NEC 2SD588 2SB618 Vintage Complementary NPN PNP Audio Power Transistor Pair Marantz 1090 Pull Tested
Full Description & History
Vintage NEC 2SD588 NPN and 2SB618 PNP silicon power transistor complementary pair removed from a Marantz Model 1090 integrated stereo amplifier.
Both original NEC devices have been individually bench tested and show normal transistor action with no measurable collector leakage at the tester's displayed resolution. They are offered together as the original complementary output pair from the same Marantz 1090 donor amplifier.
These are genuine vintage circuit-board pulls. The leads retain solder and small remnants of the original circuit board as shown in the photographs. Normal lead cleanup and desoldering preparation will be required before reuse.
This is a tested vintage pair intended for restoration, repair, donor use, or preservation of original-era Marantz audio equipment. The two devices are not represented as hFE matched.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The NEC 2SD588 and 2SB618 form a complementary NPN/PNP silicon power transistor pair developed for power-amplifier output applications. Devices of this type were widely used during the discrete solid-state hi-fi era before later plastic power-transistor packages became dominant.
This particular pair was removed from a vintage Marantz Model 1090 integrated stereo amplifier. The Marantz 1090 is a classic solid-state integrated amplifier from the 1970s hi-fi era and used discrete semiconductor circuitry rather than the highly integrated output stages found in many later consumer audio products.
The distinctive wide metal mounting flange and dual mounting holes of these NEC transistors are characteristic of an older power-transistor package sometimes informally referred to by restorers as a batwing-style package. Original devices are especially useful when preserving the original heatsink arrangement and physical construction of vintage amplifiers.
The 2SD588 is the NPN device and the 2SB618 is its complementary PNP partner, allowing the pair to operate together in a push-pull audio output stage.
Both devices carry NEC markings with the secondary code R81D. The exact meaning of the R81D production code has not been independently verified.
Origin Tracker
Obsolete Stock
Legacy or discontinued stock no longer in normal production flow. Future supply may be limited.
Pipeline quantities are informational and may change after arrival, inspection, sorting, testing, or donor teardown.
Compatible Radios / Boards
Compatible Radios / Boards
Confirmed donor application:
Marantz Model 1090 integrated stereo amplifier
These transistors may also have applications in other vintage audio equipment originally designed for the NEC 2SD588 and 2SB618 complementary pair.
Buyer should verify the original service documentation, transistor pinout, electrical ratings, bias requirements, mounting-hole spacing, and heatsink configuration before installation in equipment other than a Marantz 1090.
RF Boneyard Bench Notes
RF Boneyard Bench Notes
2SD588 — NPN Silicon BJT
Tester lead identification:
Red = Collector
Green = Base
Blue = Emitter
hFE: 27 at Ic = 5.00mA
Vbe: 0.586V at Ib = 1.00mA
Vbe: 0.740V at Ib = 5.01mA
VceSat: 0.026V at Ic = 5.0mA and Ib = 1.00mA
IcLeak: 0.000mA
2SB618 — PNP Silicon BJT
Tester lead identification:
Red = Emitter
Green = Base
Blue = Collector
hFE: 89 at Ic = 5.00mA
Vbe: 0.596V at Ib = 1.00mA
Vbe: 0.762V at Ib = 5.00mA
VceSat: 0.017V at Ic = 5.0mA and Ib = 1.00mA
IcLeak: 0.000mA
Both devices passed the listed low-current transistor tests. No measurable collector leakage was displayed by the tester. The pair has not been tested under full amplifier output power or extended thermal load and is not represented as gain matched.
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