Tweaking Mcintosh

diyman · 7th June 2006, 03:34 PM

I noticed some of the carbon resisters presumably ABs in my Mc2100 have changed a fair bit in value. I am thinking of changing the whole lot with Riken carbon resistors. Anybody tried that? Any advice would be appreciated.

ckt

anatech · 7th June 2006, 03:43 PM

Hi diyman,
That is not uncommon to find with carbon composition.

My advice. Use metal film in the critical signal path positions. Make sure they are not inductive designs. Metal Oxide resistors in other positions work very well. I use them when rebuilding McIntosh units, and others. Far more stable and quieter than carbon composition types.

I only use carbon composition in RF circuits. Inductance is the main consideration there.

-Chris

diyman · 7th June 2006, 05:34 PM

Thank you for your advice but then wouldn't replacing the carbon resistors with the metal film variety alter the "romantic sound" of the MC2100?

Regards,

ckt

anatech · 7th June 2006, 05:48 PM

Hi diyman,
In my honest opinion - no. What you will do is lower the background noise. You will also eliminate some resistance vs voltage changes. The actual "sound" of this amp should only improve.

You will change the sound possibly, just by correcting the off value problems. When that amp was shipped, those parts were in tolerance, so the sound has changed from what the designers intended (and "voiced") anyway. In other words, you are not listening to a McIntosh right now.

-Chris

7th June 2006, 03:34 PM	#1
diyman diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Malaysia	Tweaking Mcintosh I noticed some of the carbon resisters presumably ABs in my Mc2100 have changed a fair bit in value. I am thinking of changing the whole lot with Riken carbon resistors. Anybody tried that? Any advice would be appreciated. ckt

7th June 2006, 05:34 PM	#3
diyman diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Malaysia	Tweaking Mcintosh Thank you for your advice but then wouldn't replacing the carbon resistors with the metal film variety alter the "romantic sound" of the MC2100? Regards, ckt

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tweaking B&W DM 602 s2	zverina	Multi-Way	24	4th May 2006 12:12 PM
what CD buy for tweaking?	LennyK	Digital Source	0	29th July 2005 08:50 AM
Help with car amp tweaking	sq_guy	Car Audio	15	7th May 2005 04:14 AM
DIY Amp Tweaking	choatie88	Solid State	4	15th September 2004 10:16 PM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

7th June 2006, 03:43 PM	#2
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi diyman, That is not uncommon to find with carbon composition. My advice. Use metal film in the critical signal path positions. Make sure they are not inductive designs. Metal Oxide resistors in other positions work very well. I use them when rebuilding McIntosh units, and others. Far more stable and quieter than carbon composition types. I only use carbon composition in RF circuits. Inductance is the main consideration there. -Chris

7th June 2006, 05:48 PM	#4
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi diyman, In my honest opinion - no. What you will do is lower the background noise. You will also eliminate some resistance vs voltage changes. The actual "sound" of this amp should only improve. You will change the sound possibly, just by correcting the off value problems. When that amp was shipped, those parts were in tolerance, so the sound has changed from what the designers intended (and "voiced") anyway. In other words, you are not listening to a McIntosh right now. -Chris

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)