[sdiy] LM394 vs. MAT02 vs. ?

[harrybissell]

If the $15 ones are from e-bay, I would not buy them.

Analog Devices will send free samples of most devices, limit two of each
type.  Looks to me like some cheezy bastard is milking the system and then
selling those parts on e-bay, FUNNY how the quantities exactly match what
you get for free.

This is (imho) "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs".   Analog Devices
is gracious in providing the samples.  Once an engineer gets used to a product,

he is likely to design it into some product... or at least remember Analog
Devices
as a good company worthy of first consideration.

That said...  I'd look for the 2SC1583 (npn) and 2SA798 (pnp) for decent pairs.

They are better (imho) performing than the CA3046, less than the MAT01, 02, 04
LM394...

H^) harry

larry at unicode.com wrote:

> I have been looking for LM394's for use in the CGS VCO module and found a
> couple of sources at just over $5US each.  I noted from several articles
> that the MAT02 might be usable as an alternative, however I've only found a
> few at $15US each!  Is there any significant difference between these two
> parts?  At there any substitutes that would work just as well but be more
> available and cost less?  Should I jump on either of the parts at the
> indicated prices?
>
> Larry T.