replacing to-39 transistors Quad 303

[kenworthy100]

Advice please, I have just reconditioned a quad 303 and within that replaced transistors 38495/6 on the driver boards and 38495 on power supply board. Anyone who knows these amps will be aware that the previous transistors had an oversized flange which quad utilised to place a large metal heatsink over the transistor, however, the replacements (BC441 and BC461) do not have this. You can still attach the quad heatsink, however, the thermal contact area is far reduced. Some Quad enthusiasts I have contacted have said that this is ok as the components are not being pushed that hard and thus don't generate significant heat. Space on the boards is minimal and even the smallest of TO-5/39 heatsink is a bit of a squash. Has anybody else encountered this?

[Puffin]

I have not had experience of this particular application, but would say that in general if the transistors are not running too hot that there is nothing to worry about. Why not run the amp with the cover off (if you can) and see what heat they give out.