Too cheap??

[wintermute]

I was considering building a P3A amp, and wanted to get an idea of the cost. did some searching on various transistors and found some very large differences in cost for MJL21193/4

all one off prices.

Farnell $15.90 AUS
Jaycar $8.95 AUS
Digikey $5.83 US (approx $7.60 AUS not considering shipping)
Futurlec $3.86

I also looked at LM3886 chips and found futurlec MUCH cheaper as well, by similar amounts ($4.66 compared to about $15 at others).

So my question is, is the futurlec price too good to be true?? are they likely to be counterfeit????

Also anyone know anywhere in Aus that I can get MJE15032/3??

edit: also if anyone knows where in Australia the MJL4281A and MJL4302A, MJE15034/MJE15035 can be sourced that would be great... only place I have found them so far is digikey, and shipping increases the cost quite a bit.

Tony.

[motherone]

Different places mark up the prices different amounts. I know that in the states, Jameco charge(s/d) marks up their prices an absurd amount. Perhaps the vendors you're looking at do that as well? If the ocmpany is listed as a distributor for the part, you can probably rest assured that it's not counterfeit.

[wintermute]

Thanks Motherone.

They aren't listed as a supplier on onsemi's web site but one thing I did notice was that the budgetary price on their site is $2.88 which is single unit price, so I guess that is pretty close to Futurlecs price when exchange rate is taken into consideration. looks like it may be the same situation as you described in the US. Could be a case of the others charging what the market will bear (or will pay if they don't know any better)

Tony.

[motherone]

No problem. Glad I could help out a fellow Gibson fan.

[cpemma]

I've had no problems with Futurlec. They don't keep a large range of items and my orders have been sent from Thailand where I guess labour costs are low, so they can undercut the big boys in the UK & USA.

Also from the 'top' firms I get an individual packet for each different item with a printed label; Futurlec I get a hand-written plastic bag at best.

Best feature is they'll ship anywhere in the world, cheap.

[jackinnj]

I have dealt with Future on many occasions -- what you should be aware of is that the minimum order is usually for a couple hundred parts. They let you know up front, however. Shipping is fast, usually via FedEx. If you need them on the phone it's no hassle.

I will make an unabashed plug -- http://www.tech-diy.com/hexfets.htm --

[cpemma]

Originally posted by jackinnj
I have dealt with Future on many occasions -- what you should be aware of is that the minimum order is usually for a couple hundred parts.

I think you have the wrong company - http://www.futurlec.com/Components.shtml have no minimum.

[jackinnj]

perhaps -- the one parent company does have several URL's. For reference, here's the one I use:
http://www.futureelectronics.com/

they are an OEM distributor. All my dealings with Future-Active have been first rate. I have bought transistsors, diodes, opto-electronics, Luxeon etc., from them with no problem. As I said, however, if you want to buy MJL21193 you have to buy 25 pieces from Future-Active.

fwiw, global priority mail from the US to OZ and NZ is only 5 USD.

[wintermute]

Thanks cpemma and jakinnj Looks like I'll be buying some transistors from them the shipping cost of US $5 is excellent!!! much better than digikey!!!

Tony.

[cpemma]

I don't know what the situation is in Oz, but our generous UK laws allow us to import up to £18 (about US$30) worth of goods bought online free of any tax or duty. Saves us paying an extra 17.5% so often worth splitting orders and paying for the extra deliveries.