Audio Research Resistor Type

Algar_emi · 23rd May 2006, 09:25 PM

Hi. Does anyone knows what type of resistors (the big blue ones on the image) Audio Reasearch is using in most of his recent tube circuits?

Thanks in advance...

doug_olitsky · 23rd May 2006, 09:57 PM

look like Riekens to me.

mike Percy has 'em

mach1 · 24th May 2006, 01:53 AM

Riekens have gold plated leads - from what I can see these look silver.

Algar_emi · 24th May 2006, 10:42 AM

You're are right, these are not Riken resistors. The Riken don't have this shape and are of a darker blue.

Any more suggestion?

kevinkr · 24th May 2006, 04:37 PM

They appear to be Roederstein Resista MK3 (1/2W) and MK8 (2W). These are available from Michael Percy, note that the MK3 has been discontinued and Mike is replacing values with PRP made replacements as he runs out. I think the PRP are at least as good as the MK3 or perhaps even a little better sounding.

Algar_emi · 25th May 2006, 12:12 AM

Exactly, they seem to be of this type. Thanks for the info.

Bye...

doug_olitsky · 25th May 2006, 12:27 AM

Now that you mention it, I did not notice the leads and I would concur as well.

rdf · 25th May 2006, 12:30 AM

Hi Kevin, do you mind expanding a bit on your experiences with the PRP? It's fascinating that posted opinions almost universally discount it using terms which make it sound terrific. Too clean, too neutral, too many adjectives normally considered complimentary.

kevinkr · 25th May 2006, 02:13 PM

Hi RDF,
Elaborating slightly, the description you cited to me describes the attributes of a good possibly ideal passive component. I would consider this synonymous with transparency, something I aim for. I don't really think that any passive component should behave like a tone control, unfortunately quite a few do. Ever notice how different like value coupling capacitors sound, and how invariably the better ones are horrendously expensive?

Call me a purist, but I want to hear the music with as little interpretation by passive components as possible, and I normally strive to design and build circuits that are low in coloration. (I don't always succeed, but I'm usually at least pleased with the result.)

I am not a big fan of some of the boutique components described as having a specific sound, particularly if that description does not include transparency.

Oh, and I am an analog engineer by profession, and previously spent 14 yrs designing audio equipment in various guises so my opinions are very suspect..

rdf · 25th May 2006, 07:34 PM

Thanks! I trust you like them then, even given your professional background.

I agree with you and should have specified 'posted opinions elsewhere', Audioasylum for example. They took a hammering over there. At $0.40 per, there's no reason not to give them a shot. Snappy colours too.

24th May 2006, 04:37 PM	#5
kevinkr diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Blog Entries: 6	They appear to be Roederstein Resista MK3 (1/2W) and MK8 (2W). These are available from Michael Percy, note that the MK3 has been discontinued and Mike is replacing values with PRP made replacements as he runs out. I think the PRP are at least as good as the MK3 or perhaps even a little better sounding. __________________ www.kta-hifi.net

25th May 2006, 12:30 AM	#8
rdf diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: big smoke	Hi Kevin, do you mind expanding a bit on your experiences with the PRP? It's fascinating that posted opinions almost universally discount it using terms which make it sound terrific. Too clean, too neutral, too many adjectives normally considered complimentary. __________________ Ears aren't microphones.

25th May 2006, 02:13 PM	#9
kevinkr diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Boston, Massachusetts Blog Entries: 6	Hi RDF, Elaborating slightly, the description you cited to me describes the attributes of a good possibly ideal passive component. I would consider this synonymous with transparency, something I aim for. I don't really think that any passive component should behave like a tone control, unfortunately quite a few do. Ever notice how different like value coupling capacitors sound, and how invariably the better ones are horrendously expensive? Call me a purist, but I want to hear the music with as little interpretation by passive components as possible, and I normally strive to design and build circuits that are low in coloration. (I don't always succeed, but I'm usually at least pleased with the result.) I am not a big fan of some of the boutique components described as having a specific sound, particularly if that description does not include transparency. Oh, and I am an analog engineer by profession, and previously spent 14 yrs designing audio equipment in various guises so my opinions are very suspect.. __________________ www.kta-hifi.net

25th May 2006, 07:34 PM	#10
rdf diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: big smoke	Thanks! I trust you like them then, even given your professional background. I agree with you and should have specified 'posted opinions elsewhere', Audioasylum for example. They took a hammering over there. At $0.40 per, there's no reason not to give them a shot. Snappy colours too. __________________ Ears aren't microphones.

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23rd May 2006, 09:57 PM	#2
doug_olitsky diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Long Island, NY	look like Riekens to me. mike Percy has 'em

24th May 2006, 01:53 AM	#3
mach1 diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Brisvegas	Riekens have gold plated leads - from what I can see these look silver.

24th May 2006, 10:42 AM	#4
Algar_emi diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada, Qc	You're are right, these are not Riken resistors. The Riken don't have this shape and are of a darker blue. Any more suggestion?

25th May 2006, 12:12 AM	#6
Algar_emi diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Canada, Qc	Exactly, they seem to be of this type. Thanks for the info. Bye...

25th May 2006, 12:27 AM	#7
doug_olitsky diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Long Island, NY	Now that you mention it, I did not notice the leads and I would concur as well.

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