I have one of the new Texas Star Sweet Sixteen amplifiers.
It has been in operation for several months now.
And yes, it does have the "knockoffs" Toshiba 2SC2879 transistors in it straight from
7eighteenelectronics, straight from Texas Star.
I have had the covers off of it when it first arrived. I did this for a curiosity inspection.
Looks like any other Texas Star amplifier internally, except the output transformers have SMT capacitors across the collectors instead of metal clad.
I upgraded all the power wire to the boards and to the output transformers.
I did all of this before ever connecting it to DC power and operating it for the first time.
I did need to retune the input capacitor tuning somewhat, but other than that, this amplifier has been operating more than satisfactorily for several months.
Just sayin' ......
With about 60~80 watts from the transceiver, the amp will produce up to 1200~1250 watts PEP easily. I have put 100~105 watts into the amp. with 1450 plus PEP watts out.
The "fake" Toshibas have done okay.
Now then, I also have some "extra" fake Toshiba transistors, also from 7eighteenelectronics, same lot as came in the amplifier.
The internal construction of the "fakes" are pretty close to the original Toshiba's ...
They appear to be just about as robust and sturdy. They are very much more robustly built than the HG's, DEI's, or any other 2879's I have come across (other than original Toshiba's) .......
If I could keep getting the same LOT, I would probably prefer them over the HG's as they are better constructed than the HG's ......