Trying out lots of different transistors!

Stabby · 6th January 2011, 03:39 PM

I'm building a small distortion unit that revolves around an NPN transistor. Now I would like to try out lots of different transistors to find out what sounds best. However there are thousands of transistors and I can't have them all

Any advice as for which transistors I should definately check out?

DF96 · 6th January 2011, 05:19 PM

To a first approximation all bipolar junction transistors have exactly the same exponential response, so will produce the same distortion. Minor differences relate to current gain, base resistance, Early effect etc. Depending on your circuit, I would try different current gain transistors as this would probably be the main secondary effect.

Elvee · 7th January 2011, 07:28 AM

Try different categories: small signal/low noise like 2N5089, large junction area like a BDxxx, high voltage like BF869, high frequency like 2N5179, germanium like AC127, etc

6th January 2011, 03:39 PM	#1
Stabby diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2010	Trying out lots of different transistors! I'm building a small distortion unit that revolves around an NPN transistor. Now I would like to try out lots of different transistors to find out what sounds best. However there are thousands of transistors and I can't have them all Any advice as for which transistors I should definately check out?

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
lots and lots of broken Vifa D26NC55 tweeters!	gripracer	Swap Meet	0	3rd October 2010 10:11 PM
Adcoms with lots of DC offset. Lots!	ben62670	Solid State	71	16th February 2010 03:01 AM
Noise, lots of it	Deltat	Solid State	8	21st April 2005 08:16 AM
lots of questions	navin	Multi-Way	62	8th September 2002 07:29 PM
Lots 'O Schematics	CryingDragon	Solid State	0	8th September 2002 05:08 AM

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

6th January 2011, 05:19 PM	#2
DF96 diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2007	To a first approximation all bipolar junction transistors have exactly the same exponential response, so will produce the same distortion. Minor differences relate to current gain, base resistance, Early effect etc. Depending on your circuit, I would try different current gain transistors as this would probably be the main secondary effect.

7th January 2011, 07:28 AM	#3
Elvee diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2006	Try different categories: small signal/low noise like 2N5089, large junction area like a BDxxx, high voltage like BF869, high frequency like 2N5179, germanium like AC127, etc