Anyone using the Takman Rex CF resistors? Report?

[67Mopar]

Where's my post?

[overtone]

I have used them on account of the strong, long leads in point to point when needed and will continue to do so. They seem well made.

The typology of the circuit is of more importance to me than a brand of resistor. I'm a heathen, but do appreciate strong well made components.

[overtone]

by the way 67Mopar, that is a great build there.

[Blackburn]

I've been playing Marshall JMP and JCM amps since 1978. I switched to Cornford 6 years ago, so I'm quite familiar with how they are voiced.

Cornford amplifiers came stock with Xicon MF resistors. I've rebuilt this particular amplifier experimentally using KOA Speer MF (stock sounding), Vishay Dale RN65D MF (too hi-fi for MV), and of-course Takman CF resistors. Assuming the circuit is functioning as it should; the Takman CF resistors are the most 'Marshall' sounding for sure. I'm going to let the amp burn-in for several hours to help qualify the new parts... I'll update with any notable changes.

I guess the best way to describe the Takman's, is that they are the more 'musical' sounding (to my ears) compared to the previously installed MF resistors, and every bit as quiet as MF. Anyone declaring resistor types don't make a difference is obviously not able to hear the difference... The change was obvious, and more than I expected.

Note: I'm not trying to change the amp permanently... I'm experimenting for my own circuit based on the RK100 martix.

I'll take your word for it and think I'll use them in my upcoming '68 Marshall build in a few months. I used them so long ago and I can't say that I remember much about it seeing as how that amp doesn't exist any more.

[67Mopar]

I've been playing Marshall JMP and JCM amps since 1978. I switched to Cornford 6 years ago, so I'm quite familiar with how they are voiced.

Cornford amplifiers came stock with Xicon MF resistors. I've rebuilt this particular amplifier experimentally using KOA Speer MF (stock sounding), Vishay Dale RN65D MF (too hi-fi for MV), and of-course Takman CF resistors. Assuming the circuit is functioning as it should; the Takman CF resistors are the most 'Marshall' sounding for sure. I'm going to let the amp burn-in for several hours to help qualify the new parts... I'll update with any notable changes.

I guess the best way to describe the Takman's, is that they are the more 'musical' sounding (to my ears) compared to the previously installed MF resistors, and every bit as quiet as MF. Anyone declaring resistor types don't make a difference is obviously not able to hear the difference... The change was obvious, and more than I expected.

Note: I'm not trying to change the amp permanently... I'm experimenting for my own circuit based on the RK100 martix.

I'll take your word for it and think I'll use them in my upcoming '68 Marshall build in a few months. I used them so long ago and I can't say that I remember much about it seeing as how that amp doesn't exist any more.

Please post your thoughts here so we can compare our findings. I'm going to let these burn for 3 hours every day, and monitor for noise and changes.

[Clyde]

Nice build. Where did you source the tagboard from? I like.

[67Mopar]

This is my personal RK100. I used the stock phenolic boards that came in the RK100. The RK inspired builds will have identical boards.

Tag boards can be sourced here...
http://www.ampmaker.com/store/Tag-board.html

[Mark]

Let me know how it goes Blackburn, I'm going to try them in a Rocket. I don't think there'll be a lot of difference, but it isn't a big outlay in the scheme of things and they are such pretty resistors after all.

[maxwedge]

I have them in my Express. However, I can't say that they are better than anything else because I haven't built a lot of amps. So, I don't have a lot of experience with different components to say this resistor sounds like this compared to that. But, Takman says that the were developed specifically for audio, so there's piece of mind there.

If price has anything to do with quality, then they should be great because they're pretty pricey compared to a typical 1/2-watt CF resistor. But, the 1-watt size is beefy and easy to work with, and they look nice.

[IMG768]http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh26 ... G_1181.jpg[/img]

Nice and clean looking amp there!

[maxwedge]

Double Post

[Blackburn]

Let me know how it goes Blackburn, I'm going to try them in a Rocket. I don't think there'll be a lot of difference, but it isn't a big outlay in the scheme of things and they are such pretty resistors after all.

Will do Mark. Actually, I still have a few of these resistors new in their bags from PCX in my stock of parts. Didn't even know there were any left and funnier than that is that a few of them found there way into one of my favorite (re)builds that I did a while back and I'd forgotten that I had reused any. Great higher gain hotrod that's very controllable. Funny it should be one of my absolute favorites and have a good few of those in it.

[rooster]

I still have yet to try these. As I said before, I have moved on to 1 watt versions of the CF types I was using but that's really only because of the Aikens comments on shot noise of the larger resistor vs. the smaller resistor. Eh, a bit of a WTF move.

I do like the build, MoPar, but I do question the height of the resistors that required bent leads to attach to the adjacent lug. I typically do a 180 bend here and just get on with it - but I certainly understand the OCD urge here.

[leadfootdriver]

I have them in my Express. However, I can't say that they are better than anything else because I haven't built a lot of amps. So, I don't have a lot of experience with different components to say this resistor sounds like this compared to that. But, Takman says that the were developed specifically for audio, so there's piece of mind there.

If price has anything to do with quality, then they should be great because they're pretty pricey compared to a typical 1/2-watt CF resistor. But, the 1-watt size is beefy and easy to work with, and they look nice.

[IMG768]http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh26 ... G_1181.jpg[/img]

Nice and clean looking amp there!

Thanks. That was the one of the 1st pics. I've changed some of the wiring by getting the phase inverters down to the chassis to help with stability. I also dumped the MOV's on the OT secondaries in favor of the original Diode String..

[Structo]

I redid my Dumble 100w ODS clone with all Takman carbon film resistors in the proper locations.

Previously I had a mix of Xicon carbon film and other film resistors.

After I replaced them I thought the amp sounded more open, airy if that is a descriptor.

I wanted high quality carbon film resistors where Dumble used film resistors.

I like them a lot in this amp.

[67Mopar]

I still have yet to try these. As I said before, I have moved on to 1 watt versions of the CF types I was using but that's really only because of the Aikens comments on shot noise of the larger resistor vs. the smaller resistor. Eh, a bit of a WTF move.

I do like the build, MoPar, but I do question the height of the resistors that required bent leads to attach to the adjacent lug. I typically do a 180 bend here and just get on with it - but I certainly understand the OCD urge here.

OCD? I'm ate-up with it!

The RK100 sounds better every time I play it. Someone mentioned a more 'open' sound from the Takman's, and that's exactly how I would describe them. A more open/vocal sounding midrange, highs are smooth yet defined, and the bass is musical. If I want the stock mid voicing of the MF, I just back-off on the midrange and increase the treble. I did put the full size ARS supply capacitors back in. The short can Mundorf were too modern sounding for my tastes. It feel and response reminded me of a VHT or Diezel - which is not my thing.

Solder used is Kester 60/40