2N3055 - which brand for best sound?

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Family Hoof

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2004
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406
Location
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A.
I know this topic has been mentioned a few times but I the answers were brief and I've had trouble finding them.

Granted the Motorolla 2N3055, no longer made, was known for good sound quality - what would you recommend as the best substitute for clones and servicing vintage gear?

If I recall correctly the problem with this device is the high frequency response, as it's really a power transistor and not mean't for audio. The On Semi model has been working okay, but it doesn't sound like a Motorolla to my ears. Has anyone tried other brands like STM or any of the generic subs like NTE130?

Your input is appreciated! Thanks!
 
Even the Big M transistors needed screening. Leakage.

I think the only sure fire way unfortunately is to build a test bed and plug away.
 
[quote author="CJ"]I think the only sure fire way unfortunately is to build a test bed and plug away.[/quote]
But I'm a lazy American who has been spoiled by the information age. I want instant answers from the internet so I can get away with doing as little actual work as possible. In other words...

That's what I was afraid of. Hoping to get some outside input before I do. Don't wanna be shooting in the dark.
 
Tekay dont like STM's.
See last post.
http://www.groupdiy.com/index.php?topic=4249&highlight=2n3055
 
Granted the Motorolla 2N3055, no longer made

No, they are still made... by ON Semiconductor :thumb:
http://www.onsemi.com/site/products/searchresults/0,4533,,00.html?searchString=2n3055

:guinness:
Fabio
 
[quote author="Bauman"]No, they are still made... by ON Semiconductor :thumb:[/quote]
Yeah, that's what I remembered reading so I've been using the ones from ON, but they definately don't sound the same as the old Motorolas.

Anyway, thanks all for reiterating on my behalf. I guess I'll have to do some tests one of these days.
 
[quote author="Family Hoof"]so I've been using the ones from ON, but they definately don't sound the same as the old Motorolas.[/quote]
And old Motorolas probably sounds different from newer ones. The newest Motorolas should be identical to the current ONs I guess.

Best regards,

Mikkel C. Simonsen
 
I have a large stack of Motorolas 2N3055 - bought via the Black Market forum..
However I have always been intrigued by this one on sale at Mainline Surplus
http://www.mainlinegroup.co.uk/mless/main.php?act=Card&id_element=5216
Quote:
(Motorola) 2N3055H this is the older version of the now standard 2N3055 T03 the H signifies the older technology larger die type this is much more suitable for use where strong RF fields are near such as shack power supplies, very rare now, new Motorola original

£1.00 each
Discuss??
 

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