I was at the local electronics store trying to find a large amount of 2N3053 transistors, and they said they not being produced anymore, but they had an equivalent that was $1.40US each. Does anyone know of another common NPN transistor with the same power dissipation that it does? (at a lower cost?)
...and Mouser shows 3917 pieces in stock. How large is your "large quantity"? Mouser and Jameco both offer wuantity pricing. Mouser stocks Central and Jameco stocks Boca. Jameco's pricing on this item is better, but their site doesn't show stock quantity.
As to a replacement, what current and power do you need to handle? The 2N3053 is rated at 700mA and 5W(TC=25°C). The MPS222A is close on current -- 600mA, but is rated at only 1.5W(TC=25°C).
The NTE128 is a suitable replacement, but is sure to be expensive -- it is probably exactly what your local jobber stocks. Jameco gets $1.19 for the NTE128 and $1.29 for the NTE128P. Mouser gets $2.03 for the NTE128 and $1.40 for the NTE128P.
As long as the 2N3053 is still available, why not just stick with it?
Your question made me think about equivalents or replacements. Some folks who work with this stuff all the time have said that the application can often determine what equivalent means. I've always wondered if you can look at the limited characteristics that are published in catalogs and start there.