NTE cross ref. transistors

[rtill]

I recently ran out of 2n5089's and 2n5088's.  My build was a FuzzFace NPN type circuit.  Generally I would use the 2n5089's or 5088's in a circuit like this for high gain.  Well, unfortunately the only place in town with similar transistors was a local NTE outfit.  The replacement/cross matched transistors I ended up using were NTE47's and oh my god they beefed up the sound of this pedal like I couldn't believe.  I mean full fledged body and tone!!! 
Has anyone else experienced NTE's to be a better quality transistor?  or at least more consistent? I do know they are more expensive!

[MikeH]

In the past when I used them, I found the case to be the opposite. 

[Joe Hart]

I, too, have found the exact opposite. Maybe you lucked out?
-Joe Hart