Is a 1R 1W 5% resistor good enough?

[Cliff Schecht]

I like to measure the actual plate current of my amp builds and so I usually install a 1 Ohm plate resistor instead of on the cathode. Since I use a multimeter with clip leads, I never have to reach inside of an amplifier while the DUT is running. Voltage rating is just as important as Wattage in this case and so I always use resistors that I KNOW will be able to handle the plate voltage.

The easy way to truly get a 1 Ohm resistor is to order a large batch of 1% parts (say 100 from Mouser, $5-$10) and sort through the resistors until you find the ones that are the right value. You need a fairly accurate meter to do this but it's going to give you very accurate bias readings. If you're going for maximum tube life vs. sound then it's important to get the bias right (although a few uA isn't going to matter for guitar amps).

[jezzbo]

Thanks all for your replies.
So 1% (or better) is the way to go. (and my 5% resistors are better not used for biasing)
1/2W Should be ok.

Thanks.