[Ferrstein]

Hello, getting ready to build my Clarinet.  I wanted to upgrade the resistors to some botique parts.  I usually use Caddock TF-020 or Naked Vishay resistors, but I can't seem to find any 1W resistors that I am familiar with.

What are you guys using?  Also, where is a good source for such resistors?

Thanks in advance and Happy Listening!

[tubesforever]

I have really had a great time with my Clarinet. 

This line stage is extremely fast, has wonderful detail and it is warm vs cold and analytical.   I prefer the sound to my previous purely passive preamp.

I am using Mills wire wounds on the H+ step down (the big 12 volt pieces) and on the B+ step down circuits (the MRA5 volt pieces.  I bought a Mullard GZ30 rectifier on recommendation from Anumber1 (Thanks Al I absolutely love this tube). 

I have to use slightly larger H+ and B+ resistors to step down the voltage.

I think I had to add about 0.50 ohms to the H+ and increased the B+ step downs by about 1.5k ohms total.  This got me the exact voltage on the board at 125V.  I set my equipmente at the 125V level because this is the power voltage I get at my home in the evenings.  I want everything running smoothly even when the voltage runs on the high side.

What I ended up with is simply magic.

For any resistor in the direct signal path I am using the S102 nude Vishays.  For alll other resistors I am using Kiwami carbon comps.  I got the all the above at Percy Audio.  I am not affiliated with Michael but I absolutely love his services.

BTW I am using all Dynamicaps for the line and bypass film caps and piggy backing the B+ caps with PIO caps from Russia.  The 0.10uf PIO K40Y9 cost me about 26 dollars for 10 caps and I just love these things!  This gave me a great deal more air and high frequency response.

I bypassed the final signal cap with a Russian Teflon T-3 rated at 0.10uf 600 volts.  It is a huge stinker, but the dynamic slam and high end precision is simply breath taking.  It was the single biggest improvement in the sound of my Clarinet over any other cap I tried in that position.  These caps cost me something like 8 dollars each.  I have them in my Cornet2 as well they are that good.

Al also posted about the caps he uses and mentioned that he used a jumper across the first incoming signal cap on his Clarinet (used for DC offset) and I did the same thing.  This really elevated the clarity and precision of the sound a great deal.  You only need this first cap if your source equipment does not have a dc offset of its own.

Hope this helps. 

[Ferrstein]

That certainly does help!

I was going to ask about the signal resistor wattage rating... all the resistors in the unit are rated at 1W.  The Vishays are rated at .4 or .6 W depending on value. 

I agree on the Dynamicaps.  I've been using them in my Counterpoint equipment for years.  Very nice capacitor.  I've never tried bypasing them, though.  That Russian Teflon cap you talk about sounds interesting.  I haven't listened to any Teflon caps yet, but I see Auricap is doing one these days.

Thanks for the info!

[Ferrstein]

Al also posted about the caps he uses and mentioned that he used a jumper across the first incoming signal cap on his Clarinet (used for DC offset) and I did the same thing.  This really elevated the clarity and precision of the sound a great deal.  You only need this first cap if your source equipment does not have a dc offset of its own.

I just caught this.  Since I'm feeding it with a Chime, I can jump this out.  Maybe I'll put some standoffs and a jumper or switch in case I want to use my solid state phono preamp... which won't be very likely once I get my Cornet 2 built...

Alternatively, have you tried one of the big FT-3 caps in this position instead of the stock piece?

[jeffreybehr]

The excellent-sounding PRPs are available at Sonic Craft... http://www.soniccraft.com/products/resistors/prp/1watt.htm .  Only 65 cents each.

[Bill Epstein]

The excellent-sounding PRPs are available at Sonic Craft

Thanks, that's good to know. I've become a Holco junkie and I see M Percy is replacing them with the PRPs. I sure wish both he and Sonic Craft would put in a shopping cart. If Handmade and Antique can do it... OTOH, if it was easier to shop there I'd go broke faster aa

[tanchiro58]

I just love the sound of Rikens and/or AN Tants in my Apollo preamp even though they are expensive but they worth the money.  I have a Clarinet too and will replace all with Rikens and Tants. Beside have you tried the Mullard BVA GZ34? 

[Ferrstein]

Beside have you tried the Mullard BVA GZ34? 

No, I haven't.  I need to round some up.  Right now I have a 5Y3GB rectifier in my Chime, which is too cool... slow start on the B+, 300B shape, real nice looking at night.  As for sonics, I haven't compared the 'GB to my 5Y3WGTA that I used previously.  I'll grab a couple of the Mullards and do a shoot-out.