Metal Film Vs. Carbon Film resistors - Antique Radio Forums

Post by Usually Lurking » Nov Wed 27, 6:02 am

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Without knowing your exact application, we cannot give more than general advice.

Metal film parts generally have better resistance stability over temperature, time, and voltage. They usually generate less noise than carbon film resistors.

But they cost somewhat more to make.

So general purpose resistors are often made using carbon film, to save money.

Although carbon film resistors can be made to very close tolerances, they are not sold as precision parts, because they will not hold a precise value. You cannot buy a carbon part with a 1% tolerance rating. Although there is some overlap, most carbon film parts are rated no better than 2%, with 5% being most common. Most metal film parts are rated for 1% or better.

There is generally no harm in using a metal film part in place of a carbon film resistor, but often no advantage. In an old radio you are unlikely to ever notice any difference.

It is more important to be sure the resistor is used within its power and voltage ratings. A conservatively rated carbon film resistor may be more satisfactory in service than a metal film part pushed too hard.

You may have some difficulty locating a 51 ohm metal film part to buy, as this is not a usual value for these.

For non-precision use, in power ratings over 1/4 or 1/2 watt, you might want to consider metal oxide film resistors. These often give the most bang for the buck, up to a few watts. I think their stability tends to fall between that of carbon and metal film resistors.

Ted

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where they tend to dominate there signature to the sound of the piece.

You'll really have to use wirewounds where they are needed like large wattage guy's.
I like to use Carbon films on the plate resistors though as I think they give the sound
I am after, which is a more old school type sound but when not to many are used in
a piece they don't tend to take over and kill the sonics.

There's a newer craze as well and that's tantilums, some will say the same here and
not to use to many in any one piece or they tend to be to dominant also.

I also feel the same way about caps, and that is use a good mix of electroytics/poly's
and a good paper in oil spreadout in the unit will give me the performance I'm looking for.

Everyones thoughts may vary on the parts used and how they add or don't add to the
sound but that has been my experience and I'm still/will allways be experimenting.

I like to use a combo of metal film and carbon film as to not use all the same type towhere they tend to dominate there signature to the sound of the piece.You'll really have to use wirewounds where they are needed like large wattage guy's.I like to use Carbon films on the plate resistors though as I think they give the soundI am after, which is a more old school type sound but when not to many are used ina piece they don't tend to take over and kill the sonics.There's a newer craze as well and that's tantilums, some will say the same here andnot to use to many in any one piece or they tend to be to dominant also.I also feel the same way about caps, and that is use a good mix of electroytics/poly'sand a good paper in oil spreadout in the unit will give me the performance I'm looking for.Everyones thoughts may vary on the parts used and how they add or don't add to thesound but that has been my experience and I'm still/will allways be experimenting.