More on MCM and possibly fake Toshiba parts

[jwb]

I really want to believe MCM, because every time I ask them they claim any part which is listed as Toshiba in their catalog is an authentic Toshiba product. But the parts I get from MCM just don't look like the known-authentic Toshiba parts I have on hand.

Case in point, I ordered 100 each 2sj74 and 2sk170. I called and personally asked if these parts were authentic Toshiba and the sales rep said yes. I got them today and they just don't look right. The typeface on the front of the package is different, and not as dark. The only marking on the package is:

J 7 4
BL 3L

I'll try to post pictures of known-good and possibly-fake parts tonight.

(Hey, at least I got the BLue grade.)

[sam9]

I don't know about Toshiba, but the problem is made more complex with some manufacturers that have mutiple plants. The marking equipment can be different in different plants. Also, when yoy look at the datasheets, some components come in a variety of versions (which often are irreleant to audio) indicated by a suffix. Sometimes the difference is the package, or whther or not lead was used in the process. Thus it is possible to have two genuine and functionally equivalent parts from the same company that look different.

As an example I once ordered MJE340s and MJE350s from someone (possibly MCM) the 350s were fully encapsulated and the 340s not. They just shipped what was in stock.

[DigitalJunkie]

I've had nothing but problems with MCM since the InOne/Newark merge/buyout..

They've double charged me for shipping ($15 for a tiny box of parts that weighs under a pound is a ripoff,especialy when paying it twice.Grr..) They have routinely sent me "substitutes" when I specifically requested "No Subs!"
Not only were they NOT the parts I ordered,they Weren't even SUBS for the parts I ordered.. Different pinout,lower Hfe,Lower voltage ratings,etc,etc..
Ohh..and I just realised that they sent me PNP transistors as subs for NPN transistors on my last order..Idiots.. (since when is 2SB526 a sub for 2SC1107's?? Uhmm..)
I don't order from them anymore,nothing but problems the last 3 orders.

[EnvisionAudio]

I also no longer buy from MCM, as I have received nothing but counterfeit transistors from them. The latest was an STK chip that blew after 15 minutes of proper use. I cracked it open and compared it to the original. Not even close to the same part. I have received incorrect 2SB600 by a company that doesn't exist...NSC? Not National Semiconductor... I have had decent luck with their Sanken discrete replacement parts, but have quit buying altogether as I cannot count on their consistency.

I have purchased counterfeit TIP35C, TIP147, IRFZ44, TIP31/32C and several others. Hoping for the best but always losing money!!!

Also, I worked at Parts Express for some time. I did an analysis on their "Toshiba" 3281/1302 pairs. Not only were they counterfeit with silicone gooped, undersized die, but they weren't even Toshiba. Instead, they were marked "T" - again, another unrecognizable manufacturer. I must have cracked open a dozen other transistors while I was there and every single one of them were counterfeit. I had addressed this concern to several folks at Parts Express while I was there, and again, after I left. They still sell them and they're still fakes!

I respect Parts Express, but their selling of fakes and knowing it twists me the wrong way.

[jwb]

Hrmm, I think many actual Toshiba parts (in plastic flat packages) are marked with a capital T. Also, some of them are green.

[RetroAudio]

the same overkill in shipping happened to me dealing with Newark, a half dozen little items that could fit in the palm of a hand were sent to me in a box the size of a bushel basket, was way overcharged. I called to voice my opinion to customer service, but it was useless. I just told them I'd take my business somewhere else from then on if they saw fit to trash their customers that way. I made sure their recording of the conversation was well animated.

I also bought some jfets from MCM and got good service, havn't checked the semiconductors yet however. Guess I'll keep my fingers crossed.