NTE flameproof - noise level?

taj · 25th August 2007, 07:51 PM

I was just given a box of electronic parts which included a bunch of NTE "flameproof" resistors. They vary in dissipation from .25w to 2w but are all 2% tolerance. I've always considered NTE transistors to be crap, but I have no experience with these resistors. And these resistors according to the price tags on the packaging are incredibly expensive!

But I'm wondering how these flameproof resistors stack up with regards to noise level as compared to metal film for use in amplifier circuitry. Should I use them or chuck 'em in my "use for LEDs only" bin?

thanks!

..Todd

anatech · 25th August 2007, 08:13 PM

Hi Todd,
Smile and use them. NTE does not make them, so they are okay. I find that they may not meet the listed tolerance, but heck! They were free and if you measure first they are okay. I've had to use them when the normal ones are out of stock, yes the price hurts.

Metal film are quieter, but there is nothing wrong with these in later stages where noise is not as important.

You are a lucky fella Todd! Enjoy them.

-Chris

taj · 25th August 2007, 11:43 PM

Thanks Chris.

From Googling I see they are "metal oxide film" and Parts Express label them as "low noise" but I couldn't turn up any more information than that. I see Vishay/Dale also makes flameproof resistors. Is that who makes NTE's? (doubtful

)

..TJ

Geek · 26th August 2007, 01:06 AM

I've found NTE's do what's asked of them, but when trying them as cathode resistors, meh. If bypassed, they're OK.

They are more the "TV serviceman's" resistor than the "HiFi guy", IMO. Though I have no complaints about the quality of their 1/2 watters.

Metal oxide is low noise by nature. But how they are made will make a difference over time. One quite contaminated and one made in a "space program grade clean room" may sound the same at first, but a year or so later.....

anatech · 26th August 2007, 03:02 AM

Hi Todd,
You have metal oxide parts, and they are fine. Normal ones don't have the odd vent holes in the end.

As Geek mentioned, good parts last and less than good ones don't. Same story as with anything. For the price of the NTE jobs, they could be from the space program. Radiation hardened and all.

-Chris

25th August 2007, 07:51 PM	#1
taj DIYAudio Donor diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Somewhere behind Roberto Luongo	NTE flameproof - noise level? I was just given a box of electronic parts which included a bunch of NTE "flameproof" resistors. They vary in dissipation from .25w to 2w but are all 2% tolerance. I've always considered NTE transistors to be crap, but I have no experience with these resistors. And these resistors according to the price tags on the packaging are incredibly expensive! But I'm wondering how these flameproof resistors stack up with regards to noise level as compared to metal film for use in amplifier circuitry. Should I use them or chuck 'em in my "use for LEDs only" bin? thanks! ..Todd __________________ If electricity comes from electrons, where does morality come from?

25th August 2007, 08:13 PM	#2
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi Todd, Smile and use them. NTE does not make them, so they are okay. I find that they may not meet the listed tolerance, but heck! They were free and if you measure first they are okay. I've had to use them when the normal ones are out of stock, yes the price hurts. Metal film are quieter, but there is nothing wrong with these in later stages where noise is not as important. You are a lucky fella Todd! Enjoy them. -Chris __________________ "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" © my Wife

25th August 2007, 11:43 PM	#3
taj DIYAudio Donor diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Somewhere behind Roberto Luongo	Thanks Chris. From Googling I see they are "metal oxide film" and Parts Express label them as "low noise" but I couldn't turn up any more information than that. I see Vishay/Dale also makes flameproof resistors. Is that who makes NTE's? (doubtful ) ..TJ __________________ If electricity comes from electrons, where does morality come from?

26th August 2007, 01:06 AM	#4
Geek GlassFET diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Rosedale, BC Blog Entries: 3	I've found NTE's do what's asked of them, but when trying them as cathode resistors, meh. If bypassed, they're OK. They are more the "TV serviceman's" resistor than the "HiFi guy", IMO. Though I have no complaints about the quality of their 1/2 watters. Metal oxide is low noise by nature. But how they are made will make a difference over time. One quite contaminated and one made in a "space program grade clean room" may sound the same at first, but a year or so later..... __________________ -= Gregg =- "Ratings are for transistors...tubes have guidelines" Hobby and communites - GeeK ZonE Commercial site - classicvalve.ca diyAudio Blog - GeeK's Bench

26th August 2007, 03:02 AM	#5
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi Todd, You have metal oxide parts, and they are fine. Normal ones don't have the odd vent holes in the end. As Geek mentioned, good parts last and less than good ones don't. Same story as with anything. For the price of the NTE jobs, they could be from the space program. Radiation hardened and all. -Chris __________________ "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should" © my Wife


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