bs170 differences

[jimbob]

Does any one know of any differences between bs170 manufacturers? I read somewhere that Zvex specially orders his from some place in China? It simply made me curious if his are better in some way.

[alex frias]

Better business?

[Cliff Schecht]

Well, different manufacturing processes will yield sonically different parts with an identical part number. ZVex may well have found a different sounding tranny to use in his stuff, I've been using the same 2N3904's from M.C. Howards in Austin for a good 5 years now and whenever I swap them out for different parts, I come back to the same 2N3904's! Check the manufacturers datasheet for each part (if you know the manufacturer) and see what process they use, if they state it. Otherwise, experiment around!

[Nitefly182]

ZVex uses the Zetex BS170 I think which is a more expensive part than the typical variation. I haven't looked at the data sheet but they might be a little more consistent and less susceptible to static damage.

[Mich P]

In my box of rock there
is the standart fairchild.
Mich P.