MA165 vs 1N914

[joelorigo]

I ordered the Aion FX Quantum and it lists diodes 1N914 in the build documents but apparently the original Mostortion used MA165s. Are there any audible differences in these? Would it be worth trying to find some (which I guess might be difficult)?

 

[fig]

It's my understanding the Vf plays a larger role in the overall sound than the part number.

But, that said...this seller's feedback looks decent..

Lot of 7 Panasonic Part MA165 and MA165T Diode Fits many others | eBay

As shown in pictures There is a couple of MA165T's and 5 MA165's. We try to thoroughly test all gear.

www.ebay.com

 

[joelorigo]

I had to look Vf up. Is Vf forward voltage? Is Vf specific to parts - as in 1N914s have a specific Vf and MA165s have a specific Vf? Or is it like GE transistors and each item has it's own measurement? I actually ordered the Aion kit in this case and it comes with the 1N914s btw.

 

[mdc]

Diode types will have a general range, but there's always going to be some degree of variance.
The diode's Vf will determine how quickly the signal starts to clip. Lower Vf = clipper starts sooner/less output into the next stage.

In the context of fuzz/distortion/OD, I'm not super convinced that any particular diode has "a sound" but some people may disagree. To my ears a Si BAT46 sounds exactly the same as a germanium with a similar Vf.