There are so many types that I could easily end up buying crap. I've been perusing the Digi-Key site as I don't think Mouser has any through-hole resistors, that or I did something wrong. I need to know not just what brands to use but what composition/tolerance/etc.

Thanks

Mouser has over 66,000 through hole resistors :) http://www.mouser.com/Passive-Components/Resistors/Through-Hole-Resistors/_/N-7h7z5/

I like Vishay 2W metal film resistors. They are about the same size as the old 1/2 watters and are a nice deep red color rather than bright blue.
http://www.mouser.com/catalog/catalogusd/646/817.pdf

Here's a photo of some 3, 2 and 1 watt in the center
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2892/13177311433_ab8d131389_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/m5raAH)

What are the blue ones made of? I know that I shouldn't exceed the rated resistor wattage on SS sets because resistors can act as a fuse and further damage could be done if a higher wattage is used and something else is amiss.

Oh, I assumed you were restoring tube sets. Smaller ones are metal film. Bigger ones metal oxide.

Right now I'm gathering stuff to fix a CTC88 with a well-known vertical problem. Very limited options with transistors so no problem there. Set seems near mint otherwise and very clean inside. Selecting component brands is my biggest hurdle, so thanks. Still need advice on caps though; I'm sure I heard someone else say Panasonic or Nichicon but I would need to confirm that.

I would avoid any/all no-name cheap as dirt Chinese branded caps that have been flooding the market. Stick with U.S. or Japanese brands like:

CDE (Cornell Dubilier)

IEC (Illinois Capacitor)

Sprague

Vishay

Panasonic

Nippon Chemicon

Nichicon

Xicon

Kemet

Rubycon

When replacing electrolytics, go for low ESR and high temp rating (like 125 deg C) for the best possible life expectancy.


Tom (PK).

Agreed and I'll add Rubycon to that capacitor list.

Agreed and I'll add Rubycon to that capacitor list.

I always forget about Rubycon for some reason. They really do make a quality capacitor for a fair price.

I would avoid any/all no-name cheap as dirt Chinese branded caps that have been flooding the market.
Oh yeah, that's exactly what I'm trying to do.