image is wall to wall. I think the Duelunds that I recently purchased have a simliar impact as the Vishays. The Duelunds are a easier and less expensive swap than building a high power resistor out of many Vishays for speakers and in some instances power amps. Tom

Vishay TX2575 are made from the new Z foil that was developed in Israel. They are suppose to be even lower noise yet. They cost $9.40 each. I have them on order for my Altmann/ DD Dac combo hybrid which is currently using the standard Vishay metal film nudes. Throw another $60.00 at this and hear what differences there may be. Tom

Try painting the nudes with AVM its part of my Blue Period.
Tom

In the past I have built bridges made up of many Vishay resistors for replacement of high wattage resistors in loudspeakers..Upon first hearing this change out tears may arrive in your eyes.

All those engineers and designers who say there are no differences in these parts either have a problem hearing the truth for themselves, never listen to a simple part swap out or just sell their product based on external appeal. Tom

Maybe the law of averages should be applied. Multiple measurements would mean multiple touches which may provide multiple numbers. Of course all of this would have to occur in the same time frame and with the same physical circumstance. If the numbers recorded on average from end to end were different it would seem to me that there is validity in Larry's method. Tom

Jack,

I did the same 2 years ago with a complete rebuild out of my mono bloc pair. The Vishays have tolerances that are much tighter than 1%.. Try building resistor bridges with the nude Vishays and install in your speakers..The result will be much like the ingestion of 3D trip weed. Not ever again but much the same experience..I remember. Your speakers will be noise and grain free as has your intergrated amp become. Tom

Ohmite Gold resistors are being talked about and they and the Mundorfs look like family. Tom

The best is a resistor bridge made with several of the .8 watt Vishay naked resistors to arrive at the required wattage... 3D with no noise. 
Simply shocking, the improvement that is.  $60 to $100 per required value.   Another reason to go with a simple first order crossover, fewer total parts and fewer resistors.  Tom

Zippost how did your friend implement the Vishay nude foil?Singular or in a bridge configuration? Tom